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Dave Bainbridge, the heart and soul
of Iona has made a wonderful album, combining progressive rock with
traditional Celtic folk and mixing it into a superb unity.
Bainbridge is a guitar virtuoso that can play wonderful solos.
The music creates images of
untouched, wild landscapes that undoubtedly defined the old Celtic
Britannia. The marvellous singing of the female singers make you
believe that heaven might just be a place on earth. Veil of Gossamer
can’t be caught by listening to it just once. Like Iona’s music this
album grows as you listen to it over and over again, but
Bainbridge’s virtuosity has been given a more central position (he
plays no less than 15 instruments on this cd). He’s not afraid to
break through the heavenly atmosphere with rock-inspired rhythm
changes that keep their folk-character by choosing the right
percussion instruments.
Those who like mind-easing music will
be pleased, but also those who like technical superiority and a
perfect production will be in heaven.
I admit this stands on the edge of the
progressive rock scene – although The Homeward Race for
instance is a pure up-tempo prog song that exists of one long guitar
solo – and is not to be compared to the ‘classic’ bands in this
genre, but Veil of Gossamer is a must for those who aren’t afraid to
broaden their horizon.
The poor cover-art is a pity, but fortunately this is the kind of
music that makes you close your eyes with enjoyment very soon… |
