SOUND OF CONTACT – Dimensionaut [Special Edition] (2013)

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It’s time for some Prog here, as probably you has guessed looking at the cover artwork.
SOUND OF CONTACT is the project of Simon Collins, son of Genesis legend and rock&pop star Phil Collins. The band’s debut “Dimensionaut” is a conceptual work written by Simon (who also handles drums & vocals) together with talented keyboardist Dave Kerzner.

To be honest, I only found out today (when I bothered to do some research) that the vocalist and drummer here was Phil Collins’ son. After listening the album, I was going to compare him to Phil anyway, as vocally Simon really does sounds a lot like his father, and if you’re into drumming you will notice similarities there as well. As a kid Simon pretty much grew up with Genesis, and it really shows here, although thankfully the guys (especially Kerzner) have impressed this music with their own identity.
Musically what Collins, Kerzner & Co. have created, while nodding knowingly at the ’70s heyday of prog, looks forward, striving to be at the forefront of the genre’s current and welcomed resurgence. You can hear Porcupine Tree, Genesis, Spock’s Beard, but also many Neo Prog moments, easy listening progressive music mixed with aspects of Alan Parsons.
Check the official video of “Not Coming Down”, the most commercial track here and not entirely representative of the whole album, but it will give you the idea of the clear and pristine production of this recording:

“Dimensionaut” has some intricate moments, particularly on the final suite “Mobius Slip” consisting in four sections, ranging from atmospheric, shimmering synths, to tightly-woven parts very close to prog metal. It’s pretty much unparalleled in terms of diversity by the rest of the album, offering plenty of avenues of exploration which they exploit with skill and imaginative ideas.
However, until get there what you really notice is great songs, soaring melodies, smooth instrumentation, stunning vocals, crafted interplay and some memorable, melodic hooks. All housed in a complex concept describing the mind and experience expanding journey of a traveller moving through space and time. But perfectly you can enjoy these tracks separately.
Surprisingly the results are nowhere near as daunting, nor as generic as they could and probably should be, with sympathetic arrangements and a cutting edge, but not edgy, production somehow giving the music great gravitas as it floats airily past on everything. It is a clever thing indeed and importantly an aspect that allows complicated ideas to quickly reveal themselves, while still having more than enough depth and emotion to draw you back time and time again.

Vocally Collins is more than assured, leading you to instantly buy into his messages and join in with the many sing along moments on an album that initially would suggest there shouldn’t be any. However just as Genesis did back in the day, Sound Of Contact offer simple ideas in a complex vein and complex instrumentation in simple surroundings so that “Dimensionaut” works whether you lay back in the dark with nothing on your mind but the expansive beauty of the music, or as a backing to another hectic day. Something not many albums can truly attest to achieving.
I have tested “Dimensionaut” in two ways; sitting on my couch with a glass of scotch at hand and crumbling each arrangement in detail, and as background music at my office. It worked on both.
Collins and Kerzner don’t manage all of this on their own though, Kelly Nordstrom and Mat Dorsey (guitars, bass) also sprinkling their thoughts and skills liberally across the recording.
Prog fans can often be split into ‘old’ and ‘new’ proggers. “Dimensionaut” is an album to bring them all together and celebrate a genre in its finest style.
Sound Of Contact and their debut CD are that good and both are a reason to celebrate.
Recommended.

01 – Sound Of Contact
02 – Cosmic Distance Ladder
03 – Pale Blue Dot
04 – I Am Dimensionaut
05 – Not Comming Down
06 – Remote View
07 – Beyond Illumination
08 – Only Breathing Out
09 – Realm Of In-Organic Beings
10 – Closer To You
11 – Omega Point
12 – Mobius Slip:
Part I; In The Difference Machine
Part II; Perihelion Continuum
Part III; Salvation Found
Part IV; All Worlds All Times

Simon Collins – vocals, drums
Dave Kerzner – keyboards, backing vocals
Kelly Nordstrom – guitars, bass
Matt Dorsey – guitars, bass, backing vocals
with:
Hannah Stobart – vocals
Wells Cunningham – cello

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Dimensionaut-Sound-Of-Contact/dp/B00CBW5UAU