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Last updated 08/01/2012 18:35:36

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Cell:Adore


Burn Indigo


Think Bach meets Pink Floyd and System Of A Down and you might have some idea of what we have here in this 8 track offering from Cell:Adore aka Chris Johnson. Chris has been part of the local music scene for quite a while now, probably best known for his stint with Backline Ideal but these days he’s treading a solo path and judging by the sound of this he’s doing very well thank you. Recording “Burn Indigo” at Null Moon Studios, he has not only written all the tracks he also plays all the instruments and this is a real mix of styles, ideas and influences.  


The emotive piano instrumentals Checkov’s Gun and the entertainingly titled Aperture in C Minor contrast wonderfully with the crunching machine gun guitars and slick vocal harmonies of title track Burn Indigo. I detected Floyd influences in Sophrosyne, some nice acoustic stabs here, and there’s a nod to Jimmy Page in the excellent lead break at the end but my favourite track is the atmospheric Voices Ascend with its shimmering hook and harmonies which flows neatly into the thundering multi-rhythmic Luna De Piscis.


The Johnson vocals do not have a natural hard edge which isn’t perhaps what you might expect given the power of some of the material on show here but the softer vocal style offers a subtle contrast and he scores well with melody and harmony. “Burn Indigo” is a no go area for conventional song patterns and it is refreshing to hear music written without the constraint of having to bow to the commercial gods.


There’s a lot going on here so don’t judge this on one hearing. Sometimes haunting, at times dark, often powerful but always melodic, Burn Indigo is a real winner in my book. If you like your music a tad left of centre get this on your headphones, close your eyes and go with it.


PJF


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Listen to “Sophrosyne” on the Flatrabbitmusic Player


Visit the Cell:Adore web site

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