TRACK LIST:
1. Prologue 3:14
2. Two Hundred Pages 11:39
3. Turn of Fortune 9:48
4. Procession | Empty Grave 10:01
5. Paralyzed 9:23
6. The Music Box 8:43
7. Retrospective 12:21
8. Salvation 8:52
9. 201 1:07
LINE UP:
Raphael Gazal - vocals
Wolfgang Bahr - guitars
Arne Groschel - drums
Frank Wendel - keyboards
Peter Damm - bass, pedals
Prolusion.
German band Crayon Phase was formed back in 2008, and following an initial phase the band hit the studio and finished their debut album in 2012 with an official release in the early parts of 2013 to follow. A few more years down the line the band signed to German label Progressive Promotion Records, who released their second album "Two Hundred Pages" in 2019.
Analysis.
While Crayon Phase is a unit that doesn't stick to one specific orientation in their compositions, I would say that the majority of the material here is best defined as neo-progressive rock, and that this is the best manner in which to describe the album as a whole. As with so many other bands exploring the progressive rock universe there is a bit more to it than this of course. But for those with a specific interest in the different subsets of this universe, this is a production that I suspect will be best received by those with an interest in the neo-progressive side of things.
This is an album with long compositions, where all the major songs clock in at 8 minutes or more. As expected with such long compositions, these are creations that explore quite a bit of ground along the way, with multiple phases being the norm rather than the exception. Often with a bit of an ebb and flow to the momentum, and calmer as well as more vibrant passages all finding their way into most of the songs here.
The more atmospheric laden that often defines neo-progressive rock will obviously be a staple here, explored in both a more careful manner with keyboard textures as a key element, but we also get more vibrant excursions into these landscapes with a firm support presence by way of guitars that adds a hard and tight undercurrent to quite a few passages. In some cases the band will explore a more distinct and defined variety of hard progressive rock too, with as well as without a supporting atmospheric undercurrent or overlay. We also get passages more expressive in form where the orientation shifts towards more of a symphonic progressive rock style, and there will be occasions where an argument can be had by those with a more keen interest in form and orientation on whether or not a part resides within one tradition or another too.
The important bit is that the compositions are compelling of course, and that is something that Crayon Phase manage to accomplish with relative ease. The ebb and flow between atmospheric laden passages, harder edged parts and more expressive sections function very well indeed. This is a solid album, with solid compositions that have been given a good quality mix and production ensuring that the strong sides of the band are retained throughout.
Conclusion.
Neo-progressive rock has been among the more popular subsets of progressive rock ever since it appeared back in the 1980's, and Crayon Phase have a spirited take on the form on "Two Hundred Pages". The additional flavoring added by the inclusion of symphonic progressive rock and hard progressive rock elements suits the landscapes explored here, and the album as a whole comes across as compelling and engaging. In my opinion this is a production that should come across as quite the satisfying experience for many with an affection for this form of progressive rock.
Progmessor: January 2023
The Rating Room
