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DMJ: Sophomore
DMJ: Sophomore
Melodic Progressive Rock
5.0/5.0
Internet
InsideOut Music
Words: Craig Hartranft
Added: 08.11.2023 | Released: 10.11.2023
As a new musical project, DMJ had its inception in Neal Morse who, several years ago, found some of his songwriting trending to include three-part vocal harmony. The prolific songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer recruited fellow like-minded musical souls Nick D'Virgilio (formerly Spock's Beard) and Ross Jennings (Haken) to record their first album, Troika, in 2022. The trio suspected that another album would be in the works in the future. Not quite two years later DMJ returns with their second recording, aptly titled Sophomore.
DMJ
As mentioned, the foundation of a DMJ song is the vocal arrangement. The obvious reference is the heady days of the Sixties and Seventies wherein music largely turned upon the singer-songwriter and accompanying vocal harmony. Perhaps most notable in this time was the work of CSN/CSNY (or Simon & Garfunkul). Morse confesses to be a huge fan of the former.
With Troika we heard a strong three-part vocal harmony mostly in the context of acoustic guitar-driven melodic rock. Sophomore takes a more adventurous and expansive musical direction, more toward melodic progressive rock, even with some more assertive moments. But to the former lighter side, there' Right Where You Be, The Weary One, and Linger At The Edge Of My Memory. Alternatively, there's stronger rockers like Walking On Water and the quite riff brisk Mama. Perhaps establishing a middle ground is Anywhere The Wind Blows, being up beat and vibrant in tone. Tiny Little Fires offer an interesting story. The tune arises from playing with his one-year old son's toy, eight note, xylophone. The "adult" size xylophone is heard within swift, lively, prog rocker.
All in all, DMJ's Sophomore expands upon the work of Troika for more adventurous and lively melodic progressive rock, yet still wrapped in three part vocal harmony from Nick D’Virgilio, Neal Morse, and Ross Jennings. Easily recommended.
Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.
The Take Away
DMJ's Sophomore expands upon the work of Troika for more adventurous and lively melodic progressive rock, yet still wrapped in three part vocal harmony from Nick D’Virgilio, Neal Morse, and Ross Jennings. Easily recommended.
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eviewing my archives, I was pleased to find that I have had the privilege to review every Lionville since their self-titled debut in 2011. Formed by Stefano Lionetti, a songwriter, singer and guitarist based in ... [ Read More ]
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