MULTI STORY – Crimson Stone (2016)
MULTI STORY delivered two really good light prog albums during the ’80s, especially the second appeared in 1987 including some sweet AOR melodies. Sadly, it was their last. Now after 29 years, Multi Story are back and with a new album titled “Crimson Stone” released today.
Multi Story born in the early Eighties playing at every venue available all over UK. Following a session recorded for Tommy Vance’s Radio One Rock Show in 1984, the band signed with Heavy Metal Records (the new FM label), and released their debut album ‘East West’, recorded at Monmouth’s famous Rockfield Studios in 1985.
The band supported Magnum on their “On A Storyteller’s Night” tour of 20 dates throughout the UK, leading to headline gigs at the Marquee Club and TV appearances.
The band’s second album ‘Through Your Eyes’ was released in 1987 with Grantley Nicholas on vocals (who later went on to form Feeder), following the departure of original vocalist Paul Ford.
Despite successful tours with Pallas and again Magnum, the album did not quite capture the response the debut received as the musical climate in Britain was changing, and the band subsequently parted company with the FM label by mutual consent.
Writing partners Rob Wilsher (founder member and keyboard player) and Paul Ford got the creative juices flowing again and started casually working on new material as a duo.
It was reaching completion when Rob met young brothers Jordan Neale and Aedan Neale on another music project, which sparked the idea of reworking the material to accommodate a full band and fire the Multi Story machine back into life with a new line-up … which led to “Crimson Stone”, the band’s third studio album overall, but their first in 29 years.
Multi Story 2016 and this “Crimson Stone” sound quite awesome.
Blending their original melodic, almost poppy AOR melodies from the ’80s with an elegant, ‘adult’ modern neo prog sound, plus a pristine production, there’s a lot to enjoy here.
‘Murmuration’ has some Marillion and IQ on it, while the great ‘Sly Dream Catcher’ (great mix & effects during the track) has some Saga, Fish, and commercial ’80s Genesis. A favorite of mine.
Lots of synths (a mean tons!) are all over ’12:16′, then ‘Tutankhamun’ features arrangements which remind me of GTR, and ‘White Star’ to Asia.
‘The Viewers’ is the more ‘melodic rock’ track on the album with a pumping bass driving the tune adorned with clean melodic guitars & vocals. Title track “Crimson Stone” closes the CD, and Multi Story blend here all their influences from classic prog to ’80s lighter moments.
Multi Story have no lost their highly melodic approach developed during the ’80s mashing accessible harmonies with progressive passages, all with very modern sound & production.
“Crimson Stone” is a very enjoyable release with a wide audience potential: Saga, Marillion, IQ, Magnum, ’80s Yes, Camel & Genesis, etc. even some Alan Parsons.
Highly Recommended
1. Murmuration
2. Sly Dream Catcher
3. 12:16
4. Tutankhamun
5. White Star
6. Black Gold (Part 1 & 2)
7. The Viewers
8. Crimson Stone
Paul Ford – Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Rob Wilsher – Keyboards, Programming
Aedan Neale – Electric & Acoustic Guitars
Jordan Neale – Drums, Percussion
Kyle Jones – Bass
BUY IT !
www.multistoryband.co.uk/#!shop/yqv6i
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