Sanguine Hum can very much be considered one of prog rocks shining lights.
'The Weight Of The World' marks the second album from these Oxford-based proggers, who won acclaim for 2010's 'Diving Bell', thanks to its often quirky and offbeat approach that saw the quartet pushing the creative boundaries of what is considered contemporary progressive rock. The line-up of Joff Winks (vocals, guitars, programming), Matt Baber (keyboards, percussion, programming), Brad Waissman (bass) and Andrew Booker (drums, percussion) have actually been together for a number of years under two notably less effective monikers, Antique Seeking Nuns and The Joff Winks Band and have seemingly now settled on something that is proving more definitive. The press release makes the bold statement of referencing both Porcupine Tree and Radiohead and it is fair to say that, at times, you can hear the influence of both of these heavyweights. And yet Sanguine Hum are unique enough that they should be confident to shrug off such comparisons and let their own identity shine through, something which it does throughout this album on numerous occasions.
There are just seven songs here with the overall vibe of smooth vocals, warm and elaborate use of keyboards and programming and intricate guitar passages set against a backdrop of what is best described as a cinematic landscape. The end result is both diverse and beguiling; 'From The Ground Up' is a considered opener with the vocals of Joff Winks having immediate attraction and effortlessly drawing you in, 'Days Of Release' ushers in a melodic and direct approach with nods towards the bands love of electronica and the fifteen minute title track sees them stretching out with its languid and evocative build-up. The lyrics are at times introspective and yet revealing enough to have both commercial appeal and charm, elegant and well crafted in their execution.
So is this, as the press release claims, 'one of the TRULY progressive and landmark albums of 2013'? In the face of some stiff competition thus far, you would have to say that 'The Weight Of The World' is a genuine contender and that Sanguine Hum can very much be considered one of prog rocks shining lights.
Dean Pedley
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