Conjure (Firepool Records, 2013)
Although it’s still early in the year, Herd of instinct’s new album titled Conjure is certainly destined to be one of the best progressive rock releases of the year. The group’s first album attracted a lot of attention because of its fresh and innovative sound. Conjure demonstrates that the band of skilled musicians is still at the cutting of edge of progressive rock.
Herd Of Instinct’s music crosses boundaries and an fits perfectly the definition of progressive rock, with music that is forward thinking, lots of twists and turns, mixing moments of vibrant energy and sound experimentation with cinematic passages of symphonic beauty and laid back ambience.
You can easily influences from King Crimson and its founder Robert Fripp in some of the more energetic pieces and in the various weaving guitar solos, effects and looped guitars. What makes the band exciting is that is also mixes in electronics, world music elements, psychedelia, memorable mellotron and superb avant-garde jazz.
The current line-up includes Jason Spradlin on drums and programming; Gayle Ellett on Moog, Mellotron, Hammond organ, Rhodes, and dilruba; Mike Davison on guitar, 12 string acoustic, and guitar synth; and Mark Cook on Warr guitar, ADG fretless bass, guitar, and programming.
Guest musicians include Colin Edwin on fretless bass (Porcupine Tree), Joel Adair on trumpet (Legacy Brass Quintet), Bob Fisher on flute, Joe Blair on lapsteel guitar, Lisa Lazo on keyboards, and looping samples by Steve Tibbetts.
Conjure showcases the incredible energy, tapestry of textures, and the refreshing inventive edge of Herd of Instinct , one of the finest acts in the current American progressive rock scene.
Buy the album from cdbaby.com/cd/herdofinstinct2
Thank you very much, Angel. The band, and I appreciate this pleasant review. I own several CDs, and compilations from Ellipsis Arts. I’m happy to know that someone with your resume has taken the time to listen to our music.