Since emerging on the scene with their self‑titled debut three years ago, Canada’s Brass Camel have steadily refined a sound that marries the adventurous spirit of classic Progressive Rock with a modern rhythmic punch. Their sophomore effort, “Camel,” arrives on April 16, 2025, a taut six‑track album that spans just under 45 minutes yet manages to traverse an impressive array of moods, textures, and technical feats. With each member locked into a creative synergy, the album not only confirms the promise of their first outing but deepens it, exploring Funk‑inflected grooves, lush Symphonic passages, and razor‑sharp instrumental interplay. Opening with “Zealot,” Brass Camel immediately stakes their claim. A colossal riff rolls in, anchored by a thunderous bass drum and punctuated by stabbing keyboard figures that recall both vintage Yes and contemporary modernists. From the first bar, the band demonstrates a knack for seamless tempo shifts: what begins as a head‑down rock gallop gradually fractures into layered counterpoints, allowing guitarist and keyboardist to weave intricate solos without sacrificing momentum. Vocalist [Name] delivers a performance both forceful and nuanced, his phrasing rising and falling in tandem with the music’s dynamic tides. At just over seven minutes, “Zealot” serves as a masterclass in establishing thematic material and then transforming it through successive variations. “Pick of the Litter” follows with a leaner, more song‑oriented approach. Here the band’s compositional chops shine through tight verse‑chorus structures, where memorable vocal hooks are buttressed by off‑kilter time signatures that never feel gimmicky. The interplay between Hammond‑style organ and distorted guitar is a highlight: during the mid‑section, the two voices engage in a spirited dialogue, trading licks and embellishments against a backdrop of tumbling percussion. A brief orchestral flourish—strings synthesized but warmly textured—lends an unexpected grandeur before the piece cycles back to its infectious refrain. “Chain Reaction” shifts gears once more, injecting a Funk‑Rock swagger into the album’s narrative arc. The bass grooves with a distinctly rhythmic bounce while the drums accentuate the downbeat, giving the track a palpable sense of forward thrust. Rhythmic stabs in the keyboards punctuate the verses, and the chorus opens into a soaring, melodic hook that contrasts beautifully with the song’s gritty undercurrent. Solo sections find the guitarist digging into wah‑inflected tones, while the keys explore percussive motifs—an inspired fusion of groove and technicality that few Prog acts pull off so convincingly. Side B begins with “On the Other Side,” which rides a mid‑tempo pocket that blends staccato guitars and percolating synth lines. Here, the Funk quotient is dialed back just enough to allow more breathing room for the band’s collective interplay. The vocals soar over choruses that feel both anthemic and intimate, and the instrumental breaks balance lyrical guitar melodies with angular keyboard runs. It’s an exercise in restraint, yet it packs an emotional punch, as the arrangement unfolds in subtly shifting layers. “Borrowed Time” is the album’s briefest excursion—just over three minutes—but it makes every second count. Clocking in as a tight, punchy number, it capitalizes on punch‑drunk organ chords and chugging guitar riffs to create a concise, radio‑friendly statement that still bears the band’s Progressive stamp. The outro, a rapid tag team between guitar and keys, hints at greater depths unplumbed, leaving the listener eager for more. Finally, Brass Camel unleash their magnum opus: “Another Day.” Clocking in at almost twelve minutes, this epic is a tour‑de‑force of compositional ambition. It opens with a spacious, reflective piano motif before gradually accreting layers—gently brushed cymbals, trembling bass, and atmospheric synthesizers—that build tension over two minutes before a sudden surge transforms the mood into something more assertive. The central section unfolds through a series of distinct movements: a driving, mid‑tempo rocker gives way to a haunting, minor‑key interlude, which then blossoms into a rousing call‑and‑response between guitar arpeggios and swirling keyboard textures. The vocal delivery here is at its most expressive, shifting from whispered intimacy to full‑throated passion as lyrics examine themes of loss, resilience, and renewal. In the final minutes, the band conjures a widescreen, almost cinematic sweep, with soaring leads and harmonized melodies that bring the journey to an exhilarating close. It’s a fitting capstone, showcasing Brass Camel’s evolution from promising newcomers to bona fide torchbearers of modern Progressive Rock. Throughout “Camel,” production is crisp without ever feeling sterile. The rhythm section sits tight in the mix, while guitars and keys occupy their own distinct spaces—allowing intricate passages to shine. The songwriting strikes a fine balance between accessibility and complexity, ensuring that repeated listens continue to yield new discoveries. In sum, Brass Camel’s “Camel” is a compelling statement of maturity and individuality. By blending Progressive Rock’s exploratory ethos with Funk‑driven rhythms and robust songwriting, the band have crafted an album that feels both rooted in tradition and thrillingly contemporary. For fans seeking a fresh take on the genre—one that respects the giants of the past while pushing into new territories—this is a must‑hear release.
Tracklist
01. Zealot (11:09)
02. Pick of the Litter (04:09)
03. Chain Reaction (04:29)
04. On the Other Side( 05:07)
05. Borrowed Time (03:30)
06. Another Day (11:56)
Lineup
Daniel Sveinson / Electric Guitar and Vocals
Curtis Arsenault / Bass and Vocals
Aubrey Ellefson / Keyboards and Vocals
Wyatt Gilson – drums and percussion
Dylan Lammie / Electric Guitar