Detailed Reviews [Different Light - 2016 - "The Burden of Paradise"]

Prolusion. DIFFERENT LIGHT is a band project that serves as the creative vehicle of composer and musician Trevor Tabone. Initially formed in Malta in 1994, the band fell apart a few years later but then reappeared as a venture based in the Czech Republic starting in 2008. Following the return of Different Light they have released a compilation album and two studio productions. "The Burden of Paradise" is the most recent of the latter, and was self-released by the band in 2016.

Analysis. While the sheer number of tracks on this album can feel daunting and perhaps also slightly confusing for many fans of progressive rock, this isn't in fact a production that revolve around short songs at all. This is a CD consisting of three epic length compositions, each divided into parts, and then five shorter tracks surrounding those. As far as the music itself is concerned, this is by and large what I'd describe as a classic era neo-progressive album in terms of style and approach. Those who are familiar with the first wave of the neo-progressive bands from back in the 1980's will feel instantly at home with this CD. We get the elegant arrangements where plucked guitars and floating keyboards guide us onward, as well as the also gentle plucked guitar and piano combinations. These gentler escapades alternate with passages sporting a firmer expression, guitar riffs combined with keyboards, organ or piano all a part of this totality, as well as lapses into more majestic excursions featuring layered keyboards and a tight, firm guitar providing a solid foundation, on occasion also sporting a darker tone for further depth. The lead vocals, when present, are clear, concise and with a strong melodic intent and a fine control, and the guitar soloing is delicate and flowing, albeit at times with arguably more of a Floydian touch to them than what many other artists of the same nature will choose to go for. Nothing much new under the sun, but what we are presented with is planned and executed with high quality throughout, and with enough nerve and bite to maintain tension as well. The only slight deviation to the norm comes on second epic Eternal Return, which in some passages takes on a more playful mode closer to the likes of the more commercial oriented art rock bands of the late 70's. Otherwise this is a purebred neo-progressive album, and of a kind and type we do not see all that often anymore. And a very well made one at that I should add.

Conclusion. Sometimes you do not need to say all that much about an album, and this is just such a case. A well made album on all levels, featuring material that should please just about anyone with a taste for classic era, mid 80's style neo-progressive rock. If this is the kind of music you tend to enjoy, this is an album that most certainly warrants a check.

Progmessor: February 26th, 2018
The Rating Room