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SLEEPING DOGS: Myth Reducer

This is an ambitious effort on all fronts, sounding everything like a prog rock ’70s concept album. Epic, ambitious – along the lines of early Bowie, ELP, Ozzy (without the heavy metal), and Queen via Muse. You are instantly transported to another time, another era – and beyond. This album starts out strong and holds you in its dramatic grasp. There is no way you would pick this for a ‘modern’ album but for how meticulously it has all been articulated. Essentially the vision of one classically trained Thomas Reid (vocals, piano, acoustic guitar), he is ably aided by Ace Palenski on guitars, Rocky on bass and Rick Harvie on drums. Art direction and video production is also handled in-house. Based in Christchurch and active since 2009, this debut album was partly recorded at York Street, but mostly at Modern World Studios in Tedbury, UK, where they worked with producer Greg Haver, mix guru Clint Murphy and the Vulcan String Quartet. Mastering was done by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound New York. The efforts made show through, and it all flows – a vision accomplished. It’s an unapologetic and hedonistic flashback to the glory days of early ’70s UK rock, well executed. Fans of Bowie, Ozzy and prog metal will all appreciate this. These guys aren’t resting either – they’ve already booked to record their follow up album at the same studio this year. Majestic.

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