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Daedalus Spirit Orchestra, The: Tabula Rasa
The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra Tabula Rasa Review

Daedalus Spirit Orchestra, The: Tabula Rasa

Progressive Rock
3.5/5.0

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Unsigned / Self-released
by Craig Hartranft,  11.16.2012

Coming from the left field of eclectic progressive rock, via the Seventies, is France's The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra with their second release Tabula Rasa. This talented bunch of French musicians will certainly gather some interest from fans who like their prog more than a little knotty and unpredictable.

The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra Band Photo

The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra:: live.

DSO's musical style seems a crafty blend of melodic, progressive, and psychedelic rock with a flavor jazz rock fusion. It reminds of mash up of King Crimson and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, with a side of experimentation. It's not all that accessible or pedestrian; this isn't the kind of music you pop into your car player for a drive or favor for your next dinner music.

But Tabula Rasa is challenging and absorbing if you're willing to indulge in the time. With the 27 minute title track, you'll need to keep your attention from being distracted. Thankfully, there's enough variation within this song and the tree other longer songs to help you along. But there's also some inexplicable things like the long silent section within 27-Heads Hydra. Also, don't expect much from the lyrics. At the very best it's merely stream of consciousness meandering, at the worst simply nonsensical or obtuse. There's some cool sounds like saxophone and flute throughout. Conversely, D-Bunty's vocals are disappointing, even droning; after the first song, my ears were tired of listening to him.

Basically, while generally interesting, or provocative in the very best sense, The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra is mostly an acquired taste. Tabula Rasa is best described as progressive rock for the most demanding hardcore fans of the genre: those who care less about accessibility or commercial viability, and more about creativity and innovation. To that end, The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra should stay the course and keep doing what they're doing.

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In Short

While generally interesting, or provocative in the very best sense, The Daedalus Spirit Orchestra is mostly an acquired taste. Tabula Rasa is best described as progressive rock for the most demanding hardcore fans of the genre.

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