There are very few things that can move all the true music fans around the world since information “runs” at a dizzying pace and releases have taken the form of an avalanche precisely because of the easy and effortless access to them. However, the news of Jim Matheos and Ray Alder’s reunion cannot go unnoticed as we are talking about two people who have marked the lives of thousands of people through the music of Fates Warning. So the only thing for sure is that their new project under the enigmatic name North Sea Echoes would surely have something substantial to say…
First of all, it should be said that I am absolutely certain that all of you out there who have followed Jim Matheos’ career outside of Fates are fully aware of all his artistic experimentations and concerns. Let me tell you that North Sea Echoes is no exception. Basically we are talking about a set of slow and mid-tempo compositions with a mesmerizing, cinematic atmosphere that paints unique images dominated by Matheos’ haunting melodies and the flawless vocals of Alder who even writes some of his most inspiring lyrics (as he said in an interview we did with him a few days ago and will be published soon in Rockpages, lyrics are one of the most difficult undertakings whenever he writes an album). The vast majority of the compositions don’t include drums and electric guitars but for some strange reason they don’t leave you with a feeling of absence. However, there are surprises as “The Mission” is a pop-new wave track that easily reminds of Depeche Mode and The Cure of the early 80s while “Empty” is a (almost) heavy track that stands out from the rest of the bunch.
If I had to make a parallel, I would say that “Really Good Terrible Things” is a completely unique creation that in parts reminds something of the atmosphere of “Away With Words” (Matheos) and why not something of the Fates’ recording swan song, “Long Day Good Night”.
Highlight: An acoustic mini tour of Alder/Matheos would definitely be very interesting…
