Zopp's Dominion, 2023
Zopp is a project by composer and multi-instrumentalist Ryan Stevenson, in collaboration with Andy Tillson (of The Tangent), who doesn't appear on this album, and drummer Andrea Moneta (of Leviathan).
The sound is typical of the Canterbury progressive rock scene of the '60s and '70s, executed with great mastery and featuring beautiful compositions that range into the world of prog, not strictly adhering to the Canterbury sound, but rather leaning into heavy prog and psychedelia, not without digressions into experimentation.
After their excellent first album, the self-titled 2020 album, Zopp repeats and surpasses themselves with Dominion.
"Amor Fati" is beautiful, with a remarkable female choir and great guitar and keyboard work. A song that introduces us to a Canterbury style with contemporary sounds. Great song.
"You" follows, a wonderful track with beautiful keyboards and great drums, with a decidedly "heavy" section that's very 1970s.
Bushnell Keeler, with a very complex composition and rhythm section, and an extraordinary saxophone.
"Uppmärksamhet" is a very atmospheric piece that keeps you suspended, bordering on experimental.
"Reality Tunnels" has a psychedelic mood, a sort of fusion of VDGG's prog style with that of Canterbury, with a strange atmosphere of tension. Very beautiful.
"Wetiko Approaching" is a very interesting short musical exercise. Beautiful.
"Toxicity" is a beautiful song, the most prog-oriented on the album, with great guitar and beautiful vocals.
An excellent album, which I definitely recommend to lovers of the Canterbury sound, from a recent band with great playing skills.
Recommended!
Tracklist
1. Amor Fati (2:10)
2. You (10:57)
3. Bushnell Keeler (5:07)
4. Uppmärksamhet (3:14)
5. Reality Tunnels (4:11)
6. Wetiko Approaching (2:00)
7. Toxicity (14:22)
Running Time: 42:01
Line-Up
- Ryan W. Stevenson - Hammond organ, Mellotron, Hohner Pianet, piano, electric pianos, acoustic and electric guitars, bass, vocals, Korg MS-20, synthesizers, percussion, flute, field recordings, sound design
- Andrea Moneta - drums and cymbals
Featuring:
- Sally Minnear - vocals (1)
- Caroline Joy Clarke - vocals (1, 2, 7)
- Jørgen Munkeby - tenor saxophone and Flute (7)
- Mike Benson - tenor saxophone (2)
- Rob Milne - tenor saxophone and flute (7)
- Tomás Figueiredo - French horn (1)
- Joe Burns - gong and additional cymbals (7)
