Shadows In A Jar
Spirit Of Unicorn, 2023
9/10
The 6th album from the Life On Mars project, and one that took 8 years to make, Earl Kayoss penned all the songs here, and he’s joined by Fernando Perdomo, as well as Billy Sherwood (Yes) and Denny Seiwell (Paul McCartney and Wings).
“Ego” starts the listen with a thick and busy display of charged and tuneful rock that carries a retro-feel, and “The Key” follows with powerful singing and dense riffs in the firm but tuneful ideas that soar loud.
In the middle, the intimate “Rabbits” makes great use of the warm organ and poetic singing that touches on folk-rock, while “She’s Already Gone” flows with gritty melody and a cautious spirit that’s as eloquent as it is memorable.
Deeper yet, “Only One” carries a distinct dreaminess that makes great use of cozy acoustic guitar and light drumming amid Kayoss’ stirring voice, and “Hurricane Jane” exits with a reflective, lush and precisely textured finish.
A very diverse body of work that doesn’t shy away from guitar crunch, prog-gestures, classic rock bouts and even traces of modern rock, Kayoss and company make the most of these adventurous 13 tracks.
Travels well with: Life On Mars- At Stars End; R. Stevie Moore- Afterlife