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THE PARANORMAL HUMIDOR
somnambulist are an American outfit whose only previous album, a self-titled effort, was released in 1996. Since then there have been many line-up changes, with only keyboard player Jody Park and bassist Terry
Clouse still on board. The line-up on 'The Paranormal Humidor' is completed by drummer Jo Whitaker, guitarist Charlie Shelton and, most significantly, vocalist Peter Cornell. The brother of
ex-Soundgarden man Chris, Cornell is in no way your typical progressive vocalist (in as much as there is a typical prog vocalist!), and the variety and range of his voice really add to the band's already fairly
unique sound.
An unusual combination of neo-prog, symphonic rock, fusion and more mainstream alternative rock; Somnambulist have created a varied and somewhat dark work which is both original and compelling. Although it has
hardly had much promotion since its release late last year, such is the quality of this work that it is now finally beginning to pick up some rave reviews - proof that the prog underground network is still alive and
well.
The album kicks off with perhaps the darkest track on the album, 'In The Mindwarp Pavilion' (named, presumably after the line from the Bowie song 'Bewley Brothers'). A clock ticking, sinister heavy
breathing and a ranting American preacher build up the tension before exploding in a keyboard led heavy section with Cornell's first vocal delivery being an almost death-metal shriek.
Elsewhere in the track Cornell utilises his full vocal range, going from a sweet, barely audible whisper to a hypnotic chant as he impels us to "drown, drown, drown in it" towards the end of the song
(lyrically this is no barrel of laughs - although Cornell's words are more rooted in reality than many prog bands).
Musically this gives a good feel of the general Somnambulist sound - many tempo and mood changes, with the music veering wildly from neo-prog to King Crimson-esque instrumental work to angsty alternative rock.
Jody Park generally plays many of the leads, alternating just about equally between synthesisers, piano and organ, and it's from him that the main neo-prog feel derives. In contrast, guitarist Shelton has a more modern style, and the combination of these two styles works well.
With an album where the songs go through so many twists and turns as this one, it's nigh on impossible to do a track by track analysis. Particular songs of note are 'Pathos of Least Resistance' - which features
a wonderful solo by Park about halfway through, worthy of Keith Emerson or Rick Wakeman at their peak.
'Died And Gone' is perhaps the most contemporary sounding track, with Cornell's quick-fire vocal delivery, jumpy rhythms and anthemic chorus suggesting (surprise surprise!) Soundgarden (except of course Soundgarden
rarely had a Hammond as their lead instrument!), whilst the twelve minute plus title track which ends the album is a real tour de force which sees each band member at their peak and gives the band plenty of room to
improvise, with impressive results.
To conclude, this really is a fantastic piece of work which all open-minded prog fans should investigate. It is undeniably dark in places, but never to the extent of being inaccessible, and it's refreshing to
see a band fusing influences from both the past and the present with such enthusiasm - and indeed creating their own unique sound in the process. Seek this one out - you won't be disappointed.
Tom 9th October, 2002
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