The Reasoning - Adverse Camber

Third album by sensational Welsh prog-rockers.

Hailing from Cardiff, the Reasoning are a band that are always rising to new heights; from touring with the likes of Marillion, Fish and Wishbone Ash, to recently appearing on BBC Radio Wales for an impressive acoustic session. The Reasoning are climbing the prog-rock ladder and they're rocking all the way...

With Adverse Camber, the band have taken the 'Short but incredibly tasty' approach, with 40 minutes of classic metal riffs intertwined with acoustic rhythm sections, flowing vocal arrangements, subtle and smooth keyboards, diverse basslines and crushing metal drums - all held up by solid song writing, performed to perfection.

On the first listen, I was surprised with the new approach to production. Once the jobs of Dave Meegan (producer of Marillion's "Brave" one of the best albums ever!) and John Mitchell (of It Bites/Arena), now a task taken up by Bassist Matt and Guitarist Dylan, it's obvious that they have picked up some of the techniques of their previous collaborators as most DIY producers tend to do (Take post-Steven Wilson Opeth for instance.) This in turn gives the album that melting pot sound, mixing veteran techniques with Matt and Dylan's flowing, vocal friendly atmospheres, the makings of a very unique record indeed!

What stands out the most for me is the voice of the band's lead singer Rachel Cohen, one of the most unique vocalists you're likely to hear - a gentle breath of fresh air that remarkably compliments a much heavier composition- no coincidence I'm sure, this is more credit to the album’s fine production and Rachel herself. Unlike their past works, Rachel takes on most of the lead vocals, where as regular lead vocalist Dylan and newcomer Maria are involved more in the background with stunning vocal arrangements and beautiful harmonies. The vocals are the thing that got me attracted to this band in the first place and I'm delighted to hear that they keep getting better.

Song-wise, the album's highlight for me is "Script Switch Trigger", featuring some of the band's finest vocal passages, some superb lyrics and gorgeous chord progressions.

A new era for the Reasoning in terms of new members and a new DIY approach to productions, this new album is a step in the right direction for a truly remarkable band. Get it now!

Adverse Camber is available from all good retail stores and the band's official shop.

Also, you can listen to a preview of the record if you follow the link to their homepage.

Peace and potatoes,

Steve Holland 24/05/2010

Tracklist

1. Diamonds & Leather

2. The Nobody Effect

3. The Thirteenth Hour

4. Through the Now

5. Script-Switch Trigger

6. 14

The Reasoning are:

Rachel Cohen - Vocals & Percussion

Dylan Thompson - Vocals & Guitars

Matthew Cohen - Bass

Owain Roberts - Guitars

Maria Owen - Vocals & Acoustic Guitar

Tony Turrel - Keyboards & Vocals

Jake Bradford-Sharp - Drums

P.S. (Taken from their website) "If you would like The Reasoning to perform an acoustic show at your local venue/pub, etc, then we want to hear from you right now. Please send your request and your contact details to Graeme at Cathedral Management info@cathedralmanagement.com - and he will tell you exactly what you need to do next."