Reasoning, The - Awakening

Year of Release: 2007
Label: Comet Music
Catalog Number: CM010207
Format: CD
Total Time: 48:59:00

Hot on the heels of the success of Mostly Autumn, another female fronted band in a similar style became rather successful in their homeland. Indeed Karnataka didn't really receive the same international recognition as did Bryan and Heather's collective, although, however, Rachel Jones surely reached a similar audience. Meanwhile Matthew Cohen had been involved with Magenta, delivering the goods on their melodic progressive outings. A chance meeting between Dylan Thompson and Matthew Cohen revealed a shared musical passion, which soon developed into what is now known as The Reasoning. When Rachel and Gareth Jones joined this meant that the band had three unique and powerful voices in their line-up, a rare but beautiful extra that soon would develop into one of the band's trademarks.

Come 2007, when the band's debut album Awakening is unleashed upon an unsuspecting audience. Whether they have known certain members from their respective pasts in Karnataka and/or Magenta, or whether The Reasoning is simply a new band for most of the audience, for sure this six-piece will reach a wide international audience. Their mix of progressive elements, catchy hooks, brilliant voices and melodic tour-de-force will surely be appreciated by a large chunk of the progressive and classic rock community!

The title track which opens this fine album already highlights the high pitched vocals of Gareth Jones which nicely contrasts with the softer touches of both Rachel and Dylan. Guitarwise one can clearly hear some Steve Howe influences in this rockin' start whilst the dashes of synths introduce a nice balance. For sure a superb opener and a clear indication of the quality to expect. As with Pink Floyd, the band also includes a fair amount of atmospheric guitar in its compositions, which adds to the completeness of the arrangements, as can be witnessed during "Chasing Rainbows." Here the guitar soon switches towards a more rocking result, creating a true live favourite for sure. Talking of melodic strength, the intro for "Playing The Game" contains more power than certain bands get with a whole album. Is there even a hint of banjo I hear or is it a synthesized harp? Whatever the case, the detailed sound, including wonderful bass lines, piano and the vocal harmonies, creates a breathtaking tension we embrace with vigour!

The nice thing about The Reasoning is that apart from their original compositions and the high quality arrangements these guys also know a lot about recording techniques. So together with Dave Meegan, mainly known from his work with Marillion, the band's debut album surely sounds extraordinary. Rachel's voice blends ever so nice with some keyboards during the intro for "Sacred Shape," whilst we also get some treated male vocals that surely isn't something you can come up with without having notions of how a studio operates. The proof that The Reasoning contains more rock blood than your average prog outfit can be found throughout the entire album, although "Shadows Of The Mind" might be the best example. The impressive debut ends with the dramatic "Within Cold Glass," which includes the guest appearance of Liz Prendergast on violin and mandolin and sympathetic Marillion guitarist Steve Rothery. Surely a nice gimmick to grab the media's attention although judging from what's on offer on Awakening it surely wasn't necessary.

With Awakening The Reasoning has delivered an ace debut album which will surely put them firmly on the map worldwide. They most definitely deserve a place next to Mostly Autumn and Magenta and should even be able to find their way into the mainstream. Inventive radio stations are killing for this kind of music whilst I'm dead certain that the band will soon have a loyal fanbase as well. Magazines such as Classic Rock and Mojo are the ones that should concentrate on these kinds of bands as well because they are the fresh air that is so needed in our musty rock world! Meanwhile they are working on their second album to be entitled Dark Angel for which the band has already written 13 new tracks! So do we see a limited edition 2CD coming up? Also full marks for the band's incredible website!

Tracklisting:
Awakening (6:49) / Chasing Rainbows (6:06) / Playing The Game (4:13) / Aching Hunger (6:45) / Sacred Shape (6:37) / Fallen Angels (6:25) / Shadows Of The Mind (7:18) / Within Cold Glass (4:42)

Musicians:
Rachel Jones - vocals, percussion
Dylan Thompson - vocals, guitar
Matthew Cohen - bass
Gareth Jones - vocals, keyboards
Lee Wright - guitar
Vinden Wylde - drums

Steve Rothery - guitar solo (8)
Liz Prendergast - violin, mandolin (8)

Discography:
Awakening (2007)
Dark Angel (2008)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin UK

Added: December 10th 2007
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.thereasoning.com
Hits: 2716
Language: english