DAVID MINASIAN - review added 16th November 2010
Album Review: Random Acts Of Beauty (2010)
For fans of: Prog Rock... and the lady in blue
Los Angeles, California, musician David Minasian has a long and varied history in arts and entertainment. Not only is he an accomplished musician, he's a well regarded video producer and director. Tying those together is some of his best known work: the DVDs he did for English prog rockers Camel, one of his own music videos which ended up on MTV, and the lead song from the soundtrack to the movie "The Joyriders".
With musical inspirations covering Genesis, Yes, Jethro Tull, Renaissance, Barclay James Harvest, Strawbs, and more, it's little surprise the man's music is overtly progressive. The songs on "Random Acts Of Beauty" are deep and dreamy. Think along the lines of a slower version of the theme tune to The Neverending Story mixed with some of the quieter moments from War Of The Worlds, and perhaps Joe Satriani in his more introspective moments.
Joining David - who plays grand piano, harpsichord, mellotron, moog, 12 string acoustic guitars, bass, and performs lead vocals - is his 20 year old son Justin Minasian - playing electric guitars - along with special guest Andrew Latimer (Camel) who appears on the track 'Masquerade'
Good:
This is a wonderfully mellow, atmospheric release that would chill even the most irate of stress-monkeys. There is a huge amount of utterly beautiful musicianship, and David's son is a revelation on guitar. I suspect this won't be the last we'll hear form him, not by a long way. At points throughout the album, it's easy to wonder why all music can't sound this good. The artwork is fantastic too.
Not So Good:
David's vocals are mellow...but they perhaps don't do justice to the musicianship. The album is arguably way too progressive for some people's tastes, and some of the songs outstay their welcome by a number of minutes. The production is a few notches short of genius too, although that does leave the album with 'character'.
The Songs:
There's not a lot to pick between the individual tracks. This is one of those albums where every song offers something, but no ne of them as a whole reaches true greatness. It's worth listening all the way through for the superb guitar and keyboard work that pops up frequently.
In Summation:
"Random Acts Of Beauty" works best as a whole, not as individual tracks. Debates about the quality of singing aside, this is a mesmerising demonstration of ambient rock...but it won't appeal to all.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall:
Check out... All of it.
Track List:
01. Masquerade
02. Chambermaid
03. Storming The Castle
04. Blue Rain
05. Frozen In Time
06. Summer's End
07. Dark Waters
Label: Prog Rock Records
Artist's website(s): David Minasian | MySpace | Facebook
