Casey, Rich: Shot To Hell

I have always said the best part of being a reviewer is discovering new artists that make an impact immediately, you just know you have come across something really good. Such is the case with Boston area musician Rich Casey. He refers to his first three albums as ‘The Melodic Trilogy’ which include: No Way Out (2006), House Of Cards (2007), and Shadowblack (2008). This review covers his 2023 release titled Shot To Hell.

Casey proves to be an excellent musician, especially his handling of keyboards, synths, and Mellotron. His style has roots in classic ‘70s progressive rock, very synth heavy, a little like Manfred Mann in regard to his synth work. Guitars are mainly used to accentuate the rhythms, so you get a buildup of layers that makes for a full bodied sound. There are also space-like moments adding some trippiness, which in my estimation is always welcome.

The up-tempo heavy prog of “Bloodsuckers/Shot to Hell� begins the disc with an energetic shot in the arm. A big groove with deep rooted synths, Mellotron choirs, and Sarah Bird’s excellent lead vocals. “Carnival Of Souls� begins in dramatic fashion with tolling bells and a big organ riff, followed by synths, Mellotron, and nice guitar work from Doug Batchelder. Varying degrees of mellow and heavy add a variation in sound. “Detour to a Trap Door� is a short instrumental, very melodic with fine synths and guitar riffs, followed by “This Dying World� with its spacey atmospheres and catchy lead vocals. The soundscape is thick with synths and keys. “Arrival/Procession� is another excellent tune with its massive organ riff, marching drums, and Mellotron enriched soundscape before spacey effects bring on the moodiness. Really, there is not one misstep here as every song is excellent.

Shot To Hell grabbed me from the very first listen and has continued to keep my attention. The mark of an outstanding album. Recommended.

Track Listing:
1. Bloodsuckers/Shot to Hell (9:07)
2. Carnival Of Souls (7:01)
i. The Bridge
ii. Who Am I?
iii. Epiphany
3. Detour to a Trap Door (1:39)
4. This Dying World (5:06)
5. Arrival/Procession (4:16)
6. Soliloquy/Departure (4:30)
7. Elegy (4:31)
i. Transition
ii. Limbo
iii. Ascension
8. Crossing Over/New World (4:35)
9. Never a Time (1:53)
10. This Dying World (Instrumental/Soundtrack Version) (5:06)
11. Reprise of Souls (2:18)

Added: August 22nd 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist @ YouTube
Hits: 468
Language: english

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