Jeremy Morris or just Jeremy if you prefer, has been making records for a long time and has made somewhere in the region of forty in total. He doesn't stick slavishly to one musical genre and has produced many albums in many different musical guises. His most recent offerings have been in the area of prog rock and it has to be said that he is adept at making music in whatever genre he chooses, as 'Glow In The Dark' proves.
All the elements of classic prog are present and correct and as you make your way through the album you get fleeting suggestions of some of the giants of prog here and there, because it can't be helped, classic style prog rock relies on the help of musical ambience, drama, atmospherics along with generous helpings of Mellotron and analogue synths to define it's sound, but the music here is original and adventurous, which is how it should be, after all, shouldn't it?.
The album kicks off with 'In The Beginning' which gives one a musical impression of a tour through the dawn of evolution and then through various themes as the music itself evolves and mutates. 'Glow in the Dark' utilizes classic Mellotron flutes and strings to haunting effect supported by chattering synth sequences and 'sky high' wails of guitar duets. 'Planet Departure' goes into the territory that used to be inhabited by Mike Pinder's contributions to Moody Blues albums and is very atmospheric and effective. 'Electric Warrior' uses a propulsive tribal beat as a backdrop for an orchestra of E Bow guitars to glide over, whilst 'Time Tunnel' treats you to a searing guitar workout. 'Endless River' brings the album to a close with it's piano led melody and a final feeling of optimism and hope.
Glow In The Dark is an assured foray into the world of prog rock, without being self indulgant. The music is presented for the benefit of the listener rather than the composer or musician, which is a trap that many prog performers can fall into. A well executed and entertaining suite of music from a very talented and prolific artist.
Reviewed by Kevin Wallbank of M100 and Honeymoon on Mars
03/20/09
