This is the fourth solo album, but only the second using the Baron Von Bielski Orchestra title. I loved the first album and if anything, this is even better. It has massive sounding songs with multi layered vocals, weird interludes, heavy guitars, and superb vocal melodies. If anyone has heard the Saigon Kick albums that he sang on and wrote, you will know what to expect, even though he takes that a lot further here.
Bombay opens up the album and man, what a killer opening tune. Super heavy riffing with a hook and melody to die for. Numb takes that heavy guitar mixed with a native beat and groove into something that sounds familiar but feels brand new, and the vocals are something else. Superb tune and my favourite! The riff to Heathens is so good and that hook and chorus is just superb. Mexico feels like a McCartney tune, especially with the piano and vocal. Birds Of Prey follows and the vocals will floor you. The layers and harmonies are stunning. Flying Monkeys has Marco Minneman on the pots and pans, this is a s close you will get to a Zappa song. The guitar, bass, and vocal are playing the same part until you get to the main hook and chorus. I would love to see this played live.
Sic Riff is indeed just that, a down deep and low riff with matching groove. A great sounding acoustic opens up The Depths. The Baron shows what a great and unique sounding voice he possesses. Beautiful song! Awesome multi layered vocals to open up Beneath The Waves over what is basically a simple chord pattern, but it works so well. Sweet Eliza follows and I guess you would describe this as a ballad. This one is all about the vocals. Great song! A psychedelic intro to 9981 Darkness that seems to carry that vibe all the way through the tune. T
he heavy guitar returns with Feels Just Like Love. This song feels like an old rock n’ roll tune in the verse, but when we get to the hook and chorus it’s more like being in a church choir. I know that sounds odd, but this song is a delight. Bear Sedatives is next, and what a name for a tune. This has a twisted lullaby feel to it. Deep Blue follows and Yes circa 90125 springs to mind, I’m in awe of how Mr. Bieler has the ability to weave the most amazing vocal melodies into all his music. We close out the album with Human Head. Another super clear acoustic piece with matching vocal.
There are so many different vibes and grooves on this record, it is a total joy to play. If there was any justice in the world Jason Bieler would be playing sell out tours and his music would be selling in its millions. A wonderful album that everyone should own.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
