Detailed Reviews [Temple of Switches - 2017 - "Helium Parade"]

Prolusion. US band Temple of Switches self-released their second album "Helium Parade" in 2017, a concise production clocking in at 29 minutes and a bit. While this is the second album to be released under this moniker, the band had changed markedly since their first album from two years prior, with Temple of Switches going from being a proper band to now being the creative vehicle of composer and musician Tenk Van Dool. As such this album also heralds a new era and a new phase in the existence of this project.

Analysis. It would appear that the changes in the band from 2015 to 2017 came with many consequences. I haven't read up on how central Van Dool was in the writing department prior to this album, but what I can hear is that the music on this album sounds like it comes from a totally different band altogether. Up to and including approach and execution of the material as well as how the compositions sound and feel. The material on this album is much more loose and relaxed in general spirit, with odd and unusual textures, tones and timbres given leading roles, and even if the structure may be of a much more straightforward nature at times the arrangements wouldn't know what straight was even if shown a line. Psychedelic and cosmic elements are a steady but often subtle presence, atmospheric laden sounds have important roles to play, and impulses from jazz find their way into many of the compositions. Many of the creations here come across as soundscapes and mood pieces to a much greater extent than defined songs as such, material that explore and enjoy the scenic view of a landscape rather than being a means to travel through it. As a matter of fact there are only two songs here I'd define as being songs to a greater extent than soundscapes. The odd one out among those two is the short and concise 'Frown', a distinctly whimsical affair with distorted vocals and a little bit of a funky attitude that in sum makes it sound like a creation that have escaped from one of Les Claypool's solo albums, albeit it is the vocals to a much greater extent than the music that gives me this association. On the other hand of the scale we get the much more expressive but controlled 'Carousel', where impulses from Rush as well as King Crimson appear to be vital ingredients alongside some impulses from jazz. A song that is as unusual in tone and timbre as the rest of the material on this production, but also the best defined, controlled and executed proper song oriented composition at hand here. Among the changes I note between the first CD by Temple of Switches and this second outing is that the quality of the mix and production have markedly improved. This album is well above average in this department, which also elevates the total experience somewhat in addition to making the album more accessible.

Conclusion. "Helium Parade" strikes me as quite the interesting and adventurous production. I wouldn't be all that surprised if at least some of the material here came to be due as a result of improvisations, at least in part, possibly with select bits from them being used as the foundation for the construction of a few of the compositions. An album to seek out if you enjoy progressive rock explored in a more loose and open manner, and with a stronger focus on the creation of distinct moods and atmospheres.

Proguessor: November 2022
The Rating Room