The Hirsch Effeckt
Gregær – Long Branch Records
Brave is the word that comes to mind listening to Gregær. For a start it’s album length, just about, but has just four tracks. The progster trio gathered together seventeen young classical musicians in collaboration for this record too. So it has a very full sound. Then there’s the music which works well even beyond the experimental level. Usually these concept works are a mess but this has form and is at a level that you can understand the thought process, at least most of the time. There are obvios elements of prog rock and metal in the mix. There’s a big slice of jazz and even a little funk too. The classical is well hidden though but does come through in a few little passages. The musicianship is quite simply superb. It’s pretty easy to imagine this having wide appeal so long as it can reach those who would like it. Gregær won’t be a mainstream or even left field hit but that’s not to diminish its importance as a stand alone work. This is an album that will inspire as well as be listened to. And for that alone The Hirsch Effekt should be applauded for creating it.
Review by Gary Trueman