Well, along came another unexpected spidery surprise, a chance meeting on the web, that had me immediately entangled within the claws of a new prog arachnid. Like Little Red Riding Hood (no relative of Robin) responding to the wolf, yelling out “Eat me!”. Enter exit stage left Dave Allen, a ridiculously talented and virtuoso multi-instrumentalist that needs to be immediately addressed, as this album in particular caught my attention on the very first listen, only to be stunned the second time through. Spiral Energy, to say the least! With deeply anchored influences from the golden age of 70s prog to the current prolific scene Dave is a one man-show that is not always a successful recipe but here, there is absolutely no need for outside support.
His sophomore album kicks off with a colossal 10 minute + epic workout “Out of the Darkness Comes the Light” and convinces from the very first notes, weaving an abundant instrumental platform for the ears, an ideal stage for him to display his considerable vocal skills, at times mellow and then effortlessly scaling up to higher planes and harmonizing like a Bee Gee. They will continue to be a revelation throughout the course of this journey, with the ability to master various tones. The electric guitars are teeming with gallantry, the synthesizers expertly placed for blazing effect, while the up-front bass leadership shows no sign of vulnerability, etching the arrangement with purposeful direction. The programmed drums are spellbinding, emitting a heckling nonchalance that is one step from being organic syncopation. This ‘mise en place’ is calculated to facilitate the reception of the remaining 6 tracks, which seem to progressively (that word again) elevate the sheer quality of this album to loftier appreciation.
An overt sense of playfulness arises “On a Quiet Night”, where the teasing lead vocal is at times a lower register Geddy Lee on the verses and a variation of Charlie Bramald on the splendid choruses. The bass bops furiously, the guitars beseeching the sizzling noise to keep the peace, the fleshy progression gaining confidence and I daresay, bravado.
Keeping the mood forever supple, the sweltering aerial synths a la Vangelis introduce the floating majesty of “Looking Up”, Dave reaching into Jon Anderson territory with heroic ease and left my head shaking with delight at the very first spin through, a vocal tour de force that needs to be heard and applauded. I believe the correct word is flabbergasted. The spiral energy earns its spurs on this stunning upwardly mobile vortex of prog balladry that revs up risqué images of mastery. Flow follows the ebb for another lap around the course, even more convincing than the first, flinging this audacious track into the magnificent ones for 2024. Impeccable 9 minutes + of sheer pleasure.
A delicious acoustic reprieve on “Ethereal Child” proves Dave’s ability on the acoustic guitar, the technique voluptuous and determined, with enough emotional input to make one smile in admiration.
For all the above excellence, the brewing 16 minute + genius of “Battleground Echoes” is the prize among many awards. Massive mellotron gales establish the willowy canvas for more acoustic guitar virtuosity, eventually handing over the strategy to a convincing vocal, in a melancholic/symphonic cradle, fermenting the echoing purpose of the arrangement. The stormy assault takes hold, pincer movement guitars advancing on the hapless staging area, the instrumental logistics commanded to perform their duty and a no surrender attitude towards failure. The lyrics are poignant, the sterling piano lull in combat a stroke of cleverness. Synthesized drones raining hell from above evoke the sinister and useless side of eternal conflicts, nothing achieved, never gained, just endless lines of slaughtered youth obeying orders with total fatalism. One of the finer 2024 epic tracks without the slightest doubt.
Not to be outdone, the title track is right behind the previous gem, a piano settling into a neo-classical approach, reminiscent of the classic Camel mould, a divine melody suggesting eloquently the established progressive standards we all love and adore, coming through the clouds with an Andy Latimer-like solo, a glittering synth flight and a serene rhythmic pace. The obligatory variation serves only to further highlight the overall grandeur of the arrangement, the perfect stage for a heartfelt vocal, hitting the higher notes with passion and precision. As the tempo progresses, the electric guitars get all ribald and daring, the valiant bass showing no let-up and an elongated denouement with elaborate pomp and grand ceremony, taking this voyage further than one could hope for. Mellotron strings untie the cords holding the velvet curtains, and the piece vanishes into eternal reverie.
A terminal epilogue to seal the crimson wax, “Journey’s End” reenlists the virtuous piano and keys to perform an exalted Wakeman-esque farewell, with marshalling drums, trumpets blaring, orchestrations glinting on the horizon as the golden sunset beckons the bell tolling.
If there ever was an artist in 2024 deserving to be heard at the very least and subsequently massively encouraged, this is the one. Go to spirergy.bandcamp.com and get yourself the download or the CD. Regrets will not be found on your receipt for payment.
4.5 coiled motions
