• Veil of Gossamer review by Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com
• Veil of Gossamer review by Chris MacIntosh aka Grandfather Rock from The Phantom Tollbooth

Veil of Gossamer

Veil of Gossamer is rock-operatic in scope and presentation. A vast fantasy soundscape with high drama, an enormous canvas covered with splashes of vibrant color and texture. Huge washes of synthesized sound, layered with wailing electric guitar, energetic percussion, vocalizations and insistent keyboard sounds, interspersed with acoustic instruments make up the most part of this album.

Although categorized as "Celtic," it is actually mostly improvisational-style rock, with Celtic highlights in the appearance of whistles, pipes, fiddle, various stringed instruments and Gaelic singing. Some tracks stay closer to Celtic roots than others. Several tracks open and close with acoustic instrumentation, moving into electronic zones in the middle sections. For example, the title track begins with a yearning cello and acoustic piano duet. Then enter increasing instrumental layers, building to a crescendo with an electric guitar solo. A similar approach is used in "The Everlasting Hills", with even more sonic accumulations. Sometimes the sonorities become too thick, especially with the percussion and electronic sounds. The segues are sometimes abrupt, as in "The Everlasting Hills" between Parts 4 and 5.

On the other hand the acoustic selections provide a welcome contrast. "The Seen and the Unseen" and "Seahouses" show off Dave Bainbridge's excellent finger style guitar technique. Skilful musicianship shines through every player's performance. These are seasoned musicians with great credentials (see www.iona.uk.com). Especially beautiful is Mae McKenna singing in Gaelic with subtle, low accompaniment ("The Everlasting Hills Part 2"). The pipes enter (Troy Donockley), and layers of chant in English weave in and out in a continuous prayer.

The cover art in blues and reds is apropos, matching the musical contents in intensity and bold approach.

Rock music lovers will enjoy this album. The epic proportions and electronics may overwhelm people who prefer a traditional Celtic approach.

--Heather Beckmyer for CelticChristianTunes.com

Veil of Gossamer

The other day I was out walking just before a large thunder storm passed through the area, the thing that struck me the most was the awesome beauty of the skies. The sun was shining brightly in the sky but was counterpointed by the various clouds that were coming into the area, some light and fluffy, others ominously dark and in the distance the low rumbling of thunder. I thought of the brilliance of the master artist who was painting this real life masterpiece in the skies. My thoughts then turned to a sonic masterpiece that I had just finished listening to, Veil of Gossamer, the solo project by Dave Bainbridge, the master artist behind the band Iona.

From the artwork on the cover and its accompanying story to the idea behind the album and finally to the music itself, this album is a thing of wonder and beauty--a sonic joy to behold. The album idea, by the way, is based on an event in the life of Saint Cuthbert. Joined by fellow members of Iona, past and present, as well as some special guests, young Mr. Bainbridge has given us what is in my humble opinion one of the best albums ever to be recorded. I do not say that idly either; this is a very special collection of music that grows with each and every listen. I find myself going back to it multiple times during the course of a day. Some of the lyrics contained within this project are nothing short of brilliant. From "The Everlasting Hills" we hear: "As Thou wast before at my life's beginning, Be Thou so again at my journey's end, As Thou wast besides at my souls shaping Father Be thou too at my journey's close". Or from "Star Filled Skies" where we hear this plea,"Be with me at each time. Lying down and arising, be with me in sleep companioned by dear ones. And allure me home to the land of the saints".

If some of the so called worship and praise [music] coming out of Nashville these days were this good I wouldn't be so critical of it.

On top of this all is some of the best music that Bainbridge has ever written. I am a huge fan of the band Iona, they are one of my all-time favorite groups, but this blows anything that they have done in the past right out of the water. If this is the caliber of the material that we can expect on their next recording then I say bring it on!!! By the way the majority of the vocals on this album are sung in Gaelic, which in my mind only adds to the sheer beauty of the whole project. If you are a lover of good music then you must add this album to your collection. If you are somehow unfamiliar with the music of Dave Bainbridge or Iona then this is a perfect way to start your introduction. You can check out this and other related albums by going to www.iona.uk.com. 

Rated 5 out of 5.