Having released seven albums under his more established act of KingBathmat, the multi-instrumentalist John Bassett has taken time out to release his beautifully crafted solo album – which whilst bearing similarities to that of his bands previous releases “Unearth” focusses more on his song writing abilities, whereas KingBathmat often delve in and out of more complex tunes.
It’s this contrast that makes Bassett’s debut solo album work really well, many prog-rock albums are associated with long drawn out numbers and although the last two KingBathmat albums “Overcoming the Monster” and “Truth Button” do just that “Unearth” on the whole takes the more direct approach.
The albums opener for example “Stay Away From the Dark” combines acoustic guitar and keyboards with minimal effects working around the great production on Bassett’s vocals, making for an intriguing introduction to what’s to follow.
Whilst re-visiting the early days of KingBathmat there may have been more psychedelic tendencies on the bands’ first album “Son of a Nun” but it’s noticeable how John Bassett’s voice has developed, which comes into its own during the more stripped back numbers such as the albums’ title track and album closer “Comedian”.
There are however a couple of times during “Unearth” whereby other aspects are thrown in for good measure, the instrumental “Kylerhea” hides away mid-album showing off the musical abilities of John Bassett – who plays all the instruments on this release, with the exception of some additional drums courtesy of Nathan A Summers highlighting that Bassett himself is more than just a great voice.
So with an influx of artists keeping the 70’s inspired prog rock movement very much alive over the past few years, John Bassett manages to bridge the gap between the weird and the wonderful and a world which is slightly more accessible, without compromising the odd sample here and there making “Unearth” a pleasure to listen to.
