QUARTERMASS II |
| Occasionally,
a disc will cross my desk that is so far superior in construction and
presentation that I am rendered, almost, speechless, quite a feat for
a CD to have on this reviewer. I do feel fortunate that I receive such
quality music to review but this QUATERMASS II disc is on another
level completely. The songs on "LONG ROAD" are perfect in every
conceivable way, from their loving construction straight on through
to the final studio performances. Most will look at this group with a touch of nostalgia and rightly so for they group can boast a rhythm section comprised of former GILLAN drummer Mick Underwood and original DEEP PURPLE bassist, Nick Simper. You can't ask for more credibility than that and if you are able to put aside the hero worship, you just might come to appreciate just how good this collection of songs really is. At first glance song titles like "Prayer for the Dying," "Good Day to Die," "Suicide Blonde," "Hit and Run," and "Daylight Robbery" would seem to point in a very heavy direction which is not the case at all. This is a very upbeat album and, dare I say, danceable! It is melody and rhythm in complete synchronicity. Nothing like the death metal album that you might think if you only read the song titles. There is a power here that is uncontrived and intangible and no other song on this record is a better example than, "River." The guitar is as tastefully close to overdrive as any band need come and the lyrics are beautiful in a "power pop" sort of way. It is also the record's best chance at a single but given the state of radio these days it will probably never get the chance. Still, it is beautiful, powerful and moving. The four gentlemen that comprise QUATERMASS II, Bart Foley(vocals/guitar), Gary Davis(lead guitar) and the aforementioned Underwood and Simper, have produced a record that is so far above the fray that it is scarcely comparable to anything else out at the moment but if forced to make a comparison it would be to CREED. Both groups have the same heartfelt devotion to involving melody and power to their storytelling. For my money, I would grab this disc first. Released By Angel Air Records. Review by David Lee |