Daymoon: Erosion

I first had the pleasure of acquainting myself with Portuguese progressive rock band Daymoon and their 2013 release titled Fabric of Space Divine (4 Stars) and from there it was on to the 2016 album Cruz Quebrada (4.5 Stars). Very impressive to say the least. It would seem their next album slipped by me, totally unintentional I might add, but I digress. The album is titled Erosion and was released in 2021, their fourth and most recent to date.

The band make no bones what this album is about, the title tells all. No, this is not a lesson in geology but rather an indictment on the state of our planet, including political turmoil and the unfortunate lack of morality and truth telling. Maybe this is the decline of civilization, you know, glass half empty and all that.

Fred Lessing, leader of the band, tragically lost his wife in 2016 (RIP). The disc’s first track “The Forest Without Us� references this loss,

“The thyme on your grave is long gone
Eight journeys around our sun
The world has grown darker
I’m glad you’re not here
For all that you fought for
Will soon disappear�

It’s a poignant reminder of the dire state of our planet. Musically, the vocals of Lavinia Roseiro are wonderfully clear and angelic with background effects helping to set the mood. Woodwinds are expertly used, the oboe, recorder, and saxophone are integral to the band’s sound. Classical guitar leads the band through twists and turns around varying moods and atmospheres. Soaring electric guitar, post rock moodiness, a haunting sax solo that will bend your mind into a pretzel, are all here for your enjoyment. Next is “Pardon the Turkey�, the album’s longest track, a true progressive rock epic. A clean repeating guitar motif breaks down into chaotic heaviness, odd tempos, and a general eclectic approach to songcraft. The choral arrangement and Gentle Giant-like vocal passages suggest an innate creativity and the building of layers ensures plenty of dramatic flair. “The Forest Within Us� shimmers with ambient keyboards and clean guitar work, laying down some Floyd-like spaciness. The subtle use of effects and samples further enhances the soundscape before trumpet enters with an almost eerie bent, flowing serenely, adding the necessary organic component. It all comes together in near perfect harmony.

Erosion is a hard hitting and impactful album, especially lyrically, but in no way is this a depressing listen. It is a thoughtful and deeply creative work; an example of just how good prog rock can be. Highly recommended.

Track Listing:
1. The Forest Without Us (9:32)
2. Pardon the Turkey (13:01)
3. The Forest Within Us (5:49)
4. Trans Aegean Express (14:24)
5. The Pyre (6:14)
6. Joyous Oh Joyous! (5:32)
7. Back Home (8:33)
8. Fjord (3:15)
9. Melas Chasma (5:14)

Added: September 24th 2024
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 309
Language: english

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