Picking up where this goofily named but serious-sounding UK band left off with its 2018 self-titled debut, Zeelley Moon delves deep into the well of contemporary prog without forgetting the genre’s roots. Driven by keyboardist, singer, songwriter and arranger Patrick Molesworth, the seven songs on The Author and The Dreamer span 42 minutes and deliver a polished, sophisticated and (very) British sound that should appeal to fans of Peter Gabriel-era Genesis, Supertramp, and even Pink Floyd and Big Big Train.
Piano, Hammond organ and other keys dominate, emphasizing the melodic beauty of a sparse ballad like “Killing the Dream” while punctuating the bouncy rocker “English Pride.” But that doesn’t mean this record lacks guitar gusto. Jim Kelleher’s work is all over these songs, especially on the searing opener “Main Moon Man” and the epic “Where the Wind Blows.” And “Poison in My Tea” could’ve been a song on one of those laid-back pop-rock albums Neal Morse self-releases from time to time. If there is a weak link in all this, it’s Molesworth’s voice, which sometimes comes across as thin when stacked against Zelley Moon’s sonic wall of sound.
The Author and The Dreamer arrives in hard-bound packaging with a handsome color booklet featuring lyrics and compelling photography. Impressive all around.
Track Listing:
1. Main Moon Man
2. English Pride
3. Four Walls
4. Killing the Dream
5. Where the Wind Blows
6. Poison in My Tea
7. So Many Words
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