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Review:
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I was really surprised, to say the least, when I saw
Caligula’s Horse was signed to Inside Out Music earlier
this year. It was an immensely satisfying announcement because
I was starting to lose hope that major labels would ever
start to notice the vibrant Aussie prog scene. Needless
to say, I was thrilled that CH was finally getting some
recognition.***
After their amazing debut called “Moments in Ephemeral
City” and their follow-up called “The Tide, The Thief &
River’s End”, CH has been positioned to take prog by storm
with their heavy alternative prog sound. Their new album
“Bloom” is exactly what these guys needed to release right
now. As a band, they distinguish themselves from other Aussie
bands by sounding less sci-fi and less like Karnivool. Instead,
they definitely take inspiration from djent, A Perfect Circle,
Opeth, and other such alternative prog bands. The results
are miraculous, in my opinion, as they seem to be able to
balance chugging, tight riffs with glorious melodies and
intense emotion.***
The band is made up of Jim Grey on vocals, Zac Greensill
and Sam Vallen on guitars, Dave Couper on bass, and Geoff
Irish on drums. Jim Grey is also the lead singer for Arcane,
another Aussie band that released an amazing double album
this year, “Known/Learned”. Jim is definitely a dynamic
frontman with his glorious beard and unbeatable voice. Dave
and Geoff provide a tight, controlled rhythm section that
is pretty much unrivaled this year. In the middle of that,
Zac and Sam let themselves loose upon the fret boards, killing
it on both the heavy bits and the solos that seem to emanate
so naturally from the complex time signatures.***
“Bloom”, however, is also a bit of a departure for
the band. It is a fresh, rich album of floral arrangements
and shoulder-bobbing rhythms. The gorgeous cover art is
a good representation of this, with the earthy, flowery
scene juxtaposed against the jagged edges. Like salty and
sweet, the two tones mesh to create a higher experience.
That is exactly what this album sounds like! ***
For instance, take the second track “Marigold”: From
its opening moments, it boasts an addictive, swaying groove
that is as impressive and technical as it is pure fun. That
same thing could be said about the entire album! “Bloom”
is the intersection of various grooves that link up perfectly.
Of course, the band provides the softer moments, too, with
tracks like the acoustic final track “Undergrowth”, a fitting
title for an organic, very real song. Along the way, tracks
such as “Firelight” and “Dragonfly” provide the median for
the balance of heavy and soft, while “Rust” gives a little
twist on the whole formula. Overall, though, “Marigold”
and “Rust” are my favorites. Why? Well, “Marigold”, like
I said, is incredibly catchy in its groove. “Rust”, however,
is slightly angry, possibly, and includes polyrhythms of
the highest order all while Jim belts out the most interesting
lyrics on the album that seem to balance the beauty and
organic themes of the album with a dirtier, grittier message.***
Inevitably, this album will be compared to Arcane’s
new album “Known/Learned”, as they share Jim as vocalist.
I’ll say right now that I cannot decide between the two!
Both are amazing, with Arcane leaning to longer compositions
and less polyrhythmic activity, I suppose. Both albums,
however, showcase the incredible talent that Jim has, especially
as he distinguishes himself in his tone and range and energy.
Caligula’s Horse backs him incredibly well, too, contrasting
his voice with music that is technically mind-blowing at
times and delicate in others. Inside Out Music has definitely
made a stellar choice in recruiting this band.***
Stop and smell the roses. Don’t miss this release from
Caligula’s Horse. I hope it is a sign of huge things (and
a US tour) to come, but I hope it casts a spotlight on the
Aussie prog scene, too, as that creative continent deserves
to succeed. “Bloom” releases on October 16th worldwide and
on October 30th in the USA.***
Jason Spencer
The
Prog Mind
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