Diagonal is back with their follow-up to the critically acclaimed album Arc. Their new album, simply titled, 4, will be released on October 1, 2021, on CD & digital. The vinyl will not be shipped until Dec 1, 2021.
4, is a new direction for the band, adding space rock to their progressive nature.
Diagonal returned quickly to the studio, after the sessions for the last album, Arc. “It was decided that we should get the ball rolling on a follow up quickly, so we booked in a recording date as soon as possible to keep the momentum of Diagonal going whilst people were still excited”, explains drummer Luke Foster. “We found a rehearsal space in Brighton this time around and Alex [Crispin], set up all his recording gear. And much like the Arc sessions, we took around a week and a bit and ended up with loads of instrumental foundations that had good structure for vocals and top lines to be added later on”.
Diagonal is made up of: Alex Crispin, on bass, synthesizer, electric piano, and vocals; Luke Foster, on drums, percussion, organ, synthesizer, and vocals; Ross Hossack, on synthesizer; Daniel Pomlett, on guitar; Nicholas Whittaker, on alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, Hulusi, and vocals; and David Wileman, on guitar.
4, is my introduction to Diagonal, and I am happy to say that they can include me as a fan. The spacey opening track, “Amon”, is a nice welcome, complete with saxophones and wonderful conga – like drumming, enhanced with horns. The band considers this track a ‘hats-off’ to one of their favorites, German experimental rock band Amon Düül II, and thus gave it the proper name. Later the track drifts into a wonderful ‘star-array’ of spacey ambience.
The band has a cool jazz edge and that shows up well in the second track, “Chroma”. This instrumental track is a great song to contemplate or listen to while working. A great soundtrack for a relaxing Saturday, (which happened to be the day I was writing this). Perfect for relaxing or mind exploring. Nicholas Whittaker, lead vocalist and saxophonist supreme, dazzles with a 5/4 rhythm sax solo. Try that on for a change.
“Spinning Array”, is similar to the music achieved on the Arc album. The vocal harmonies remind me a little, of some of the vocal harmonies from Yes’ Drama album. Whittaker adds some intricate work on Chinese wind instruments, and the Hulusi, to provide even more surprises for your musical enjoyment.
“Stellate”, is an example of the band playing its heaviest licks, on drum and guitar. The horns bring forward more of that jazz – feel. The guitar soloing by David Wileman is powerful and memorable.
“Totem”, is another ‘hats – off’ ‘ performance, commemorating another band favorite, Japanese cosmic rockers, Acid Mothers Temple. It is the longest and best track for me. Simply amazing guitar work, that will have you replaying this track many times over.
The band describes 4 as a “punchy 37 minutes”, and I would have to agree. Nothing is wasted here and everything sounds well mastered and elegant. A great opportunity to hear something new and different for your collection. Well-trained musicians making memorable music. Wow, do we need more of that in today’s world. Just not enough good music to find out there. Thanks guys!
Track List
- Anon – 8:23
- Chroma – 4:48
- Spinning Array – 5:06
- Stellate – 6:30
- Totem – 11:47