| Musical Style: Instrumental Progressive Rock | Produced By: Roland Bühlmann |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Switzerland |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: Roland Bühlmann |
| Tracks: 8 | Rating: 80% |
| Running Time: 61:19 |
We expected yet another predictable instrumental rock album when presented with opportunity to review Crucial, the May of 2019 third album from Switzerland based and Christian multi-instrumentalist Roland Bühlmann, but we found ourselves awarding high marks in nearly all of our criteria. First and thankfully so, it is not another generic eighties shred guitar-fest, a form which while certainly having its place, can also wear thin and prove repetitive with repeat listen. Second and of equal import, it strays outside the musical box in leaning towards an ambient and ethereal fusion based direction but with enough guitar emphasis, to keep things interesting (I am reminded somewhat of Kerry Livgren’s 1989 release One Of Several Possible Musiks). Third and ultimately putting it over the top is how it is also ‘progressive’ instrumental rock in light of the albums lengthy songwriting, with two songs in excess of ten minutes and four others in the six to seven minute range.
Crucial opens to three of those six minute pieces, beginning with the jazzy “Kailen”, exclusive to a fat bass line intermixed with offbeat keyboards and periodic guitar outbursts (not to mention mid-paced acoustic guitar passage), and experimental “Higgayon”, keyboard driven its first two minutes until bass and guitars (some light and others heavy rocking) coalesce the remaining distance. “Buzzing” closes the trio as a joyous celebration of catchy bass lines and intense guitar soloing that ranges from the forward and curtly done to delicately woven.
Albums lengthiest in the twelve minute “Arabon” ensues. It proves nonchalant and composed in form, drifting its length in ethereal fashion as airy keyboards and atmospheric low end trade off in building impetus and settling back down again. Bountiful guitars also make their presence felt, revealed in a mid-point acoustic solo along with periodic outbursts of intense feedback. It adds up to a joining of the reserved and acutely focused.
“Crucial”, coming in at seven and a half minutes, is albums most consistently heavy with its classic rock vibe. A decided guitar proclivity rises to the forefront, with plenty of catchy open air riffs joining with searing guitar outbursts and all the technical bass acumen you could wish. Artist’s ever-present sublime keyboards decorate the backend.
Two five-minute pieces follow in “Uvkal” and “Miserere”. Former atmospherically drifts its length to loopy keyboards and guitars that range from those with an oriental flair to others mirroring a heavier proclivity- all the while the artist profound bass continuously makes its presence felt. Latter takes a fusion-ish form to guitars that drift back and forth with an almost U2 like quality, while keyboards maintain a signature vaporous presence, with particular note given to the vivid soloing closing the final minute.
Crucial ends to its second epic in the eleven minute “Subconsciously”. Spacey keyboards (sort of like 2001: A Space Odyssey) carry its length along with off kilter guitars and more bulbous bass to create an unpredictable if not offbeat effect (in a flattering sense). Halfway through and when the song is about to fall flat, guitars with a hard rock edge abruptly cut in to make a frighteningly striking statement only to fade away over the final minute and a half as keyboards again take over.
Again, Crucial receives well deserved high marks, the least of not which being how its strays outside the box with its at times jazzy and fusion-like and others heavier rocking but always progressive musical leanings. Musicianship also deserves notes in that (as referenced below) the vast array of instruments the artist performs is staggering (someone needs to introduce him to Kemper Crabb of ArkAngel fame), while production is above the line as well. If into instrumental music with a progressive edge then Crucial comes with a strong recommendation.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Kailen” (6:12), “Higgayon” (6:34), “Buzzing” (6:38), “Arabon” (12:19), “Crucial” (7:32), “Uvkal” (5:24), “Miserere” (5:38), “Subconsciously” (11:00)
Musicians
Roland Bühlmann - Electric & Bass Guitars, Aeon Sustainer, Grasses, Guitalel, Hanottere, Kinnor, Mandola, Shofar, Whistle, Voice, Wine Glasses, Percussion: Braches, Knifes, Leaves, Oil Tank, Stones, Udu, Stone, Wrenches
