Red Sand, is a Canadian progressive rock band that is back with a dynamic, masterpiece of an album this year, The Sound of the Seventh Bell. I have been trying to touch base with Red Sand and review one of their albums for a while now. The Covid-19 Pandemic slowed the process down considerably. But the wait is over, and it was well worth it. This is one of the best progressive rock albums of 2021. The Sound of the Seventh Bell was released, September 10th.
Red Sand, has been making music since 2004. The band consists of members: Steff on vocals; Perry Angelillo, on drums; and Simon Caron on guitar, bass and keyboards. The live band is augmented by André Godbout on bass and Jean-Benoit Lemire on keyboards.
The Sound of the Seventh Bell, is the band’s 10th studio album, and the progress they have made since 2004 is absolutely exponential. The new album, “is based on the seven capital sins, nothing less. The band has never backed away from telling stories as they are, whether it is cruelty to animals, crooked government business, pedophilia or how badly human beings can sometimes be treated, and they do not back away from freedom of speech”. “Ever since the Forsaken album, Simon’s younger daughter Barbara has been composing mature, engaging lyrics which has added even more strength to the band”.
Every track on this album is a fantastic journey of existence and musical wonder. The opening, album title track starts with the bell and deep bass, great guitar and solid drumming. Steff’s vocals are a perfect reflection of his ability to sing lead for In Trance, the official Scorpions tribute approved by the Scorpions. This opener starts the album off with a nice quiet introduction.
“Reichenbach”, is a wonderful acoustic guitar track, full of supporting orchestration. Later electric guitar is added, along with drums.
“Insatiable”, opens with excellent keyboards and riveting guitar work. The guitar work reminds me of some of Steve Hackett’s solo works. Later in the song they play a classic Yes-like acoustic and electric guitar mix that would bring tears to Steve Howe’s eyes. There are plenty of Hackett/Howe moments here for you to wish for a reunion, or remember their coupling on GTR. Some of the best guitar-work I have heard all year. The title is a perfect description for my desire to hear more guitar. Steff’s vocals and the lyrics are a wonderful complement to the music.
“Breathing”, is full of more Hackett-like acoustic guitar. The bass is more prominent on this track. Steff’s vocals and the lyrics are a central feature for this one.
“The Sound of the Seventh Bell – Part II”, opens with powerful piano that will grab your attention immediately. Then, wonderful, Tony Banks- like keyboards, combined with electric guitar and bass, featured prominently. A Tony Banks-like keyboard assault which will bring back memories of “Duke’s Travel’s”, “Los Endos”, and many others from the attic of your Genesis’ memories.
“The Sound of the Seventh Bell – Part III”, is a beautiful acoustic piece.
“Cracked Road “, is an epic journey and the album’s longest track at 21:05. It opens with deep eerie keyboards and lament. This track has some wonderful David Gilmour guitar moments. More beautiful keyboards and atmospherics surround the soundscape. But this band is a guitar-primary band and they do it very well. One of the best instrumental tracks of the year. Absolutely epic! Sit back and enjoy every 21 minutes of it. Steff’s vocals and the lyrics that join in just before the mid-point, lay out the story well. But those big, bold Gilmour – like guitar pieces are magnificent. Nice bass solo as well. The drumming on this track is also formidable.
“I Can Feel It”, is the album closer. It opens with a “Whiter Shade of Pale”/”Court of the Crimson King” feel to it. Then it warps into an almost Radiohead “Creep” melody. Just amazing. Steff’s vocals shine through on this track. You can really hear that Klaus Meine sound in his vocals.
Please, do not miss one of the best studio albums of the progressive rock year. Get this album and enjoy every minute of it. Simply fantastic!
Track List
- The Sound of the Seventh Bell – Part I – 5:44
- Reichenbach – 4:02
- Insatiable – 14:31
- Breathing – 4:23
- 7:55
- The Sound of the Seventh Bell – Part III – 2:24
- Cracked Road – 21:05
- I Can Feel It – 4:19
https://redsand2.bandcamp.com/album/the-sound-of-the-seventh-bell
https://www.facebook.com/red.sand.773/