Truth In Sound
Color Red, 2021
8/10
The guitar wizard Marcus Rezak surrounds himself with incredible talent on this EP, where Russ Lawton (drums), Tony Markellis (bass) and Ray Paczkowsk (keyboards) of Trey Anastasio Band are on hand, as is the esteemed tabla player Kaylan Pathak.
“Light Of The Moon” starts the listen with intricate guitar work and warm keys as a smooth climate unfolds amid the punchy drumming and soaring vocals, and “Borderline” follows with no shortage of melody, where the agile rhythm section complements the dreamy, jam band ideas.
The final two tracks don’t disappoint either, as “Leaving” weaves charming organ into a rugged yet tuneful version of bluesy, psychedelic rock that swirls with a strong memorableness, and “Glitter Pillow” exits the listen with a swift, meticulous display of jam band prowess that mesmerizes us via the funk, jazz and prog-rock bouts populating the infectious instrumental.
Rezak offers respite from the often dark, downcast times of Covid with these uplifting and powerful tracks, where each player is allowed ample space to showcase their talents, making for a very unique and admirable version of jam band exploration that ends entirely soon. Thankfully, repeated spins never out welcome their stay.
Travels well with: Marc Ribot’s Ceramic Dog- Hope; ALO- Sounds Like This