ScapeLand Wish - The Ghost Of Autumn


Year of Release: 2003
Label: self-released
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 73:07:00

They've done it again and what's more, this time the album sounds even better than their previous offering Reason. The same influences I mentioned the first time can once again be traced here with names such as Baby Grand, Styx, Ambrosia coming to the fore, yet also with a dash of Saga and Chandelier added to make the band's AOR sound even fuller. Once again they can't shed off their Boston influence either with "Inner Space" sounding just like our multi-platinum selling friends. And what about "The Willow Song," which only needs producer Roy Thomas Baker to turn this into yet another blockbuster!

What strikes me is the fact that Scapeland Wish is only a trio, yet they are able to turn their music into such a complete experience whilst still making sure that the vocals get the best treatment. A lot of bands should take lessons from these guys because I know plenty of bands with five people in the line-up who can't come up with such a sound! Sometimes, though, their songs do tend to become rather commercial, too. Take "The Highway" as prime example as to how they get close to becoming a copy of the band America. Then again during "Reflection" singer Joshua Ramirez tries his hand to become the new Steve Hogarth, delivering a song which could also be a Marillion classic from around their "Beautiful" era. With "Ostrich Alternative" and "Nemo" the band delivers two superb instrumentals which perfectly illustrate the craftsmanship of each of the individual players.

Great songs, great singing, cool guitars, maybe a little tame in the drumming department and maybe not enough keyboards but The Ghost Of Autumn certainly has become the kind of ghost that can visit me every night ... preferably when I'm all by myself!

[In March 2005 the band shortened it's name to Scapeland -ed.]


Tracklisting:
Misty's Cage (9:15) / The Highway (5:40) / Reflection (5:52) / Fever Dream (7:01) / Ostrich Alternative (5:04) / The Ghost Of Autumn (7:40) / Inner Space (7:24) / Nemo (4:49) / The Willow Song (7:57) / Fading Light (9:30) / Autumn (2:51)

Musicians:
Mike Stiskal - bass, keyboards, acoustic guitar, percussion, background vocals
Joshua Ramirez - lead vocals, drums, percussion
Kevin Forsberg - lead, rhythm and classical guitars

Guests:

Sean Grant - lead vocals (7) and additional backing vocals
Heather Hightower - as "The Ghost"

Discography:
Reason (2000)
The Ghosts Of Autumn (2003)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: September 8th 2003
Reviewer: John "Bobo" Bollenberg

Artist website: www.scapelandband.com
Hits: 1822
Language: english

  

[ Back to Reviews Index | Post Comment ]