Murky Red - 2015 - No Pocus Without Hocus [Special Edition]

(72:03: Melodic Revolution Records)

Track list:
1. Pixelated Friends 5:01
2. Stoned & Horny 7:08
3. Sweet Dark Hypnosis 3:47
4. She's Crying Diamonds 4:56
5. Nothing Can Go Wrong 4:16
6. A Wooden Groove 3:44
7. Collateral Damage 6:33
8. Bad Wolf of the Pack 4:57
9. Wild Flower 5:29
10. Mermaids 4:01
11. Elena 8:25
12. I Came a Long Way [Live] 5:42
13. Dromedaric Expansion 5:18
14. Galadriel [Orchestral Version] 2:46

Line-up:
Stef Flaming - vocals, guitars
Rene Marteaux - drums
Luk Lantin - bass
Yolanda Flaming - keyboards
Marie Vancamp - percussion. vocals


Prolusion.
Belgian band Murky Red was formed back in 2009, and since the band's formation they have released two studio albums: "Time Doesn't Matter" in 2012 and "No Pocus Without Hocus" in 2015. The latter of these was later reissued as a Special Edition towards the end of 2016, featuring additional material and remastered versions of some of the songs. All of these have been released through US label Melodic Revolution Records.

Analysis.
I got my hands on the special edition of "No Pocus Without Hocus" through my good friend Kev Rowland, as he had a duplicate of this production and wanted to check if I had a desire to cover this album. And as I have promised to review any CD sent to me, and I believe I also reviewed the debut album by this band back in the day, I obviously said ye to this offer.

It isn't an album that is easily described this one, as I rather suspect that the songwriters and performers attached to this band project have listened to much more music than I have been able to go through in my lifetime, and with a better memory than what I have in terms of the music they have devoured too. Hence, I rather get the impression that the number of sources of inspiration and influence for this production are rather bountiful. But I do suspect that many of them can be found among bands active in the 1960s and 70s.

One of the bands that have been a clear inspiration is Black Sabbath, as guitar riffs and the guitar sound rather often takes on a mode of delivery those fond of classic era Black Sabbath will find familiar sounding. Another key point of reference will be The Doors. In part due to some of the lead vocal parts, but also due to the manner in which dark moods and the organ are used in several of the songs. Where a bit of an eerie undercurrent is a bit of a recurring element.

We also get multiple atmospheric laden passages. Which often, in my view at least, comes across a little bit like an amalgam of aforementioned The Doors and good, old Camel. With a little bit of a side step along the way in the direction of classic era Marillion.

Besides the ebb and flow between the more bombastic guitar driven escapades reminding of Black Sabbath and the more atmospheric laden landscapes that is such a stark contrast to these guitar driven displays, we also get parts that cover some additional bases here. Some with a classic rock sound and bluesy undercurrent that may pull in some trace elements from the Led Zeppelin back catalogue, but rather more striking in the associations department for me at least where the slightly quirky, dark but elegant moods that blend classic rock and hard rock with a bit more of a progressive orientation. With some lighter toned vocals executed in a particular manner too, it took me a few minutes to reflect and end up with the "ah, of course" thought and the name that dropped into my mind at that point was Blue Oyster Cult. And I wouldn't be all that surprised if good, old Robin Trower might have been a little bit of an inspiration for some of the guitar leads along the way here either.

While the shifts and twists and turns of many of the songs here makes the end result undeniably a part of the progressive rock legacy, this is also one of those albums that may set your mind alight in a mental search of "where have I heard this before". And to the point that it may take a few playthroughs to actually make you listen to the songs themselves proper. And for me, at least, this album comes across as a tasteful trip down memory lane but also a tasteful and often elegant album in its own right. I understand that Murky Red has their third album just about ready these days, following an elongated gestation period, so for those who know about this band already and appreciate what they are doing one should hope that this next album will see the light sooner rather than later.

Conclusion.
This second album by Murky Red is a creative and expressive take on the art of blending and mixing a myriad of classic rock and progressive rock influences into a cohesive and whole progressive rock experience. A charming trip down memory lane and a nostalgic experience due to all the familiar sounds, vibes and moods, but also a creation with solid and well developed compositions that showcase solid quality also for those who listen to the music as it is without reflecting on the possible origin of sounds. If a retro-oriented variety of hard progressive rock sounds like a good thing to you, then this is an album that probably warrants a listen. And my personal opinion would be that those who love and treasure a band like Blue Oyster Cult might be the most appreciative audience for the landscapes explored on this production.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, January 2025

Links:
https://www.murkyred.com/
https://mrrmusic.com/