http://www.progarchives.com/review.asp?id=2771078
MONSTERS FROM THE ID
Ben Craven Crossover Prog
4.86 | 10 ratings
From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website
santisoux 5 stars
This is an outstanding album, refreshing and yet quite set in the aesthetics of the 70s. key elements from different influences ranging specially in Yes, but managing to nevertheless sound very set in the current times. The way the two pieces are built is speaking of the way in which Craven serves composition, arrangements and the use of a very well structured and creative way of organizing the ups and downs in both long epics.
In a way reminiscent of many albums of the 70s (think of Thick as a Brick or Tubular Bells), the album consists of only two major epics, both clocking the 20 minutes. Both take the listener in a complex and yet easy listening journey through the sound palette Craven provides so enthusiastic of the way instruments work together in the aim of arranging an atmosphere. Since there is only one performer, Craven himself, it is difficult to hear the sensibilities of other musicians, but still it feels highly emotional, coherent and strongly armed.
The second epic flows around more sub-parts, and still, it follows perfectly in the set of colors the first epic had built. It opens with a very nice acoustic introduction. Despite the fact of having a continuity of small pieces interconnected, the themes return several times to provide the feeling of unity so very important in any epic.
I strongly recommend this one, I think is one of the best albums 2022 will provide! 5 stars