Now that the year is almost over, I’m shining my light on “Monumentata”, by prog rock genius Nad Sylvan. This singer/multi-instrumentalist/composer combines not only folk, classical and rock, but also jazz and old R&B.
The high, fragile vocals of the light poppy opening track are beautiful. The fade out is a bit disapointing. Despite the layers and details in the music, I am first truly captivated by the calmly sung opening words of “Monte Carlo Priceless”. The sound of the music is beautifully clear, but there is no “wow factor” yet. That does come during ‘Wildfire’, in which the music sometimes seems to go against each other. There are beautiful details and transitions in the music. When the music is minimalistic, the vocals follow. The accessible “Make Somebody Proud” is followed by captivating tracks, which contain unusual blends of instruments and rhythms. This also applies to the high tones (of violin and keyboards) versus low (bass) tones. The layered vocals are somewhat sugary in a number of songs, which is in harmony with the music.
“Monumentata” needs to grow on you, probably because it is his most personal album.
(7/10)( InsideOut)
Tracklist:
01 – Secret Lover
02 – That´s Not Me
03 – Monte Carlo Priceless
04 – Flowerland
05 – Wildfire
06 – Make Somebody Proud
07 – I´m Stepping Out
08 – Monumentata
09 – (CD bonus track) Unkillable
Line up:
Nad Sylvan:
lead & backing vocals, keyboards, electric- & acoustic guitars, bass, percussion
David Kollar:
solo guitar (“Secret Lover” & “Make Somebody Proud”)
Randy McStein:
rhytm & slide guitar (“Secret Lover & “Flowerland”)
Neil Whitford:
ambient guitar (“Flowerland”)
Nick Beggs:
bass (“Wildfire”)
Tony Levin:
bass (“That´s Not Me” & “Monumentata”)
Jonas Reingold:
bass (“Secret Lover” & “Make Somebody Proud”)
Marco Minnemann:
drums (“Secret Lover” & “Wildfire”)
Mirko De Maio:
drums (“That´s Not Me”, “Monte Carlo Priceless” & “Flowerland”)
Felix Lehrmann:
drums (“Make Somebody Proud”, “I´m Stepping Out” & “Monumentata”
Joe Deninzon:
violin (“I´m Stepping Out”)
Lalle Larsson:
synth solo (“Wildfire”)
Jade Ell & Sheona Urquhart Smångs:
backing vocals (“Make Somebody Proud”)