Tangent; The: A Spark In The Aether – The Music That Died Alone Volume Two

The real proof that a band has a distinctive sound, is when they can completely change their approach and yet still be exactly who they are. Welcome to the ever evolving, but reassuringly static world of The Tangent. For while A Spark In The Aether – The Music That Died Alone Volume Two is nothing like its predecessor, Le Sacre Du Travail, which in turn is little like it's older brother Comm, it still sounds exactly like the band it is. Whether through the unmistakable trembling voice of The Tangent mainman Andy Tillison, the manner in which the guitar and keys intertwine, or the use of melody as a basis for more adventurous outbursts and (ahem) tangents, there's only one band who could have produced this, or indeed, any of these albums.

So why is ASITA-TMTDAV2 so different from ...Travail? Well in almost every way, song structures paired back to more simple attacks, an almost Prog Metal sheen added in places and a more ready acceptance of a Neo Prog side that The Tangent often leave behind. The subtitle to the album's name refers right back to 2003 and this band's debut of that name, Tillison revisiting the theme that Prog was on its last legs and admitting that in fact, it is rude health in terms of the music and bands themselves. However across the first half of the album Tillison explores his frustrations that the "Prog old guard" don't do enough to support, or promote the up and coming bands. It's an interesting idea and when you look at the lacklustre solo acoustic support acts that the likes of Marillion or Fish have dragged round in recent times, it is easy to see where he's coming from. However with John Wetton lending his support to youngsters District 97, Steven Wilson openly embraced by the likes of Yes and King Crimson, as he remixes and masters their back catalogue, or that the "grumpy old man" himself, Rick Wakeman, used to regularly play Karnataka, Mostly Autumn and a host of other "new" acts on his (admittedly, now long gone) radio show, then it's an assertion that's maybe a little unfair. Either way, it's an idea that's clearly got under Tillison's collar and inspired great moments such as "Codpieces And Capes", and "Clearing The Attic". However the album's epic (you knew it had to have one), shows up in the guise of the ever shape shifting "The Celluloid Road", a song centred round the idea that most of us in the UK base our ideas of what America is like from thoroughly exaggerated TV programmes, the lyrics referencing everything from Jack Bauer in 24 to the film Speed and much in between. It's an exhilarating ride taking in visits to stereotypical diners, and high speed trips on Greyhound buses via agents and terrorists; all delivered with an affection for the country being described and an understanding of how little understanding those outside America really have of what happens inside it.

With guitarist Luke Machin (Maschine) back in the fold, A Spark... has a, well, spark (sorry) that the previous The Tangent album seemed to, with hindsight, lack. Tillison's keyboards and vocals seem to feed off it eagerly, as bassist Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings) does likewise, taking the lead on numerous occasions, but only when the song needs it. Add in the talents of Theo Travis (Steven Wilson) and drummer Morgan Agren, who are both faultless from beginning to end and I'd go as far as to suggest that the current line-up of this band may well be the best of its many configurations. How long it will last, who knows? But let's just make the most of it while we can.

A Spark In The Aether finds The Tangent firing bullishly on all cylinders and with a strut and poise not always seen from this band. Is it their best? Well that depends which chameleon like side of them you enjoy most. However there's little if anything to even nitpick over here and I'd suggest that not only will The Tangent fans simply lap this album up, but so will lovers of beautifully, but exuberantly crafted Progressive Rock of any colour.

Track Listing
1. A Spark in the Aether
2. Codpieces and Capes
3. Clearing the Attic
4. Aftereugene
5. The Celluloid Road
6. A Spark in the Aether (Part 2)
7. San Francisco Radio Edit (Bonus)

Added: July 2nd 2015
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: The Tangent online
Hits: 3356
Language: english

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