An impressive 27th album already by the unstoppably prolific Australian band, and this is one of their most experimental and theatrical releases yet, less prog- and riff-based, more harking back to the days of dramatic, full-on, 1970s rock operas and musicals with dynamic orchestral pop, funk and jazz. It’s another skilful morph and fusion, this time with some echoes of Steely Dan, a dash of Zappa of course, and the grandiose film opera work of The Who’s Pete Townshend. As well as mythological imagery and fantasy in lyrics, there’s a wide musical spectrum to enjoy, from the melodramatically fun Deadstick (decorated with sax and trumpets), to the acoustic chamber folk of the rather beautiful Lonely Cosmos with shimmering, sprightly classical strings and woodwind; the perky, syncopated funk with brass on Panpsych; some echoes of Frank Zappa on Eternal Return; sci-fi travel fantasy on Spacesick; catchy country rock on Aerodynamic and Sea of Doubt, the very Steely Dan-feel funk and jazz of Silent Spirt, all the way into the dreamy wistful woodwind and melodies of closer Grow Wings and Fly. From guitars, bass and drums to trumpet and trombone, clarinet, sax, bassoon, French horn, viola, cello, violins and piano, immaculate musicianship transports the listener on a nostalgic, spotless journey into styles into an altogether groovier period with a freshness and vitality. Wear and enjoy all the musical flares. They remain a phenomenon. Out on p(doom) Records.
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