Intriguingly titled and fortunately more than worthy of its own implications – The Music Therapy Experiment offers up an 11-track collection of original, engaging and musically blissful compositions, in the form of a beautifully conceptual Art and Science.
Indomitable kicks things off, quickly delivering brightness, organic layers of rock – soulful guitar meandering through a long-form solo melody, live drums tumbling and crisp, the whole thing proving multi-layered and uplifting but also stylish and passionately expressive as it pours through.
Each track on this album has something of an extended lifespan, with the exception of two. That is to say, four minutes right through to over ten. The point is that the artists, John Kline and Mark Christianson, fully dedicates themselves to the moment – the space is utilised for as long as the intention requires, and this, in itself, represents the therapy aspect and this meeting of art and science quite wonderfully.
Weave in a series of stunning performances, musicianship at its finest, both complex and emotive, and you’re on to a winner of an album that’s as timeless as it is refreshingly new.
Unconfined by expectation, moving quickly into an acoustic and dreamy realm for the introduction to Stealing Dan, Art and Science keeps its audience interested with subtle eclecticism and a clear variety of moods and stories.
The instrumental tale is one that proves unique to each listener, but when the compositions are so masterfully crafted, and with authenticity at their core, its not that difficult to connect the dots and find yourself in a shared space with the artist and the rest of his audience.
Highlights include a hypnotic and cinematically vast Alien Ocean, blissful in its melodic rise and the sheer optimism of the details, and a brilliantly intriguing, somewhat dramatic and captivating Interstellar Jellyfish. Both actually remind me strangely of the Bowie soundtrack to Labyrinth, but again, the journey has its personal traits for every listener.
Casting Nasturtiums also has a seductively expressive, soulful lead guitar line that works beautifully with the mellow swagger of the groove underneath it. Then there’s the sudden Americana pace and power of Boom Bada de Nada, familiar at first but increasingly creative as it gathers momentum and presence; a stunning piece and another favourite in hindsight, gorgeously chaotic and quickly inviting in terms of witnessing a live show.
The concept of Music as Therapy forever appeals, and in this case masterful musicianship has joined forces with unwavering passion for a truly emotive wash of unparalleled escapism. John Kline is a superb guitarist, sensational even – and a fantastic composer. Mark Christianson proves equally superb having created each drum track and added bass, rhythm guitar and composition throughout.
Delve in, let the mind wander, experience something new; feel better. Enjoy.
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