Detailed Reviews [Cell15 - 2018 - "River Utopia"]

Prolusion. US band Cell15 is the creative vehicle of composer and musician Robert Richardson, and has been an active unit since 2011 or thereabouts. Following the release of the debut album "Chapter One" in 2014 this venture developed into more of a proper band, and started performing live on occasion too. In 2018 they self-released their second album "River Utopia".

Analysis. While Cell15 is a project that incorporates elements from a few different styles and orientations, it seems clear that 70's progressive rock is if not the orientation of choice then at least the source for greater parts of the inspiration for this production. Everything about this album speaks of the 1970's, although the manner in which the elements have been mixed together will occasionally give the compositions a bit more of an 80's vibe. And while a few different categorizations may be argued here, for my sake I go for symphonic progressive rock as my main choice. Just about all of the songs here incorporate a multitude of facets, and melodic rock and classic era hard rock are two of the common denominators here. The former being a presence in just about all the songs, and the latter also making multiple appearances as the core for some stomping and captivating excursions. Cue opening cut 'Street Lights', which for me is the album highlight, where a compelling circulating rhythm pattern and catchy keyboard hooks combines with the hard rock energy and some dramatic symphonic progressive rock bursts to create quite the compelling creation, with a melodic rock flavoring tossed in after the midway point for good measure. Otherwise we see the songs here alternate between more playful art rock escapades, atmospheric laden passages where some are more melodic rock oriented, others more progressive rock oriented, driving hard rock fuelled passages and more expressive and often suitably dramatic symphonic progressive rock eruptions. The landscapes explored are kept compelling and with an inviting and welcoming character, often inside the framework of being radio friendly too, but also with a slightly cheeky inclusion of what sounds like jazz-inspired rhythm elements of the kind I suspect not too many will notice due to the very subtle nature of them. This is a fun and engaging production more than anything else, an uplifting journey through the music of yesteryear where radio friendly melodic rock and hard rock go hand in hand with more expressive, atmospheric and dramatic progressive rock features. Progressive rock of the kind that seems tailor made for classic rock radio if you like.

Conclusion. "River Utopia" comes across as quite the striking and compelling album, harboring a deep love for 70's and possibly early 80's rock in many different guises and combining them into a radio friendly and progressive rock whole. If a combination of melodic rock, hard rock and symphonic progressive rock sounds like an appealing proposition, chances are very good that you'll find this production to be an enjoyable one.

Progmessor: January 2023
The Rating Room