The Progressive Man of Colours, Rob Reed does have a fascination for different hues, such as Cyan and Magenta, but if one wishes to stretch the narrative a bit into fantasyland, another clue can be found in his last name, if you omit one ‘e’! After a fairly long four-year absence, the Welsh band has solidified its ongoing presence with an album that seeks not to alter but rather elevate a new level of stylistics, adding orchestrations at appropriate moments while maintaining the core elements that make this work gel. Thus, Rob has opted to concentrate on steering the ship with a sturdy bass guitar envelope throughout , keeping his keyboard work imminently foundational . This gives the freedom for Chris Fry to fully express his talents on acoustic and electric guitar soloing as well as providing free reign for mercurial vocalist Christina Booth to take full charge of her lung capacity and sing like the wind. Choosing both structure and concept was a well calculated plan as well, a theme based on the Tarot has definitely a hint /wink back to the glory days of early Renaissance, a subtle move indeed, a ‘turn of the cards’ reminder that time waits for no one. Interspacing the chunk-sized tracks with four short musical interludes clearly recalls the Rob Reed solo work canon, providing an Oldfieldian field of musical dreams to further flesh out the overall orchestral feel. The celebrated Nick D’Virgilio is featured on the drum kit and , as per norm, he delivers a pugnacious display that will knock some socks off!
There is an immediate homogeneity in this superbly crafted statement, a perfectly paced ebb and flow, keeping the listener transfixed with a wide assortment of focused interest. “The Lovers” expresses intricate arrangements, the rhythmic undertow unyielding, the story telling voice in full regalia, and a flood of constant technical details that support the entire structure, the turbulent bass leaping out from the speakers with commanding leadership. This methodology is replicated on both “The Magician” and “The World”, two pulsating and vibrant pieces that posses a shiny gleam that cannot go unheard or unseen in one’s mind. Reed injects discreet orchestrations , in preparing the terrain for exalted mood swings, such as the bluesy Fry guitar mid-section on the latter track. Throw in delicate flute fluttering (Katie Axelsen), the bass and drums combo in full throttle propulsion and a few synthy splurges.
Bustling along into a forceful vein, the colossal “Strength” wears is name well, ‘taking us to a higher plane’, Christina occasionally squeaking emotion, an added powerhouse thrill. She has never sung better, both convincingly and deliberately, than on this exemplary track. The stinging guitar ornamentations infuse a dream-like quality, amid ‘the angel voices’ that lead the choir into another battle of will over surrender. Bold, valiant and expansive, this is monumental exercise that will make you want to ‘fly away’, the Reed piano leading the road to victory.
The lengthiest piece with a running time of 10 minutes + ,“The Empress” has an epic yet joyous tinge that is unescapable, the bass rudder keeping the Magenta realm afloat, as it navigates into an ocean of unending movement between waves of beauty and bluster. The insertion of astute orchestrations thickens the plot, calibrating the tides of calm and storm , the organ and voice quieting the senses, a solemn oboe (Sam Baxter) expertly inserted for effect. There is also a noticeable medieval sensation that overflows with passionate zeal, the piano emoting like no other, as the voiced story is fully told. A series of guitar solos provide the crown on milady’s head.
The circumspect finale, the title track suggests ‘its time to tempt the hand of fate, a power greater than mankind’ , that is what “Tarot” is all about, I guess. Life is a fragile edifice, the soul a constantly endangered species. Words of wisdom, simple musical accompaniment with Peter Jones and Steve Balsamo providing killer backing vocals and Christina scouring the heavens with her voice. All hands on deck!
When an artist like Rob Reed decides to continually progress into higher levels of musical consciousness, you do not need to have your fortune-telling cards nearby. Whether you are tempted by the Major Arcana or seduced by the Minor Arcana, your inner universe will find its path into the inner recesses of your mind.
4.5 turn of the cards