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Shaun Guerin - The Epic Quality Of Life

Shaun Guerin - The Epic Quality Of Life
Released: 2003
Label: Clearlight 888 Music
Cat. No.: C8M-401
Total Time: 52:20

Reviewed by: Marcel Haster, December 2003
The Epic Quality Of Life is the follow up to By The Dark Of Light, by the late Shaun Guerin. This album was finished just before his sudden death and thus is the legacy this great artist leaves us. I did enjoy By The Dark of Light very much, but to be honest, I like this one better. Mainly because The Epic Quality Of Life is more a progressive rock album [than] his previous solo album was.

The compositions are more thematic and longer and the way they are composed is more like bands such as Spock's Beard or Arena would compose their songs. Lots of great guitar and keyboard solos, more than excellent drumming, but Guerin himself and really captivating songs [is what makes this a good release]. Because his voice is quite similar to Peter Gabriel's, with some hints of Collins', it is no wonder at times his music sounds a bit like Genesis in their old days. As a matter of fact, I'd like to say The Epic Quality Of Life is the album Genesis would have made today, if Gabriel was still a member! The bass by Dan Shapiro gives the music at lot of warmth and fits perfectly with Guerin's drums. Favourite songs so far are "Monsters In My Room," for its slow, dragging beat and dark atmosphere, with nearly haunting vocals (also by Guerin), "The Epic Quality Of Life," a bit up-tempo and it has some crazy melody lines, but after a minute and a half brings you the ghost of Genesis. "5 To Go" is also a great song, with changes in pace and melody, and a bit of a dark atmosphere.

The beautiful artwork by Paul Whitehead reminds you of Genesis albums like Nursery Cryme or Foxtrot, which again shows the link Guerin has with Genesis. After all, it was not a coincidence Guerin was the driving force of the Genesis tribute band Cinema Show!! The Epic Quality Of Life is a fantastic album, excellent progressive rock from a very, very talented man. Although he is not with us in the flesh anymore sadly, he will always be with us through his music. And we may be thankful for that!

Similar Bands: Spock's Beard

PPO Rating: 8/10

[This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site; see also Steph's review -ed.]

More about The Epic Quality Of Life:

Track Listing: The Epic Quality Of Life (5:46) / A Queen's Tale (5:51) / The Edge Of The Earth (5:22) / Monsters In My Room (4:45) / 5 To Go (6:13) / Juliet (4:16) / Inside Of This (7:46) / Say Goodbye (5:59) / Red Zone (6:21)

Musicians:
Shaun Guerin – vocals, drums, keyboards, guitar, bass
John Thomas – electric guitar, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars
Matt Brown – keyboards, mellotron, vocals
Dan Shapiro - bass

Contact:

Website: www.shaunguerin.com/
Note: will open new browser window

Discography

By The Dark Of Light (2002)
The Epic Quality Of Life (2003)

	Shaun Guerin - The Epic Quality Of Life
	Released: 2003 Label: Clearlight 888 Music Cat. No.: C8M-401 Total Time: 52:20
	Reviewed by: Marcel Haster, December 2003 The Epic Quality Of Life is the follow up to By The Dark Of Light, by the late Shaun Guerin. This album was finished just before his sudden death and thus is the legacy this great artist leaves us. I did enjoy By The Dark of Light very much, but to be honest, I like this one better. Mainly because The Epic Quality Of Life is more a progressive rock album [than] his previous solo album was. The compositions are more thematic and longer and the way they are composed is more like bands such as Spock's Beard or Arena would compose their songs. Lots of great guitar and keyboard solos, more than excellent drumming, but Guerin himself and really captivating songs [is what makes this a good release]. Because his voice is quite similar to Peter Gabriel's, with some hints of Collins', it is no wonder at times his music sounds a bit like Genesis in their old days. As a matter of fact, I'd like to say The Epic Quality Of Life is the album Genesis would have made today, if Gabriel was still a member! The bass by Dan Shapiro gives the music at lot of warmth and fits perfectly with Guerin's drums. Favourite songs so far are "Monsters In My Room," for its slow, dragging beat and dark atmosphere, with nearly haunting vocals (also by Guerin), "The Epic Quality Of Life," a bit up-tempo and it has some crazy melody lines, but after a minute and a half brings you the ghost of Genesis. "5 To Go" is also a great song, with changes in pace and melody, and a bit of a dark atmosphere. The beautiful artwork by Paul Whitehead reminds you of Genesis albums like Nursery Cryme or Foxtrot, which again shows the link Guerin has with Genesis. After all, it was not a coincidence Guerin was the driving force of the Genesis tribute band Cinema Show!! The Epic Quality Of Life is a fantastic album, excellent progressive rock from a very, very talented man. Although he is not with us in the flesh anymore sadly, he will always be with us through his music. And we may be thankful for that! Similar Bands: Spock's Beard PPO Rating: 8/10 [This review originally appeared at the ProgPower Online review site; see also Steph's review -ed.] More about The Epic Quality Of Life: Track Listing: The Epic Quality Of Life (5:46) / A Queen's Tale (5:51) / The Edge Of The Earth (5:22) / Monsters In My Room (4:45) / 5 To Go (6:13) / Juliet (4:16) / Inside Of This (7:46) / Say Goodbye (5:59) / Red Zone (6:21) Musicians: Shaun Guerin – vocals, drums, keyboards, guitar, bass John Thomas – electric guitar, 6 and 12-string acoustic guitars Matt Brown – keyboards, mellotron, vocals Dan Shapiro - bass Contact: Website: www.shaunguerin.com/ Note: will open new browser window Discography By The Dark Of Light (2002) The Epic Quality Of Life (2003)