Dukes Of The Orient – Freakshow

Album review by; Myk

 

With the first track ‘The Dukes Return’ the Asia influence from the off is very clear, with some nice gravelly vocals from John and some saxophone thrown in as well which is used to great effect elsewhere on the album, a good start for this slice of progressive rock.

 

Next up is a slower more reflective number ‘The Ice Is Thin’ which would be at home on either of the last 2 Magnum albums highlighting the melodic qualities of the song.

The title track ‘Freakshow’ is a fantastic soundscape that reminding me a bit of Alice Cooper or the Circus of Horrors as it drives forward, slow and menacing.

‘The Monitors’ is another very Magnum sounding number and just to clarify this is meant as a compliment not a criticism.

‘Man of Machine’ picks up the pace with other influences like Phenomena evident.

 ‘The Last Time Traveller’ has some great keyboard flourishes that sound like Deep Purple in full flight showing the variety on offer.

‘A Quest For Knowledge’ continues in the same vein as the rest of the album with the progressive signature time changes, saxophone and keyboards coming to the forefront of the mix.

With ‘The Great Brass Steam Engine’ we get some interludes with drums and keyboards that are reminiscent of classic seventies Emerson, Lake and Palmer.

Then a brace of slower more contemplative numbers starting with ‘When The Ravens Cry’ before leading into the final number ‘Until Then’ finishing off an impressive second album.

 

Overall a good easy listening album with nothing new or ground-breaking on offer but a very enjoyable listen.

 

4/5

 

Dukes Of The Orient are;

John Payne - vocals, bass and guitars

Erik Norlander – keyboards

Frank Klepacki - Drums

Alex Garcia - Guitars

Eric Tewalt - Saxophone

 

Social Media Links;

https://dukesoftheorient.net/

https://www.facebook.com/Dukes.of.the.Orient

 

Album ‘Freakshow’ available at;

https://www.frontiers.shop/new-releases/1038/dukes-of-the-orient-freakshow-cd-jewelcase

 

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