PROJEKT GEMINEYE (Canada)
"Man of Science, Man of Dreams" (Digital album, CD, vinyl)
(Reficul Records)
Release date: November 11th 2018
Genre: Progressive rock, heavy rock, space rock
Links:
BandCamp
Website
Mark Anthony K (Mark Kopernicky, as is his actual name) has his own Facebook group for the most dedicated followers of his solo project PROJEKT GEMINEYE, in which he keeps them updated on recording progress and production. Needless to say a lot of anticipation was built up when he made the announcement of his third album during the early months of 2018, stating that it would be an album about the approach of science in the world today, and how those who dare to dream and be visionaires go forth in their attempt to make our planet a better world.
For prog lovers this would be a splendid opportunity to make a concept album, but although the songs would have recurring lyrical themes that were based on given subjects, he did not want to label it a concept album. So, what is "Man of Science, Man of Dreams" all about?
First and foremost, it's all about the music, right?
The album consists of five songs, and also prior to this release, two singles were released to give the impatient fans something to soothe their cravings for new music. "Virtual Reality" was the first one out, and after a scary sounding intro and a thundering drumroll we are being thrown against a wall of heavy guitars and soaring keyboards. The basis are still fairly traditionally built up with power chords on both guitars and keyboards, and not only are you facing a thick wall of sound; you find yourself melting into it. Furthermore, we get more of those typical harmony lead guitars, 12 string guitars and all of it wrapped in a lush and thick mix with an analogue warmth.
"Cosmic Sea" starts off with more sexy 70's keyboards, and develops into a really heavy track with washy cymbals and pounding drums. A couple stripped down verse sections manage to create adventurous mystery with just drums and bass, and the lyrics are the words of one of the before mentioned dreamers, who all his life has wanted to find out what is to be discovered in outer space. A solid track from beginning to end, and therefore the most logical second single.
Another eight minute epic appears in the shape of "To Hope...To Dream". Ayreonesque keyboards contribute to the fact that this album is far more space oriented than the first two, and I am loving it. Acoustic guitars, organ, and a thick keyboard pad provide a warm basis for the dreamer to tell us how he has always wanted to make a change, either for his fellow man and for the planet itself. He addresses a few environmental issues as well, such as the use of gas and coal, all presented with emotion and genuine sincerity.
The longest track thus far in PROJEKT GEMINEYE's discography is "Secret Science"; a fourteen minute long four part composition, just the way the prog lovers like it. What must be the mother of all keyboard pads early on makes it evident that we're dealing with something of a more epic nature. The vocals come in just before the four minute mark, accompanied by acoustic guitars and organs, just like on the previous track, in an equally tasty fashion.
"Secret Science" is a very varied track, with all the ingredients that Kopernicky knows very well how to put into his efforts, and during the middle section he takes us on a sonic journey with the same dramatic effect that Pink Floyd did with their experimental track "On The Run" from their 1973 classic "The Dark Side of The Moon". On a personal note, I would have loved if this section was even a bit longer. Just close your eyes and let yourself drift away with the visual imagery that this particular section helps you create, then you'll see what I mean. A fine experimental track.
"Traces of the Past" is the finishing track this time, and it's a more "traditional" PROJEKT GEMINEYE composition, more riff based, but of course with more of the typical harmony leads. This is a very typical approach for Kopernicky's songwriting, and though I have mentioned the combination of heavy riffs and harmonic lead guitars before, it is because it works.
PROJEKT GEMINEYE is not progressive when it comes to technicality, but the atmosphere he creates is highly effective for a listener that wants to visualize the music. Heavy chords and melodic riffs combined with classic harmony leads, and when you add keyboards and soundscapes that sends your mind back to the golden era of progressive rock back in the early seventies, you really can never go wrong.
★★★★★★★★☆☆
Tracklist:
1. Virtual Reality
2. Cosmic Sea
3. To Hope...To Dream
4. Secret Science
5. Traces Of The Past
PROJEKT GEMINEYE:
Mark Anthony K - composition, all performances, production
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