Qwaarn - "Aberrations" Review

Artist/ Band: Qwaarn
Title: Aberrations
Label: Unicorn Digital
Year of Release: 2007
Artist/ Band Link (click for details/ ordering)

The Review:

Qwaarn is a Canadian progressive-rock project led by drummer François Bernatchez with revolving band members. Qwaarn isn’t just the name of a band it’s also the main character in the continuing sci-fi story that started in 2004 with the debut, The Word of Qwaarn. ‘Aberrations’ is the next “chapter” if you will in this saga. I haven’t heard the debut but according to the band’s website, the music was in the vein of Genesis and Yes to name a few.

According to their label, Unicorn Digital, Aberrations is being billed as a “pop-gressive”. I’m not sure what they mean by it but I would say it’s more pop based music with progressive moments. Also according to their label, Qwaarn is influences by several bands including The Beatles, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Tears for Fears and The Cure. I really don’t hear much of those bands, in my opinion, they remind me of both old and new Marillion (imagine Fish singing to the newer Marillion songs) along with Twelfth Night (Andy Sears era) and early IQ.

This was a difficult listen and I’m not really sure what to say good or otherwise about the band except if you enjoy the early 80’s British neo-progressive movement then Qwaarn will feed that need. I will however say, it has potential of being a very good album. Take a chance on Qwaarn, it might be a great buy for you! You can also hear some Qwaarn’s music at Unicorn Digital's MP3 Site

Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on November 27th, 2007

Tracks:

1. Priviliege (6:02)

2. Meeting Kim (4:46)

3. Dream in Am (5:37)

4. Mr. Lotto (7:29)

5. Did You Say Salmon? (8:42)

6. The High Muckity-Mucks (3:07)

7. Talking to Flowers (7:26)

8. It Will Be Fine (5:17)

9. Fore (5:23)

10. Aberrations (5:00)

Reviewed Discography

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