10/09/2025
Fabulous review of a recent Sound Discs CD Pressing;
" definitely taking vintage Genesis as their model here I think but only in terms of style, the music is uniquely their own."
Terrific review for Zen Orchestra from that Mr. Alan Hewitt (The Waiting Room). He knows his onions. You can read the full review below. Cheers, Alan!
Debut albums are always fascinating. They are both an indication of what a band/musician has achieved and a statement of intent as to what is to come in the future.
Zen Orchestra’s debut has been a long time in the making - ten years in fact and while not quite a Peter Gabriel gestation length it nonetheless is a long time in the making. Finally spurred into action by the untimely death of a band member, here we have the debut which also serves as a tribute to said band member .
From the outset it is obvious that we are listening to a group of accomplished musicians, totally in command of their instruments and we get off to a fine start with Minds, which to my ears has an Asia-esque feel to it before it goes to another level entirely with some soaring keyboards and guitar work. For some reason the vocalist here reminds me of Curt Cobain but that's nothing to be sneezed at. Musically and vocally a strong opening.
Faces shows the face (pun intended) of New Prog - all synth runs and changing time signatures definitely taking vintage Genesis as their model here I think but only in terms of style, the music is uniquely their own.
Time gives us a slow burning build up to a passionate and dramatic performance, Mark Barrett’s vocal is impressive and there are echoes of both Marillion and Yes throughout this one.
Billionaires gets off with a rhythmic start underlaid by some sparse piano/synth leading to a full on Prog jam with time signature changes that should come with a health warning - don't try this at home folks!
Circles is replete with mechanical staccato rhythms almost like morse code but with a symphonic and celebratory feel.
Heartless is both dramatic and sombre with a classic Hammond organ sound which I love - ELP meets Genesis - love it!
Coda does exactly what it says on the tin, a rip roaring Prog romp which will leave you breathless and exhilarated.
The album may have been a long time coming but that time has been well spent as the end result is a marvellous slice of new Prog with its roots firmly in the soil of Prog history.
More please!
