DAMANEK
Making Shore GIANT ELECTRIC PEA
Eclectic social commentaries from prog rock collective.
Founded by UK prog veteran Guy Manning, Damanek’s third album sees them perfecting their majestic arrangements and catchy melodies. A Mountain Of Sky’s big choruses and energetic instrumentation evokes both mid-70s Jethro Tull, and Manning’s former eponymous band. The same holds true for the aptly named Americana, which makes great use of backing vocalists and quirky timbres. Both the jazzy, environmentally conscious Back2Back and the tropical In Deep Blue (Sea Songs Pt.1) showcase the group’s knack for spirited, wide-ranging instrumentation as well, yet it’s the lengthy five-part suite Oculus that impresses most. From the sophisticated textures of Overture to the feisty The Corridor and contemplative A Welcoming Hand, it’s an adventurous and affective closing journey.