Shady Bard - Trials

  by Maarten Schiethart

published: 10 / 10 / 2010

Label: Forest Industries
Format: CD

intro

Sophisticated and elegant second album from London-based band Shady Bard, which finds them moving triumphantly from their experimental roots and developing an increasingly eclectic pop style

When this arrived in the mail, I clicked on the file for the review I had written of Shady Bard's first CD on my PC and found out that the review file read blank. Over three years ago I was listening and preparing a review. The words, however, never got out, but I nevertheless quite liked their debut CD, 'From the Ground Up'. Shady Bard main man Lawrence Becko Vasiliadis has gone back to his Greek roots on 'Trials' which is a rich way of describing his move towards a more eclectic style. Fret not, a lot of the melody lines and arrangements - bring on the brass! - remain unmistakenly English. This change of the sound is a fine blending of triumphant pop music and a more elaborated compositional style. Almost commercial, definitely of greater appeal than before, 'Trials' is well arranged and produced. 'Volcano!' has a chart quality. There are epic touches on 'Night Song' and the tenderness of 'Daphne' move 'Trials' to great heights. 'Bears' is articulate and the title tracks - there are three parts of 'Trials' - provide yet more wonderful moments. Just when you start to fear Shady Bard might turn to kitsch, a subtle brass arrangement in 'Plan B' finishes off this album of majestic complexity. Shady Bard cross waltzes with pop music in a warm whirlpool of sounds; mature easy listening.

Track Listing:-