Monarch Trail

Prog Head

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MONARCH TRAIL is a superb prog band that currently ranks among my favourite newer Canadian outfits. Three years ago, these chaps pleasantly surprised with their debut CD 'Skye', on which they trod some really exciting musical paths. Thereafter, I had great expectations for the successor. In Summer of 2017, Monarch Trail unveil a new studio album 'Sand', and it can not disappoint. Absolutely spot on! :cool:

Monarch Trail (front cover).jpg

So, if you are curious to listen to the whole thing, here’s a link.

http://progstreaming.nl/pages/play-album.php?activeAlbum=2017-08-06-06+-+Monarch+Trail+-+Sand


My additional comment will follow later.
 

Prog Head

Member
My additional comment will follow later.


Monarch Trail continue their forward momentum as they have just released a sophomore album ‘Sand’ which is quite tremendous in its effect. Combining the best elements of their debut release and using potion of inventive extract, MT seek to take us back to the halcyon days of the 1970's. Once again, the core personalities (Ken Baird - keyboards & lead vocals, Dino Verginella - bass, Chris Lamont - drums) enlisted the support from the guest guitarists (John Mamone, Kelly Kereliuk, Steve Cochrane) who append some hues and textures to the signature style. Here and there, the floating synth lines embody the mode of Tony Banks with deliberate nods to Rick Wakeman. Whereas the flamboyant keyboards accompanied by splendid guitar passages, skillful rhythmic changes and engaging soundscapes evoke a delectable retro feel, the general approach is sweetened by attractive singing from Ken Baird. Taken as a whole, the brand new Monarch Trail affair is a strong mix of exciting instrumental pieces ('Station Theme', Charlie’s Kitchen', 'Another Silent World') and gorgeous vocal tracks ('First Thoughts', 'Back To The Start', 'Missing', 'Sand'). The musical content is so rich with nice melodies that it holds your attention all the way through. Entering gently into a magical venture, the anterior cut sets the stage for following material. It may be a cliche to say so, but the final composition, 24+ min. epic, sums up all the ingredients, showcasing how versatile this Canadian group can be within a symphonic prog rock multi-movement. Indeed, a great choice to complete the consistent album. The bottom line: buying a CD ‘Sand’ guarantees you're in for something really special. RECOMMENDED!
 
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Prog Head

Member
Monarch Trail are working on material for what should be their 3rd studio release. Currently, things come along rather slowly but surely. So the band hope to have new album out early next year. :cool:
 

Prog Head

Member
That's just a short update to let you know what has been happening in the realm of Monarch Trail, together with information relating to future release. The next album should be called "Wither Down", featuring six songs with a duration of about 56 minutes.
 

Prog Head

Member
That's just a short update to let you know what has been happening in the realm of Monarch Trail, together with information relating to future release. The next album should be called "Wither Down", featuring six songs with a duration of about 56 minutes.


More news to come very soon! :cool:
 

Prog Head

Member
MONARCH TRAIL is probably the finest Canadian exponent of retro-sounding progressive rock music. For the unaware, their new album 'Wither Down' is recently out. And what an impressive offer it is! In fact, this particular item should evoke memories of the days most people have thought were long gone and never to return. Yet the music here is also fresh enough to be unique with abundance of ebbs and flows, intriguing changes. Something that will bring lasting appeal to any fan of the older, epic style. Indeed, CD 'Wither Down' features a majestic progressive rock aesthetics with symphonic pretentios, characterised by gorgeous textures, exquisite melodies full of subtlty and elegance. Rest assured, there are spellbinding keyboards, nice guitar meanderings, close-knit rhythm backdrop, soft and emotive vocals. While you might assume a nostalgic 70's flavor only or just another attempt to copy the familiar trends, this new disk features a special build-up. A sign that this band can stand on its own feet. Sure, credit goes to Ken Baird for the creative songwriting and for guiding the new material to fruition in the studio with so admirable results. The use of vintage keys and piano passages are top-notch by any standards. Moreover, his fine singing complements the instrumental performance. The neat, clever rhythmic job of Chris Lamont and Dino Verginella contributes to lay out the whole canvas for the display of art. This album is a true teamwork in a collaborative sense. Aided by guest guitarists (Kelly Kereliuk and Steve Cochrane), Monarch Trail are providing the musical feast. Now I'd like to name the certain influences. Think of early Genesis along with Barclay James Harvest, and you won’t be too far off the mark. Some other allusions do pop up once in a while, but they are much more vague. The sound is very well balanced, never straying away from the attraction. As result, an utterly absorbing delight in the 70-s spirit. Believe me, from the moment I got this amazing album, I can not bring myself to listen to anything else.. Unreservedly recommended!
 
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