Webb, Martin: Happenstance

British borne Martin Webb is a multi-instrumentalist with two previous releases, The Journey (2005) and Anjar (2010). His new album is titled Happenstance and it is the first I have heard of the artist. It was hard finding information on the new release but I am pretty sure Webb plays most of the instruments himself. The music is progressive with fusion elements with a heavy nod towards the Middle East and the Orient.

A repeating keyboard motif begins the first track "The Gathering Storm" before quick bursts of heavier riffs with a Middle Eastern tone in the guitar and keys. The bass groove is quite meaty and the symphonic keyboard strokes add an element of drama. The fusion style lead guitar solo is the icing on the cake. The catchy "Caravan" has more Eastern guitar stylings along with orchestral keyboard swells and electronic elements. Webb combines acoustic and electric guitar in the fusionesque "Snake Charmer" with the keys adding a slightly ominous tone. With "Sea of Jagged Glass" the sound is more proggy hard rock combining great riffs and huge splashes of organ with a deep bass groove. A pretty guitar arpeggio takes the music in a calmer direction before building in intensity once again. Another excellent guitar solo with Eastern elements can be heard in this one. World, fusion and progressive rock makes up the intriguing title track and it is another excellent tune featuring biting lead guitar, a catchy repeating riff and great bass. One of the most melodic tracks has to be "Lost in Shangrila", having a strong Oriental sounding theme.

There is a lot to take in with Happenstance. The melodies, song structures and tones form a musical palette that you just might find highly addictive.

I have discovered quite a few artists this year and Mathew Webb is certainly up there amongst the best. Happenstance is an album I highly recommend to fans of progressive rock and fusion.

Track Listing:
1. The Gathering Storm
2. Caravan
3. Snake Charmer
4. Sea of Jagged Glass
5. Happenstance
6. The River of Life
7. Lost in Shangrila
8. Kel Adur

Added: October 23rd 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Bandcamp Page
Hits: 1701
Language: english

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