The Fear Engine
Origin, 2020
8/10
The esteemed British producer Andy Ross finds himself in a much different vantage point here as he pens a very unique album that asks just how we might make the world a better place for all. Not so surprisingly, the listen is rooted in Brit-rock from the ‘70s/’80s, as the landscape embraces variations of rock and pop where Ross plays all instruments but saxophone and sings with an inspiring set of pipes.
Ross starts the listen with plenty of atmosphere as soundbites enter the reflective mood where soaring sax from John Helliwell (Supertramp) and soft, smooth singing highlight “Owning The Lie”, and “Somewhere In The Middle” follows with much beauty in its cautious, nearly meditative spirit.
In the actual middle, “The Wishing Well” flows with much emotion as expressive singing aligns with uplifting and melodic instrumentation, while “Star” builds into a gorgeous strummer of glorious, nostalgic, retro-rock. “Where We Are”, another exceptional tune, then moves with a majestic, dynamic quality that even flirts with prog-rock.
“Biko” and “Nature Boy” finish out the listen, where the former offers sublime piano balladry, and the latter recruits ambience and woodwinds into the brass and string friendly climate that exits with a timeless, lush appeal.
A record that is paired with his new documentary of the same name, there certainly is a cinematic theme here with the sounds of waves and other nature-esque moments. This isn’t the first time Ross has dabbled in music as he previously played in the UK outfit Immaculate Fools, and let’s hope it isn’t his last, either.
Travels well with: Marvin Etzioni- What’s The Mood Of The Country Now?; Paul Winter- Light Of The Sun