Describing their sound as "Pastoral English music with a tale to tell..." Kaprekar's Constant has pulled hard enough on my earlobes that I just gotta take a walk through the delicate back corners of the prog garden and immerse myself in what promises to be a most satisfying and entertaining seven days...
Old habits die hard as once again I open the review with the first track on the album,
"Hors d'Oeuvre." A splendid piece of music that sets the bar high for the remaining cuts on the LP...of course the opening is a bit of a teaser as random words are spoken/sung a cappella in what feels like a wave of anxiety. Just as randomly the channel changes and a floodgate of emotions pours forth. Saxophone as slick as bourbon poured over ice flows freely through this tune while vocals are intertwined with a plethora of passion...the canvas is splashed with colors the spectrum hasn't even recognized yet.
The music spills into the next cut, "Bluebird," as Kaprekar's Constant continues their free fall through your mind... top notes of It's A Beautiful Day and Van der Graaf Generator flow through the headphones, with aromatics of latter day Roxy Music melting like caramel into a flaming bananas foster; simple, elegant, and oh so delectably rich...
Liner Notes...Kaprekar's Constant is what happens when childhood friends stick together and wander into the prog garden. The creators of the band and lifelong friends of whom I speak; Al Nicholson on acousitc, classical, and electric guitars, mandolin, and keyboards, and Nick Jefferson on bass, fretless bass, electric guitar, and keyboards, are joined on the record by Bill Jefferson on vocals, Dorie Jackson on vocals and backing vocals, Mike Westergaard on piano, keyboards, and backing vocals, David Jackson on saxophone, flute, whistles, and G# bell, and Phil Gould on drums, percussion, and 'dube.' Paul Gunn is the person behind the spoken voice...yeah; about that "spoken voice..."
Paul "narrates" the songs with a tone that is at times soothing, startling, mesmerizing, and authoritative. His voice can coat the song like the hard outer shell of a candy apple or wrap itself around with the finesse of chocolate ganache...
Alhough Kaprekar's Constant is new to the prog garden, the members are not. Certainly my fellow progheads recall David Jackson from Van der Graaf Generator, Phil Gould from Level 42, and Dorie Jackson from her work with Francis Dunnery; prog veterans all, and one key to Kaprekar's Constant sounding like a stalwart on their debut release.
Go behind the curtain to learn more about Kaprekar's Constant at Kaprekar's Constant. "Fate Outsmarts Desire" was released on Uranium Club Records; you can purchase the album at their website Uranium Club or the group's Bandcamp website Kaprekar's Constant Bandcamp. As is the standard these days, there is a Facebook page Kaprekar's Constant FB and Twitter @kaprekars to keep up on tour dates, music news, and other social events.
My final selection for review from this delectable buffet is "Houdini (King of Cards)." A mysterious opening befitting the subject and title, Kaprekar's Constant brings the Victorian abundance of Big Big Train to this cut. David's flute is Ian Anderson-esque as Dorie's vocals meld with guitars and percussion to transcend even the highest expectations. This song moves through so many time changes and moods yet remains as calm and in charge as a traffic cop in Times Square on New Year's Eve...
My choice for your listening pleasure is "Pearl of the Lake." Kaprekar's Constant fills your head with ornate sound despite the semi-dark overtones...I am taken back to early Moody Blues and perhaps a touch of the Italian prog band Pandora. The music flows through the headphones smoothly and effortlessly; like a scimitar slicing through a wheel of brie. A song to listen to whilst relaxed by the fire...oh yeah....
Once again a week spent strolling peacefully through the prog garden comes to an end. Kaprekar's Constant was a delight; their music soothing and refreshing like a summer sun shower. Realizing this is their debut album was as surprising as it was reassuring; the prog garden is definitely in good hands.
The search for all things prog enters the final turn as the race through 2017 begins to wind down...so much left to discover and so little time. Of course, the journey will continue into 2018 (knock on vinyl) as the prog garden promises yet another bumper crop. No need to rush things; enjoy the moment with Kaprekar's Constant...until next time...
Great track.
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