Jim Griffin has always explored the intersection between cosmic imagery and inner narratives, shaping albums that speak both to the vastness of the universe and to the fragility of human perception. “The Counterblast” continues along this trajectory, presenting a collection of compositions where atmosphere and structure coexist with remarkable balance. Recorded with a small but effective circle of collaborators—whose contributions range from additional vocals to saxophone and drums—the album unfolds as a reflection on order, conflict, memory, and the faint light that binds individual stories to something larger.The sonic palette is wide but cohesive: layered keyboards, guitars alternating between texture and definition, a rhythm section capable of being both patient and incisive. Griffin’s writing shows a mature understanding of contrasts—density versus space, clarity versus distortion, introspection versus confrontation—resulting in an album that reveals its full depth only through repeated listening. The music never chases excess; instead, it constructs a narrative made of shifts, tensions, dissolutions and reconstructions, very much in line with the exploratory spirit of modern Progressive Rock. The album opens with, “Cosmic Law and Order,” a composition that immediately defines the thematic core of the work. Built upon a firm instrumental foundation, the track develops through a dialogue between keyboards and electric guitar, both essential in shaping a sense of spatial vastness. The rhythmic section maintains a steady and articulate pulse, allowing melodic fragments to emerge gradually. The guitar solo in the central passage reinforces the feeling of ascension, while spoken elements and cosmic-infused vocal layers expand the narrative tension. The finale returns to the interplay between guitar and keyboards in a crescendo that feels both introspective and planetary. A darker and heavier mood dominates “Xenocide.” A deep and grounded bass line anchors the piece, while the guitar introduces a riff of distinct weight. The vocal delivery matches the intensity of the instrumental section, acting almost as a guide through the shifting patterns that combine elements of Progressive Rock and Heavy Rock. The saxophone by Robbie Costelloe becomes an unexpected but highly effective addition, enriching the sound with phrasing that cuts through the density without weakening it. The final interplay between guitar, winds, and voice enhances the dramatic arc of the composition, marking it as one of the album’s strongest moments. With “A Counterblast to Astral Travel” Griffin embraces a rougher, more direct approach. The first half is driven by a raw, vigorous attitude that distances itself from the more atmospheric elements of the opening tracks. Rhythmic changes and structural shifts keep the energy constantly in motion, while the vocal interpretation brings an assertive edge. The second half offers a complete change of tone: delicate acoustic arpeggios, a warm and expressive vocal presence, and a sense of suspended fragility. The transition is organic, almost narrative, and the contrast between the two sections elevates the entire composition. It is a piece that grows significantly with each listen, revealing high-level writing and emotional precision. The suite “Sleeping Generation” begins with a contemplative and atmospheric tone. Warm vocals emerge over a soft and immersive instrumental field, with keyboards providing an almost dreamlike environment. The guitar adds subtle psychedelic nuances that guide the listener through the first half of the track, later giving way to more modern and electronic textures. The dreamy vocal lines in the second half reinforce the transition, preparing the ground for the next movement. The second part unfolds as a delicate, cosmic meditation. A long introductory section of floating keyboards and distant atmospheres sets the mood. Spoken passages appear like fragments of a distant memory, while the vocal parts remain soft and almost intimate. The composition grows slowly, prioritizing texture and spatial depth over conventional form, and presents one of the most evocative atmospheres on the album. The final movement concludes the suite with a sensitive and gradual construction. The opening is gentle, with atmospheric layers that evolve into a more structured progression. As the arrangement grows, the band intertwines Art Rock and Progressive Rock elements, enriching the sound with guitar motifs and characteristic “voices from space” that give the suite a luminous, satisfying closure. It is a finale that resonates emotionally, completing the thematic arc introduced in the earlier parts. The first bonus track, “For the Dying Empire” presents Griffin’s personal take on Space Rock, merging the genre’s traditional elements with his own stylistic traits. The track alternates forward motion and reflective pauses, shaping a sense of observation from a distance—an empire in decline seen through a cosmic lens. The melodic choices and the structural fluidity make it an elegant addition to the digital edition. “January Sky,” the final piece leads the listener into an electronic and more experimental territory. Repetitive patterns, understated pulses, and celestial textures recall the most spacious side of Krautrock. It feels like a closing meditation: minimal, expansive, and emotionally suspended. A winter sky observed after a long journey, where silence becomes a statement. “The Counterblast” is a refined and immersive work that strengthens Jim Griffin’s presence within the modern Progressive Rock and Space Rock panorama. The album navigates between weight and subtlety, rawness and atmosphere, narrative density and introspective clarity. The suite “Sleeping Generation” stands as its emotional and conceptual heart, while the heavier and more dynamic tracks broaden the expressive scope. It is an album that rewards attentive listening, revealing layers and intentions with remarkable consistency. Griffin delivers a mature and inspired release—coherent, imaginative, and elegantly structured—capable of leaving a lasting impression.
Tracklist
01. Cosmic Law and Order (08:08)
02. Xenocide (05:18)
03. A Counterblast to Astral Travel (06:02)
04. Sleeping Generation (Part 1) (08:58)
05. Sleeping Generation (Part 2) (03:36)
06. Sleeping Generation (Part 3) (08:51)
07. For the Dying Empire [BANDCAMP ONLY BONUS TRACK] (04:59)
08. January Sky [BANDCAMP ONLY BONUS TRACK] (03:40)
Written and performed by Jim Griffin
Featuring:
Robbie Costelloe / Saxophones (Track 2)
Keith McCoy / Drums (Track 2)
David Reece / Vocals (Tracks 2 and 3)