Courtesy: Rise Above Records/Metal Blade Records
The 1960s and 70s were two of the most important decades in the history of modern music. Those twenty years saw some of the music world’s most influential and prolific artists and bands rise to fame. Among those artists and bands were the likes of The Doors, Crosby Stills and Nash, Country Joe McDonald, and so many others. Decades later, those artists and their music remain some of the most important and influential around. One of the most recent examples of that influence lies in Glasgow, Scotland’s three piece known as Hidden Masters. The band’s new album, Of This and Other Worlds is one of those albums that any true fan of rocks’ golden era will appreciate. The songs on this new release openly exhibit the influence of the likes of The Doors, CSN, and others. One of the most interesting of the album’s offerings is the song, ‘Last Days of the Sun.’ This song stands out among the album’s other tracks because of its two completely contrasting sounds. At first it comes across as another of the band’s classic psychadelic style pieces. But the song’s final moments sound more modern, with a sort of garage punk rock vibe. Audiences will especially appreciate the almost Blue Oyster Cult style use of the cowbell (we need. More. Cowbell.) in this song. That set against the song’s rather interesting lyrics, and audiences get a song that must be heard to be believed. Lyrically speaking, ‘Last Days of the Sun’ is just as interesting as it is musically. Front man David Addison sings as the song opens, “Tell me do you think it’s gonna rain/I sense something/But I just can’t name/The birds complaining too…” Simply put, the combination of the lyrics and music together make this one of the album’s most intriguing tracks that must be heard. It will grow on listeners more with each listen.
‘Last Days of the Sun’ is certain to make listeners pay very close attention to the song. There is so much going on to take away from the song. If that song isn’t enough for listeners, drummer John Nichol’s work behind the kit will impress on ‘There Are More Things.’ Nichols’ drives the song with his drumming right from the song’s outset. The trio’s harmonies in the song’s chorus and its almost rockabilly meets hippy music feel only serve to make it even more interesting. Its seemingly contemplative lyrics about all the things that man doesn’t know weirdly work with the music. The two elements together give the song a certain mysterious vibe. They are a good fit together. And they make this one of those infectious songs that will get stuck in any listener’s head with ease, given the chance.
The energy exuded by the band in ‘There Are More Things’ is maintained even after that song ends and the band launches into the album’s next song. The song in question is ‘Nobody Knows That We’re Here.’ What makes this song such an interesting addition to the album is that Addison’s part here is reminiscent of The Rolling Stones’ ‘Painted Black.’ Some might argue here that that’s a little bit of a stretch. But those that know the song will agree that the Rolling Stones influence is there even if it is purely coincidental. The addition of Alasdair Mitchell’s keyboard part helps to set the song apart from that influence and turn the song into its own creation. Together with the once again somewhat cryptic lyrics sung by Addison, it makes for one more song that listeners will grow to enjoy more with each listen.
The songs noted in this article are just a small sampling of what Hidden Masters has to offer on its new album. There are seven more songs from which to choose. Each listener will find his or her favorite song(s) throughout the album’s ten tracks. It is available now and can be ordered direct from the Rise Above Records online store at http://www.riseaboverecords.com/store/hidden-masters-of-this-and-other-worlds/. More information on Hidden masters is available online at http://www.facebook.com/hiddenmastersmusic. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
philspicks 