Half Past Four are a Canadian quintet based in Toronto who have certainly created some interest with their quirky brand of arty prog, that also incorporates elements of heavy metal, jazz, classical and folk. Their biggest influences include King Crimson, Frank Zappa and Kate Bush, and there are distinct echoes of each of them throughout the album. Although this new album Finding Time, their fourth studio album, may be a little on the short side, they use their time wisely and pack a lot into its six diverse songs. From the tango-like start of Tomorrowless, the track is big on personality and originality as they expand on the concept of what it would be like to have a life without a tomorrow- using the analogy of organisms in the soil. Tempo changes, staccato choruses and a stunning guitar break Boris Kalantyr are just some of the talking points of this fascinating song. A brilliant keyboards groove from Igor Kurtzman raises the curtain on the jazzy Far Away Here, which moves along at a rapid rate, Kyree Vibrant's cultured voice hits some soaring heights over some delicious instrumental textures. It's the turn of Dmitry Lesov's bass guitar to come into its own on Shake Your Head that has a mystical quality reflected in the lyrics which Vibrant delivers with innate power and sensitivity. At its core is a dynamic instrumental section where guitar, keyboards and piano bring some amazing depth to the song. In storytelling mode relating to mythical creatures living up trees, the whimsical Igguana features some Queen-inspired backing vocal harmonies, and some Crimson-like instrumental breaks. On Branches, Vibrant channels Kate Bush in its melody, rising and falling before the rest of the band joins. You can hear shades of Andy Glass of Solstice in Kalantyr's resonant guitar work. Underbelly ends the album with an edgier, bluesy feel to it, musing about there being a darker side to life in any given situation. Kurtzman's stabbing keyboards and drummer Roberto Bitti's forceful beats give it a decidedly menacing feel. Original, sassy and occasionally out there, it's a real delight and each of the band members really shines on the six tracks. Please find the time to listen to Half Past Four! **** Alison Reijman Where to buy? |
