Celtic-influenced progressive rock from Australia? Well, yeah. And The Merlin Bird makes it all sound so natural with the band's ethereal debut EP, Reason and Rhyme. Think Pink Floyd in a good mood and Blackmore's Night in a slightly darker frame of mind hitching up with one pissed-off Enya. This six-track CD is only 17-and-a-half minutes long — and two short tracks barely qualify as songs — but it plants the seeds of what could be a fruitful presence on the international progressive-music scene. In order for that to happen, though, The Merlin Bird needs to retain resplendent guest singer Beck Sian Robson — who, incidentally, is Kate Bush's cousin and possesses similar vocal capabilities. Sure, the dusty male voices spread across Reason and Rhyme work, too. But Robson elevates this music to another level (and she may very well be the key to this band's future success). "Beholder's Eye" — with its mix of male and female vocals, muscular power chords and bagpipes — is the perfect example of The Merlin Bird's timeless sound, which has earned the band gigs with Jethro Tull, Asia and Fish. Group members are so confident you'll like Reason and Rhyme that they're offering an "unconditional, 30-day money-back guarantee." Check out the band's web site for details and judge for yourself.
Track Listing:
1) Rhyme to Reason
2) The Calm Before
3) The Father of Storms
4) Puccini Garden
5) Beholder's Eye
6) Reason to Rhyme
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
