It takes
quite a bit of talent and energy to win me over to an instrumental album. This
is not because I'm close-minded or that I can't appreciate pure instrumentation.
It's because most instrumental bands lack purpose, personality, and an
interesting angle on music. I'm pleased to say, however, that Relocator's debut
album "Relocator" (re-released by Generation Prog Records in 2013) is definitely
not your normal instrumental album.
The
reason for this is that the band has real personality. It comes through in their
vibe, in their resistance to showboating, and in their focus on great layering.
Right off the bat, "Red Vibes" gives us a hint about this with its pleasing
keys, awesome bass, and its somehow "rockin" violin. You see, the band has a
winning combination. The album features a real diversity of sound layers. Deep,
dynamic bass combines with a folksy violin, unique and catchy keys,
appropriately proficient drumming, and incredible guitar work. All of the
instruments have various tones, from heavy and technical to light and melodic.
Yes, it's
a real winner of a combination. It puts the band's funky personality on display
rather well. Instead of boring, pretentious shows of skill, we get REAL
songwriting that is executed with skill. Instead of a race to see how many beats
per second can be accomplished, Relocator focuses more on the experience and a
structure that works.
I'd say that
their is definitely a 90's vibe to the music. There definitely is a Liquid
Tension Experiment influence here, but all of this is okay with me. I'm a sucker
for 90's-style keys (Frost*, anyone?), and I believe Relocator pulls it off with
style and absolutely no cheese.
So, from the
funk of "Red Vibes" and "Biosphere" to the slightly darker "Aavishkar" to the
folksy "The Alchemist", Relocator has crafted a debut album full of twists and
turns, personality and diversity, skill and funk. It's quite a trip, and it
should definitely be on your list whether you prefer instrumental prog or not.
