Downes Braide Association – Halcyon Hymns
Halcyon Hymns, is the fourth studio album from Geoff Downes and Chris Braide. It is an aural celebration of a bucolic halcyon summer. It will be released on February 5th, 2021.
Joining keyboardist, song writer and record producer, Geoff Downes, from Yes, and Chris Braide, vocalist, record producer and song writer, are: Marc Almond, (Soft Cell), and David London, (Big Big Train). In addition, the band enlisted Roger Dean, to create brilliant and original artwork for the project.
This is another of the best albums of the year, so far. It opens with narration, “The conch shell held to an itchy ear. A touchstone to a myriad of uplifting whispers”, all complete with birdsong. Then beautiful, soft, welcoming keyboards and electric guitar. “Love Among the Ruins”, is one of the best songs on this album and of the year, so far. A soft, reflective melody of early summer or late spring. It warms well, during the cold winter. It will be perfect when it is released in February’s anticipation of spring.
“King of the Sunset” is another wonderful song, full of descriptive lyrics. “A vast open sky. Pink clouds hang heavenly. Just like a painting. This land is forever”. A bouncing warm, summer melody. The electric guitar soloing is excellent. But the dueling guitar and mandolin near the end of the song is well worth the wait. A nostalgic sound that had a little of the melody of Zep’s “Battle of Evermore”. Definitely an album highlight.
“Your Heart Will Find a Way”, is a great 80s throwback song. The chorus is perfect, “Over the mountains, and over the waves, under the fountains, under the graves. Under floods that are deepest, which Neptune obeyed. Over rocks that are steepest. Your heart will find a way”. A Yes song if ever I heard one. Like, a powerful single, remember “Owner of a Lonely Heart”?
“Holding the Heavens”, opens like something off Selling England by the Pound or Trick of the Tail, with classic acoustic guitar and keys. But unfortunately, after a 0:50 second start, it diverges into an 80s pop song. “There may be heartbreak”. Yes, the opening was fantastic. The rest of the song, not bad.
“Warm Summer Sun”, is everything the title promises. A fantastic, deep song of reflection upon the warmth of summer, held throughout the year. The Beach Boy – like echoes are great.
“She’ll be Riding Horses”, is a Beatles-like track that has the perfect title, harmony and rhythm. Upbeat and full of feeling.
“Late Summer”, is another deep English countryside song. Summer, “Why can’t it last?”
https://burningshed.com/downes-braide-association_halcyon-hymns_cd_dvd