Bay Area based Psych-Progressive Rock band Mondo Drag return after eight years with a new full-length featuring once again a reformed rhythm section. Titled “Through The Hourglass,” it was released on September 15, 2023 via RidngEasy Records and contains 6 tracks between 4 and 11 minutes in length. The title opener “Burning Daylight Pt. 1” is the first of two parts, characterised by an atmospheric intro that accompanies us as we listen. A solid rhythm section, with elaborate drumming and deep bass lines, are enriched by tempo changes and allow an intense theme to develop between Prog and Psychedelia. Keyboards and guitar intertwine in the melodies over which the vocals interpret the lyrics with pathos, fitting perfectly into the musical context of the song. The intensity increases as the minutes go by, alternating between sung parts and instrumental sections enriched by the phrasing between guitar and keyboards, as well as solo cues, combining a retro imprinting with the band’s fresh, modern touch. The second part “Burning Daylight Pt. 2” is the perfect conclusion to this track, which opens the disc by enhancing the band’s compositional and performing technique, skilful in mixing Prog and Psychedelia. “Passages” is an epic track of over 11 minutes in length and opens with a prolonged intro with keyboards and effects that create dark atmospheres. As all the instruments come in and the track evolves, the band develops a Progressive Rock between retro and modern, with the keyboard melodies taking centre stage. The tempo changes allow the band to move from softer, enveloping moments to more heavy ones with guitar riffs intertwining with the keyboards. In the finale, the band offers us a guitar solo first and then a keyboard solo, concluding the song in a fine musical crescendo. The entire duration is exploited to offer an intense and elaborate instrumental track of absolute value. The title track “Through The Hourglass” is a pleasant interweaving of melancholic guitar and keyboards. The vocals are warm and expressive, passionately interpreting the lyrics and alternating with the elaborate instrumental sections. The instrumental textures are enriched by elaborate guitar solo inserts, which accompany us to the song’s finale, an excellent choice as title-track. Guitar and synths open “Death In Spring” whose rhythm section moves slowly, characterised by elaborate drumming and deep, load-bearing bass lines. Melancholic atmospheres permeate the sound, both in the melodies and in the intense vocal parts. A pleasant alternation of instrumental sections in which the intertwining of keyboards and guitar is emphasised, creating ethereal, enveloping melodies and sophisticated solo cues. The album ends with “Run” featuring a dreamy keyboard intro that slowly immerses us in the track’s atmosphere. A pleasant mixture of Prog and Psychedelia with a retro imprinting, brought into a modern context thanks to the band’s personal touch. The vocal parts are warm and expressive, alternating at their best with the elaborate and refined instrumental sections, pleasantly accompanying us towards the end of the track and the album. A band that confirms the good things heard in their predecessors, offering six long tracks that are elaborate and engaging from start to finish. The blend of Prog and Psychedelia is well accomplished, offering intense instrumental sections that enhance the band’s compositional and performing technique. The vocal parts are warm and expressive, fitting best into the musical context of the album. A recommended listen for lovers of Prog sounds with forays into Psychedelia, skilfully mixed by the band, bringing retro atmospheres into a fresh and modern context thanks to their personal touch.
Tracklist
01. Burning Daylight Pt. 1 (04:06)
02. Burning Daylight Pt. 2 (04:39)
03. Passages (11:02)
04. Through The Hourglass (06:21)
05. Death In Spring (06:10)
06. Run (06:54)
Lineup
John Gamiño / Vocals, Synthesizer, Organ, Piano
Nolan Girard / Synthesizer, Guitar
Jimmy Perez / Drums, Percussion
Conor Riley / Bass, Vocals
Jake Sheley / Guitar
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