Days Between Stations – Giants (StationOne, 2020)
Giants is the third album from progressive rock duo Days Between Stations. On this occasion, the California-based duo collaborated with producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Billy Sherwood who provided vocals, bass and drums and contributed arrangements throughout the album.
Most of the album contains straight ahead symphonic progressive rock that is deeply satisfying. The influences range from progressive rock-era Yes, Genesis, ELP and Pink Floyd to Steven Wilson’s recent adventurous work.
Guitarist Sepand Samzadeh demonstrates his versatility with a wide range of guitar sounds and influences that include Steve Howe, David Gilmour, Steve Hackett and Steven Wilson. Keyboardist Oscar Fuentes Bills’ style draws from the great prog masters like RIck Wakeman and Keith Emerson and also from top jazz-rock fusionists.
Billy Sherwood put his stamp on most of the album in the form of Peter Gabriel-style vocals (and a little Jon Anderson) plus excellent Chris Squire-style bass lines.
Giants contains masterful epics such as the opening piece “Spark” (16:54) where ELP meets Steven Wilson; the Yes-infused “Another Day” (9:38); the wonderfully-orchestrated “Giants” (12:58); and the fantastic grand finale The Common Thread (7:47) where the keyboard work is truly outstanding and Sepand Samzadeh delivers spectacular guitar work that would make Steve Howe proud.
The album also features shorter songs like the beautiful laid back melodic piece “Witness the End of the World” with Durga McBroom on vocals.
“The Gathering” is a sweet instrumental with piano, acoustic guitar and synths. Here, the keyboards seem to recall the classic Italian progressive bands.
The least attractive track is the pop song “Goes By Gravity” that seems out of place amidst the great progressive rock content.
The lineup includes Sepand Samzadeh on guitars; Oscar Fuentes Bills on keyboards; Billy Sherwood on drums, lead and backing vocals, and bass; Colin Moulding, lead vocals on “Goes By Gravity”; and Durga McBroom, lead vocals on “Witness the End of the World.”
The album cover is by Paul Whitehead (Genesis and Van der Graaf Generator) and the CD booklet is nicely designed with illustrations and lyrics.
Buy Giants