Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating * * * *
David Georgiou, the man behind the keys of Kingbathmat takes a peek from behind the curtains and like any musical maestro likes what he sees but knows that he can take it on another stage further and his release under the guise of The Sandpaper Eyebrows, the album Clockwork Utopia, takes the 21st century neo Metal-Progressive Rock to the next level.
The sound of Clockwork Utopia pays homage to that of Steve Hackett, the elemental guitarist’s work is recognisable in its innocent like sound but in which is cloaked secrets and clandestine music which brings thoughts of Brothers Grimm tales and bitter endings wrapped inside the charm of Progressive Rock. It is a fusion that has always worked and David Georgiou carries on that fine tradition.
In the same way that Queensryche fans now have two different versions of the band to follow following the departure of Geoff Tate, so Prog has two versions of David Georgiou to take under their music wing during the year, on top of what will surely be considered one of the finest Progressive Rock albums of the year in Truth Button, fans will now get to see the man pulling all the strings like some phantom three-ringed master on this new recording. Although there are some high profile appearances by John Bassett on the vocals for the songs Electric Eye and Ozone and Rob Watts offering some superb guitar solos, this is primarily a very good solo album by David. It will divide opinion in the same way that solo albums by keyboard players seem to always do but Clockwork Utopia is not Journey to the Centre of the Earth. It is just the right length and has the right approach to be just as well thought of as Mr. Wakeman’s work but without the distraction of people belittling its grandeur and style.
The tracks flow well and on tracks such as Follow, Ozone and Interval there is much to admire and revel in and it is heartening to see someone step from behind the relative safety of the keyboards and open themselves up for public scrutiny, it makes the experience of music worthwhile when you have that approach.
Although Kingbathmat’s album will take the greater reward come the end of the year, David Georgiou should be congratulated for having the vision to make this album what it is, a cracking debut by a fine musician.
Ian D. Hall