SIMON COLLINS & KELLY NORDSTROM: emolecule (2023) - review online

I am not a fan of Simon's solo music (although his last album was quite enjoyable), but I really liked the Sound of contact stuff. Looking forward to hearing this new album!

Thanks for the heads up! Looks and sound interesting.

I don't know, the song lasts 10 minutes and I left at 5 already.

One of Simon's best qualities is his voice and here perhaps for the vocoder (!?) I don't even recognize it.

Listened to in full it is automatic to compare it to the dark songs of Genesis such as CAS or Watcher of the Skies.

Quote from rkive

Listened to in full it is automatic to compare it to the dark songs of Genesis such as CAS or Watcher of the Skies.

well, that comparison (Watcher / CAS) didn't cross my mind when I heard this. I quite liked Dimensionaut. I hope for some more "song-like" tracks. This first track is a bit too "strange" for me.

Never thought something that sounded so much like Tool would emerge from the world of Genesis. Reminds me of something off Lateralus. Interested. Will check the album out in due course.

Quote from rkive

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I don't know, the song lasts 10 minutes and I left at 5 already.

One of Simon's best qualities is his voice and here perhaps for the vocoder (!?) I don't even recognize it.

I hope the album will not entirely be like this. For one track it's ok. This indeed sounds a bit like Tool. Or maybe even Porcupine Tree?

Sorry, I'm not expert of prog music.

I didn't even know SC had done any albums so I've learned something at least.

This track is OK but frustrating in the way so much proggy stuff can often be. I like elements of it, such as the hard-edged riffing together with an electro feel. I agree there's a Tool likeness and I'd add 90s Crimson too. I don't see any issue with the vocal treatment - it's not as though he sounds like Metal Mickey or Sparky's Magic Piano or whatever.

But what's frustrating is this prog template that seemingly has to be followed by so many acts. Intro - loud bit - fast bit - solo-y bit - quiet reflective ethereal bit - return to loud fast bit, another widdly-widdly solo etc. It can get very tedious. And each bit is overstretched. This song really doesn't need to be 10mins. Without the unnecessary elongations and repetitions it could fit into 5 mins and pack a greater punch. Which can be applied to so much modern prog stuff I hear.

On balance I probably won't investigate further.

I am actually really happy about the new single:

Quote from dudeski

I am actually really happy about the new single:

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Yep I like the dynamics in that more than the other track. will definitely continue to keep an eye out for more. Is it life-alteringly good? No, but there are enough elements I like, and a general feeling that they are trying something with potential.

Simon has a very weak voice, a sort of pale copy of his father. Without the echo chamber and the reverb of his voice, there is not much left. A not unpleasant timbre but rather anodyne.

Quote from Ben

Simon has a very weak voice, a sort of pale copy of his father. Without the echo chamber and the reverb of his voice, there is not much left. A not unpleasant timbre but rather anodyne.

well, a lot of people have a weak voice. It's simply a question what to do with it. I like their approach and this track really sounds good.