Notes
Pre release reviews... 1): Prog Archives... Whose Dream by Bun Chakeze Cosisting of Joey Lugassy (vocals), Colin Tench (guitars, synths, backing vocals), Gary Derrick (bass, bass pedals), and Cliff Deighton (drums), Bun Chakeze show a lot of skill and strength with this particular album, Whose Dream. It's safe to say that this is definitely a progressive band, and a virtuosic one at that. Bun Chakeze have the ability to write biting, fast, aggressive pieces of music (see the track 'Bun Chakeze [Instrumental]') and quickly shift into serene and highly melodic phases (see 'Whose Dream'). A note is never wasted with guitarist and backing vocalist Colin Tench, who is always on top of his game, filling in spaces with his rich guitar sounds, somewhat reminiscent of David Gilmour in Pink Floyd's heyday. Not mentioning vocalist Joey Lugassy would be in bad taste, as he has a very dreamy, ethereal voice that blends in well with the rest of the band, especially on their softer pieces. His vocals can also become a bit aggressive, which fits in extremely well when this is utilized to mesh with the music. Gary Derrick and Cliff Deighton add a very solid rhythm section on bass guitar and drums, respectively. Regarding influences, it's somewhat hard to say who Bun Chakeze's are. A significant amount of Pink Floyd perhaps, maybe some Rush, and a helping of 80's pop a la Kansas is probably the best way to describe the sound, though that still doesn't serve them justice. Regarding their at-times intense instrumentation, Yes has probably been an influence more-or-less. I also hear a bit of Peter Hammill, and to a lesser extent Van der Graaf Generator. But the real fact here is that Bun Chakeze have made an original sound of their own, and a quite eclectic and enjoyable album with 'Whose Dream.' The album gets better with each listen and is a grower rather than being super-accessible on the first few listens. 2): Prog Archives... Bun Chakeze is a talented quintet and I quite enjoyed their album, Whose Dream. By far the best aspect for me are the various guitar textures throughout- so many great tones and so many well-chosen notes. But great guitar-playing goes nowhere without a good rhythm section and other musicians to fill out the sound. However, this band goes above and beyond adequate background music. These gentlemen sound like they work well together, able to provide solid progressive music while allowing each member to shine in his time. The vocalist sounds like John Elefante of Kansas in the 1980s, which some might consider a failing, but I certainly don't. As far as genre labels go, I think neo-prog fits the most comfortably, but that is not to say that this album suffers from any lack of variety or copycat syndrome. That opening instrumental, though brief, offers fresh and exciting music. I love the bursts of bass and guitar. "Whose Dream" is a gentler song with ethereally masculine vocals- the initial frostiness of the track makes me think of Camel. The screaming guitar that enters is brilliant. Lovely acoustic guitar greets the listener in "Flight of the Phoenix." The piece gains some intensity as the rest of the band enters, and once again the lead guitar is amazing- the instrumental excursion here is like Pink Floyd on their best day. "The Deal" is the darkest piece on the album, sounding like a cross between something that belongs on Pink Floyd's The Wall and early Marillion. The album closes with an instrumental reprise of the title track, and features riveting guitar once again. Well done, guys- I'm impressed. 3): Prog Archives... "Midnight Skies" 6:22 - the show piece of the album perhaps. The vocals are higher in places like Gilmour has performed in recent years. The lead break takes off and sounds beautiful like 'Comfortably Numb'. There is a quirky staccato guitar riff that grows on me. The majestic feel is echoed by lyrics about huge concepts, "dreams of peace are shattered all around..." It sounds like Gabriel aga