Gimmicky and disappointing
Gerald Quigley | NYC | 07/25/2009
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This is largely a return to the structure of Secret Chief 3's first album, which is to say: a very large collection of short pieces. However, whereas SC3's first album had some long tracks you could lose yourself in - some of which stand out as the album's finest music - this one doesn't. It pertains to be the soundtrack to a non-existent Italian horror movie (a gimmicky idea, IMO) or possibly just individual tracks from several non-existent Italian horror movies. The style is unique, I guess, and does evoke the cheap, melodramatic, bizarro B-movie feel of its inspiration. That said, it doesn't make for memorable listening. Too many tracks are amelodic, chaotic, comprised of ambient sounds and shrill outbursts in random sequence. Other tracks sound like the seed of a song - building towards a melody, a complexity, a path into a full song - that never grew. Too few have actual fully-fleshed music. Giallo Horror Film music is a vulgar and superficial style, ultimately; a glaring sound to go with the lurid imagery. It ought not be the inspiration for artists as talented as these. Disheartening in the extreme.
On the heels of some really excellent and inspired music, choosing the soundtrack style of daft, Italian horror movies of yore is a terrible move. Rather than continuing their fantastic exploration into the unique fusion of Middle Eastern and Western music styles, they chose to goof around. Where has the long-promised Book of Souls gone?
The album is not without some merit. Many tracks contain moments with melodies both mysterious and hypnotic. Sadly, these moments are fleeting, the music always moving on to something else. Something less.
Having waited so long I am bitterly disappointed with this album. It is the least of their works by far. By a long shot."
Secret Chiefs do it again
R. S. Fernandez | Spain | 01/13/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, after waiting so long for the Book of Souls, the Chiefs surprised us with this musical companion for a non-existent italian horror film from the seventies.
They explore new territory, and create they're most cohesive album until now, with the music flowing perfectly from one cue to another, themes repeating with variations, drawing dark scenes in your mind's eye.
Musical and technical skills are extraordinary, and exploring and investigating the titles of the songs can prove very rewarding.
So, while we await for the long promised Book of Souls, we can enjoy another piece of fine music by Spruance and company.
By the way, on the last european tour, when I had the chance to speak with Spruance, he told me he would get down to mix the Book of Souls as soon as the tour was over, and it may be released very soon (although it was quite some months ago); also, each of the separate bands that form the SC3 would have their own album, beginning with these Traditionalists. He had composed quite a bunch of music for the BOS and not all of it would fit there; it may be released as part of these SC3 satellite bands releases.
Let's hope there are more releases like this in the (near) future..."
Inspires some eeeeerie mental images!
Lou | Forest Park, IL USA | 03/26/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a real shame there are only three reviews on this extremely creepy and haunting, yet beautiful album. From the moment you see the cover and then open the LP-like skeleton cover, you know you're about to be transported to a dark place. Not really one to listen to get outta bed, stretch & start the day. However, on a dark & stormy night, there would be nothing finer. Also, the musicianship is incredible: Trey Spruance is a master & with the help of some Estradasphere-alum, it's just outstanding. Oh, and to the dude that called the album "gimmicky"--I was confused by that description, so I looked up the Webster's definition: an ingenious and usually new scheme or angle. Yeah, that's about right. If you dig horror movie music, do your imagination a favor and buy this now."
Track Listings (26) - Disc #1