Emkog Rec. 
Birds And Buildings : Bantam to Behemoth (US,rec.2007,pub.2008)***°'
People might have noticed that I review less new and especially neo-"progressive rock” albums nowadays, and I intend to lower that number even more. But just now and then, when noticing some distinctive talent of a group, I do accept submission to promote such efforts.
This is the third project of Dan Britton after ‘Cerebus Effect’ and ‘Deluge Grander’, and it shows a talent way above the average new progressive rock record. I was especially amazed by the multilayered complexity of how the opener, “Birds flying into buildings” started, with almost gamelan-like melodies, mixed with a sax solo, then adding a mellotron lead part, becoming more melodic, changing its complex rhythm some times and being definitely symphonic-progressive in nature. The first time when Dan adds a singing part, on “Terra Fine”, with slightly deformed voice, I was not entirely convinced by this, but the music, in a symphonic way, still makes up for this well. I was however immediately convinced by the female vocalist (Megan Wheatly) on “Chronicle..”. But when the male lead vocals return on “Battalion”, a strong filmic symphonic track and composition, this element gives a modern feeling : it sounds like a good addition. Even when on “Yucatan..” especially, the symphonic/progressive arrangements can become dense and thick, as something which usually happens with neo-prog, like on this track, there suddenly comes a strong and more intense ending; there are always thoughtful solutions, with jazzrock flavours, good rhythms or certain keyboard changes or some Spanish guitar, knowing always what to do to keep the compositions rewarding. “Chakra Khan” has interesting Spanish flavoured guitar with thick keyboard layers, including a Spanish flavoured harpsichord, mellotron and guitar duets, was another such a track which became a bit dense and thick after a while, while still evolving to a strong ending. More than once, and especially near the end, the group becomes very much one entity, which is one of the things that makes this release so strong.
PS. ‘Birds and Buildings’ now also has an additional violin player, and is working on a second album, to be published near the end of the year. Also Deluge Grander will have a new release ready around that time.
