Herd of Instinct: Herd of Instinct

Intriguing and interesting are words that quickly spring to mind when listening to "Herd of Instinct's "eponymous album that has been four years in the making. The mainstay of this experimental, progressive rock band from the U.S is a trio of musicians; in saying that the band has been joined by numerous guest musicians throughout the recording of this album. Just to drop a few names, such luminaries as Gayle Ellett, Gavin Harrison, Pat Masteloto and Jerry Marotta all adding their signature sounds to the proceedings, galvanised musicians that have a superb presence about them, which gives you an indication as to the class and quality of this album and its approach.

The album features diversity in its compositional approach which is always a good sign, making it an album that you would re listen to on a regular basis. Although the mainstay of this album is fundamentally instrumental we do see "Blood Sky" featuring some rather stunning melancholic vocals courtesy of Kris Swenson, which are more than just incidental.

The whole vibrant and at times urgent passages work well, the music having drawn from a vast source of influences. The album takes a King Crimson / Gordian Knot approach, being laced and layered with stunning guitar passages, copious amounts of warr guitar, which when are bonded with the other musical interactions and musing here, amounts to a very provocative album.

This is an album that is full of stunning vibrant creations, which includes "Room without Shadows", "Road to Ashville", "Vibrissa", "Possession" and "The Face of Another", but to name a few, that all in all makes for a fantastic album and re-affirms that the four years were not wasted.

The whole soundstage is stunning as are the striking visual graphics that accompany the booklet, which complement and add to the whole feel. A real winner all round really.

Track Listing
1 Transformation
2 Room without Shadows
3 Road to Ashville
4 Hex
5 Blood Sky
6 Anamnesis
7 Vibrissa
8 Possession
9 S. Karma
10 The Face of Another

Added: June 11th 2011
Reviewer: John OBoyle
Score:
Related Link: www.herdofinstinct.com
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Language: english

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