Recollection Harvest Revivew
Publication: The Dutch Progressive Rock Pages
Reviewer: Mark Hughes

Californian instrumentalists Djam Karet maintain their impressive work rate by releasing their 14th album since their inception in 1984, a total that doesn't include a couple of cassettes containing unique material, three CDR compilations of live and unreleased material and two compilation CDRs. That's pretty good going these days where, like the majority of prog bands, the musicians have full-time jobs in order to make a living. As if that wasn't enough, new album Recollection Harvest comprises two releases: an album of the longer epic pieces that DK have become associated with, and a six-track, 26-minute EP called Indian Summer that focuses on the more acoustic and atmospheric side of the band. However, the inclusion of the shorter numbers doesn't herald a change in direction for the band: the duality, and versatility, of the group was exposed as far back as 1987 when the heavily guitar infected Burning The Hard City was intriguingly contrasted by the more ambient and atmospheric Suspension and Displacement.[those discs came out in 1991, but who's counting? - dk]

The band have stated that for this album they "worked diligently to explore a more melodic and orchestrated vision of high-energy progressive rock" taking inspiration from keyboard-based prog of the past 35 years or so. The results prove that their explorations were not in vein. Recollection Harvest contains music that will be looked back on in years to come as containing the template that many tried to copy but few came close to matching. Striking out like an angry King Crimson on The March To The Sea Of Tranquillity, the band make the most of their decision to employ the sounds of the classic analogue synths and keyboards. Much like what IQ achieved on their wonderful Dark Matter album from late last year, the results are echoes of the past but in an entirely contemporary setting. This is no mere pastiche, it is original and invigorating music. So, one of the lead synth lines in the opening half of Dr. Money has a similar sound to that once used by Emerson, Lake and Palmer but ELP never really grooved as well as Djam Karet do. Beautifully evocative acoustic guitars (played not only by Gayle Ellett and Mike Henderson, but also original bassist Henry Osbourne) are blended with the dual lead electric six strings and ever present keyboards (played by everyone except Osbourne) to create a piece that bleeds excitement.

Aaron Kenyon, who joined the group for 2003's A Night For Baku contributes bass to the majority of the tracks, and is particularly influential to the core of the song on The Packing House where his contributions are downright funky and provide the basis for all sorts of playing above, behind and around his bass runs. The harmonising of the sustained guitar notes from the two guitarists if very effective, particularly when combined with brief Mellotron stabs. This piece could easily be a contender for the best piece of music written by the band. The Gypsy And The Hegemon is vaguely reminiscent in places of early Steve Hackett (and not just in the title either!) - the most extensive use of keyboards to date has certainly opened up new horizons and possibilities for the band, although it remains to be seen how they will be able to replicate the album on stage. The title track derives inspiration from John Wetton-era King Crimson with its guitar 'Frippisms' and a staccato rhythm that darts around the place. There are so many changes in tempo and rhythm that drummer Chuck Oken, Jr deserves credit for holding everything together. In fact his drumming throughout has been recorded with a crispness and conciseness that is so often lacking. The ending is as heavy and aggressive a conclusion you'll find in any prog band. Quite simply, Recollection Harvest is an excellent addition to the Djam Karet catalogue and is as good a place for people to start their DK collection as anywhere, and it is not often you can say that about a band.

But wait! Don't go just yet! There is the still the matter of the Indian Summer EP! And what a contrast it is to what has gone before. More thematic and atmospheric, the six tracks range from the keyboard dominated title track (which could easily be mistaken for a piece by Tangerine Dream!), world/ethnic percussion-based music as on Open Roads, flamenco inspired guitar work on The Great Plains Of North Dakota and the electronic soundscapes of Dark Oranges and Requiem (which are devoid of all bass and drums). While showcasing a different side of the band, the material is not as interesting as on Recollection Harvest although Twilight In Ice Canyon would have sat comfortably with the five compositions that make up that part of this CD. But, as the band point out on their website "they can be enjoyed together, alone or even randomised in your CD player".

With Recollection Harvest, Djam Karet have shown that they are still progressing, still adventurous and still the finest instrumental prog rock band in America. A highly recommended release for all lovers of adventurous music that embodies all that is great about classic progressive rock (without the vocals!!).

Conclusion: 9 out of 10