Here we have the self-titled debut from progressive rock supergroup Greyfeather, who are comprised of:
Brian Coralian - drums and percussion (IZZ)
Kevin Jarvis - acoustic guitars, vocals (Farpoint)
Steve Katsikas- keyboards, vocals (Little Atlas)
Dennis Mullin- electric guitars (Iluvatar)
Wade Sumerlin- bass, vocals (Cobweb Strange)
Though none of their main bands are mainstream acts by any means, anyone who has followed the prog underground the last two decades will certainly be familiar with them, with plenty of album releases and festival appearances popping up over the years between them. The recording of this debut took place over a few years and many miles, but we all know how easy it is to put together an album these days with modern technology, so being in the same studio together was never an issue. Musically Greyfeather have a unique style and doesn't really sound much like any of the player's main bands. "No More" rocks kind of hard, complete with some crisp riffs from Mullin, catchy melodies, and powerful vocals, while the more folky sounds of "The Fire" bring to mind Jarvis' band Farpoint, the band layering in some nice acoustic guitar along with tasty keyboards from Katsikas and a fine electric guitar solo courtesy of Mullin. Sumerlin's slippery bass leads in the quirky instrumental "Bloodstripe", a cool prog/fusion/folk number again featuring another fine Mullin guitar solo and majestic piano from Katsikas. The album centerpiece is the 8+ minute "Greyfeather, Pt. 2", a melodic & highly textured song that reminds a bit of Kansas, Katsikas using his arsenal of keyboards to create rich colors, Coralian's drums rumbling underneath, and plenty of tasty guitars and emotional vocals. Jarvis' lush acoustic guitars add a pastoral touch to both "Lines are Drawn" and "Life Sonnet #4", two songs squarely in the folk mode, and the album ends with the more pop/prog flavored "Half a World Away".
Overall, Greyfeather is a nice listen, filled with some more than solid musicianship and memorable melodies. I can't help feeling though that it doesn't quite live up to expectations considering the line-up, but you do get the feeling that this was a massive labor of love for all involved, and for that you have to give plenty of credit.
Track Listing
1. Greyfeather, Pt. 1
2:23
2. No More
5:51
3. The Fire
4:16
4. Bloodstripe
3:52
5. Greyfeather, Pt. 2
8:17
6. Lines Are Drawn
4:45
7. Life Sonnet #4
3:11
8. Half a World Away
5:10
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