Easily the most diverse album that I have heard in many, many years.
‘Perspectives’ is the third album from the band known as Lord Of Mushrooms and it is easily the hardest album I have had to review this issue (or for sometime for that matter). The reason for this is that every time I play ‘Perspectives’ it always sounds so different from the last time I did. One minute I’m hearing classic prog, then out of the speakers comes an almost Black Sabbath like heaviness to the music, then that’s followed by a modern take on prog that tries to forces its way into the frame, and that is then superseded by a pop sensibility, which is further replaced by rap? (I know), and then it’s back to classic prog, all in all a barking mad musical journey.
Saying I was a little bit perplexed isn’t the word but what I can tell you all is that as complex, odd and weird as this album is - and it certainly is - it is also a very thrilling music-filled ride that never leaves you bored, uninterested or wanting to go off and do something else instead. The band helps keep your interest high by being the best at what they do. The vocal dexterity courtesy of new boy Gus Monsanto (ex-Adagio) is stunning to hear; couple this with the keyboard wizardry of Luca Mariotti, the blistering guitarwork of Laurent James and the amazing rhythm section of Julien Negro and Marco Talevi, see LOM making music that is a joy to experience, though if that helps me to tell you about the songs themselves then I’m a Flying Dutchman.
‘Perspectives’ is a concept album about a strange character and his journey through life, the songs analyse his thoughts and tell of the odd and abstract things he thinks about as he travels. Even the band say that they’re not exactly sure of just what is going on, so the listener has no chance, though this makes ‘Perspectives’ all the more fascinating to listen to and invest time in. My asking you to check out ‘Imago’, ‘Awaken’, ‘Nyx’s Robe’ or ‘Circles On The Water’ and then telling you about each of them won’t help you make up your mind about this album at all. It has to be experienced, lived with and its merits, good or bad must come from you, yourself because with each play through, this album changes like the seasons and throws up more questions than answers.
This is easily the most diverse album that I have heard in many, many years. Enjoyable and frustrating in equal measure ‘Perspectives’ will either be high in my albums of 2012 or end up unplaced; I still haven’t made up my mind. In essence this will also be a thumbs up or thumbs down album for many a Fireworks reader, so it’s over to you!
Ian Johnson
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