The Vegetarians - Space Age Pagliacci

 

I love what The Vegetarians do. Malmo's Hans Annellson and Long Island's John Tabacco seem to throw everything into their song arrangements. Songs take unexpected turns, surprise instruments edge in (and out) to provide something wonderfully melodic.

You might say that their base is Pop Rock or even AOR and Classic Rock. But that tells hardly any of the tale. At times they can sound 80s big sounding AOR, particularly synth wise, but they are also close to Symphonic Rock, Modern Prog and yet they can get close to the likes of The Dowling Poole.

Take for instance Strangle Rocket Affair as an example of the changes in direction. Starting like something Smooth, it adds trombone, Slap Bass. slips into a Prog Time Signature and a Piano Jazz section, yet remains great Pop Rock at its heart.

Then there's Music Hall with a Calypso vibe on Dark Reptilian Clown. But, Advice is one of the year's great Pop songs, wonderful 70s Pop Rock akin to the likes of Andrew Gold, but with a real wit to the lyrics. Silly Song continues the fun, part UK Glam Rock, partly a jaunty 70s singalong with a Mrs Mills style piano run and even a bit of scratching.

Doubt And Fear even gets all 60s Studio Recording, Yet, the epic AI's Failed Dream is Big Rock at its very best with edges into Space Rock and Modern Prog. Parallel-O-Gram even gets very Alan Parsons Project. 15 Songs are here and the album still ends too soon.

The Pop Rock on display will grab followers here straight away, it is right up our street. But the strength of the arrangements on the longer songs is outstanding. The ability to match both is a real plus point and Space Age Pagliacci is an absolutely splendid listen.

You can listen to and buy the album here.  You can buy it on CD or as a download.

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