Prog-Nose

Release: 2010-06-28 Style: progressive rock Label: www.insideout.de / www.pettingzoo.nl MySpace: www.myspace.com/demiansmusic Playing Time: 55:50 Cat. N°: Review by: Danny Translated by: Danny Rating: 9/10

Multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Chapel is back with the second album of his studio project Demians. I call it a project because he’s doing everything himself. I saw him perform with his live band, but it was clear he didn’t feel really comfortable on stage. But now he’s back in his favourite habitat, the recording studio. It’s almost unbelievable that this is the work of only one person. He is really good at everything, from the guitar to the drums, from the keyboards to the vocals, the latter perfectly harmonized. And of course, he also did a great job on the production, not forgetting to mention his great achievement as composer.
He is still influenced by bands like Porcupine Tree and Radiohead, but there’s certainly a Demians sound growing.
This album starts a lot heavier then “Building an Empire”, which makes Demians sound more like the newer Porcupine Tree, including the Gavin Harrison drum sound.
“Porcelain” is a lot quieter and softer and is a real slow growing semi-ballad with a lot of Peter Gabriel references. Every time you think the track has reached its climax, it takes you one step further and tops the moment before. Great stuff!!
The heavy tracks are a bit heavier than on “Building an Empire” and the softer songs, like “Porcelain”, “Black Over Gold” and “Rainbow Ruse” are more intense, more emotional and utterly brilliantly written.
The tracks are not that easy to get into and are not as melodic as on his previous album. The CD also lacks the longer tracks, but that’s no problem, because it gains in quality.
The best progressive rock CD of this year so far. InsideOut certainly knows to pick them out!!!

Tracklist: 1. Swing Of The Airwaves (07:27) 2. Feel Alive (04:33) 3. Porcelain (05:33) 4. Black Over Gold (06:10) 5. Overhead (06:33) 6. Tidal (03:47) 7. Rainbow Ruse (05:31) 8. Hesitation Waltz (06:46) 9. Falling From The Sun (04:10)

Musicians: All instruments, vocals: Nicolas Chapel Discography: Mute (2010) Building An Empire (2008)