Review Summary: the interplay between the guitar, percussion, piano and bowed instruments (cello and violin) is stunning, and is one of the most exciting aspects of this body of work.
Classically trained composer Patrick Grant, and inventor of a massive guitar project called 'Tilted Axes' brings us this gem called 'A Sequence of Waves'. Shivers were running down my spine throughout every track each time I'd listen to his latest album. It feels like you are transported back in time, with its cinematic soundscapes giving 70s-80’s vibes to the listener. Many of the tracks would be the perfect soundtracks to films of that period. The nostalgic eeriness found on A Sequence of Waves makes you think that this set of songs could be a top contender for the soundtrack of neo-retro series, Stranger Things.
Patrick Grant brings an amagalm of styles to this album. Progressive rock, ethnic, classical music, electronica, blues and more are intricately interwoven forming wonderful sonic circuits. Blending progressive rock with classical music is a tall order but Patrick Grant passes the test with flying colours.
It reminded me of
Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells, it was like it jumped out of that old BBC 4 broadcast. Excellent progressive rock instrumentals ( Seven Years at Sea makes use of some vocal samples but they sound like an extra instrument more than anything) with very interesting sounds.
Another standout number is Lonely Ride Coney Island, where Patrick Grant draws inspiration from his adopted home’s landscape to create a song which gives all the feels with its dreamy, atmospheric vibes.
It is followed by the hard-rockin blues Primary Blues. Here, the artist enlists the services of guitarist Nick Didkovsky, who shreds away on his guitar while the violin accompanies him.
Throughout the album the interplay between the guitar, percussion, piano and bowed instruments (cello and violin) is stunning, and is one of the most exciting aspects of this body of work.
With A Sequence of Waves Patrick Grant manages to live up to his impressive bio, which includes collaborations with the progressive rock legend
Robert Fripp,
Quincy Jones and
Billy Joel.
