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Continuing to update their sound
the Polish prog rock band Quidam distills their unique blend
of prog. Again, the typical touchstones are there from Genesis
to Crimson and Yes but with a blended sound that the band
makes uniquely their own. Rocking a bit harder than their
previous albums and with new vocalist Bartek Kossowicz on
board the album touches elements that made their previous
albums so worthwhile while also venturing into some new uncharted
territory. ***
The Floydish opener "Airing" sets
a relaxing ethereal quickly off set by the harser metal based
guitar chords that come crashing in on "Hands Off" the second
track. Clocking in a t 9:25 the song doesn't meander despite
it's length and has enough melodically going in and lyrically
to keep it interesting and challenging to listen to. "Not
So Close" follows immediately on the heels of "Hands Off"
with acoustic guitar providing a marked contrast to the metal
guitar chords of the previous track. Bartek's vocals have
a nice range and his voice fits this initially ballad like
offering. About mid way through the crunchy guitars that were
a hallmark of the previous track step in to provide a nice
contrast. They quikly step into the background again percolating
under the surface of Bartek's voice. ***
The title track "surRevival" has
the most distinctive opening of any song on the album. With
a melody that would make David Gilmour proud "SurRevival"
clearly is inspired by Floyd in the beginning but, again,
a Metallica guitar break steps in to prevent the song from
becoming too repetitious. Fans of Quidam will find much to
like on their latest album but, more importantly, its clear
that the band continues to move forward and try a variety
of different experiments and styles to keep themselves creative.
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