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Visionary Position
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Firefly
Release date: Monday 21st of April 2008
£14.99A Grower, This...
Review date: 2010-04-26 Rating: 8 out of 10
The first and, IMHO, the better of the two albums this band have put out since emerging from the ashes of the original 'Karnataka.' The compositions do some unexpected things and Anne Marie Helder's voice is very varied and characterful. Some inventive playing from guest violinist Liz prenderghast doesn't hurt, either. It's no masterpiece (ie., it's not a 'Soft Machine Third' or a 'Court of the Crimson King'), but it is very easy to listen to a lot. Shame that Panic Room are going to be associated, in many people's minds, with Mostly Autumn, who are a lot more pop-oriented, and don't do prog particulary well. 'Visionary Position' is a genuine prog album, with references to middle eastern music, jazz, Holdsworth-ish guitar and folk. There are even moments when I wonder if AMH might be into Katie Jane Garside or Diamanda Galas. Though I don't mind the straight-ahead AOR follow up, 'Satellite,' I hope they'll do a few more as quirky and whimsical as this one. Try it if you like... oh, the usual prog suspects.
Visionary Position Reviews
A let down after a fantastic first track
Review date: 2010-03-23 Rating: 6 out of 10
Such a shame the rest of the album doesn't live up to a fantastic first track (Elektra City) and I made the cardinal sin of buying the album on the strength of that track! However the band shows promise and i'm certainly looking forward to giving their next offering (The Satellite) the once over. My advice to anyone thinking of purchasing this cd is to listen to it first!
Very promising....
Review date: 2009-04-07 Rating: 8 out of 10
Really impressive debut from the band that have arisen out of Karnataka's demise.
The album has a number of things going for it:
* A good variety of styles within the prog/pop range
* A lead singer in Anne-Marie Helder who has a superb voice
* A band consisting of top-quality musicians
* An excellent epic 18 minute track called "The Dreaming" - part of which I heard on the band's "My space" and knew I had to have it! (though the last bit sounds like the band having a funny 5-minutes in the studio - rather superfluous in my opinion)
* A song called "Reborn" which is very uplifting - ideal single material(my kids particularly love this song and The Dreaming!)
The only slightly weak track for me is their version of "I wonder what's is keeping my true love tonight" - nicely sung but a bit too folky for my tastes. But I even play this song because it has a 2-minute + instrumental at the end which builds up so well.
Really looking forward to their next album and a band who I'd imagine would be pretty special live.
good debut, not immediate but do not dismiss !!!!
Review date: 2008-11-01 Rating: 8 out of 10
I bought this album direct from the bands website,following a very good review in Classic Rock a few months ago.
as i state in my headline it is not an immediate "grabbing " album but more a slow burner.i have now listened to it for many weeks on my ipod and have fallen for it big time.the production is nice and crisp,the arrangements are good if not exactly adventurous and the bands playing is tight.
personally i would like to see the next album be a bit more risky,try different vocal harmonies,different keyboard sounds and textures.there is a tendency for some u.k.prog /rock bands with female vocalists to have a similar sound.
you will all know what i mean if you are a listener of recent u.k. prog.
ann marie helders voice is the standout feature of the album though.at last she can front a proper band rather than dance away in the shadows with her flute.
all in all a fine if somewhat safe debut,well worth buying as the songs are very varied and catchy ,you will find yourself singing them after a few plays.
what i would like to see is more risks,more progression with the next one.
Panic Room - "Visionary Position"
Review date: 2008-09-17 Rating: 10 out of 10
Having discovered the music of Karnataka too late to see them play live, I was intrigued by the prospect of a new band with four of the original members. This is a truly glorious debut album: fresh, melodic, haunting, beautiful and superbly played throughout. Anne-Marie Helder's voice is strong, clear and superb throughout. Buy this album please and support this wonderful band - you will not be disppointed.
Product Details/Specifications
Artist(s):
Panic Room
Recording label: Firefly
Manufacturer: Firefly
EAN: 0604388702220
Binding: Audio CD
Release date: 2008-04-21
Universal product code (UPC): 604388702220
Number of discs: 1
