The James Warner Prophecies - Fell Reviewed by Steve Rudd

I vehemently stand by my claim. The James Warner Prophecies are one of the finest bands in the UK. And that's why I remain so confused, because if you ask the average person on the street, they have never heard of the band, let alone their life enhancing music. If I can help change that, I shall ... beginning now. I've said it before and I'll definitely say it again: this quartet is something else in every respect. Stylishly mashing together myriad musical influences, the band returns with this four-track EP, headed-up by The One.

Bolstered by a hard-driving riff and Kate Rounding's ethereal bursts of flute, the epic tune pays homage to the best of both worlds; Classic Rock and Progressive Rock, in one devastatingly stealthy swoop. With Matt Anthony providing the bass undercurrent, and sticksman Dan Williams keeping the beat, The One is truly epic in scope, its bold arrangement proving to be breathtaking in its grandeur as frontman Joe Brown croons his heart out.

The dramatic dynamics generated from the flute playing off the lead guitar (and vice versa) ensures that the overall aural experience couldn't be any more electrifying.

Braincell Piracy is equally as exhilarating. A stampeding, cross-generic anthem, the energy elicited by TJW P might put one in mind of the maelstrom created by The Levellers in their prime. Once again, the arrangement is expansive in nature, with the Folk-Metal theatrics also serving to remind of Mostly Autumn's desire to experiment. The bluesy swagger of Fashionable Place Of Birth cleverly darts off at a tangent.

Thoroughly tongue-in-cheek, the only adequate way of describing this tune is to say it's 'downright cool', with fluent flute trills jostling for attention against an angular guitar riff as Joe jokily indulges in Cockney kitsch: 'I'm a northerner!'

Last but not least, Judas Stone provides the opportunity for Joe to flex his vocal cords like never before as the intensity and pace of the music takes two steps back, a rousing 'To hell with your heaven' refrain suffused with such passion that one thing cannot be denied: the music written and performed by The James Warner Prophecies is 'feel good' by default. What's more, you can even dance to it should the mood take you. So now you know. Just don't forget the band's name. And if anybody asks, be sure to reply: 'Yes, I know. The James Warner Prophecies are sensational.'

www.james-warner.co.uk www.myspace.com/thejameswarnerprophecies

Copyright © Steve Rudd 2010

thisisUll.com Featured Writer Steve Rudd
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