"Making Shore": Damanek’s third prog release

Founded by UK prog veteran Guy Manning, Damanek’s third album sees them perfecting their majestic arrangements and catchy melodies. A Mountain Of Sky’s big choruses and energetic instrumentation evokes both mid-70s Jethro Tull, and Manning’s former eponymous band. The same holds true for the aptly named Americana, which makes great use of backing vocalists and quirky timbres. Both the jazzy, environmentally conscious Back2Back and the tropical In Deep Blue (Sea Songs Pt.l) showcase the group’s knack for spirited, wide-ranging instrumentation as well, yet it’s the lengthy five-part suite Oculus that impresses most. From the sophisticated textures of Overture to the feisty The Corridor and contemplative A Welcoming Hand, it’s an adventurous and affective closing journey.

Making Shore isn’t perfect. Lyrically, its messages can sometimes be a bit cliched and sanctimonious, not least when it comes to the child welfare decrees Noon Day Candles. Rarely does that issue hinder the album’s otherwise engaging qualities, though, so there’s almost nothing keeping Making Shore from being another essential release.