Originally published on good-evil.net. Written by Andrew Raub.
Without even listening to the album, a seasoned gamer should be able to tell that Chromelodeon has some degree of videogame influence. This is very much true, and it helps make a solid and quirky rock album.
Chromelodeon, in my best description, is prog-rock to the nerdth power. Eight members fill the band, using instruments such as guitars, bass, keyboards and synth, drums, and most importantly: accordian. Each instrument by itself is quite simple, but when combined they create a sonic mastery of textures that titilates the ear.
Starting off with “Wily’s Castle”, we are treated to an epic, yet solemn, cover of the Wily’s Castle music from MegaMan 3. Woah. Talk about influence. Moving in quietly, “Mysteriousness in Outer Space” quickly bursts like a supernova and continues on a rollercoaster of energy. Next is “Voder”, featuring repeating guitar riffs with weaving keyboards and lots of effects. The chorus effects add ambiance and the result is quite spooky. Finally we reach “Eloquence is Dead”, which in all of it’s 13 minute glory is by far the pinnacle of the album. Taking the best elements from each previous song, “Eloquence is Dead” fuses them all together creating a perfect ending.
With only four songs it still clocks in at almost 30 minutes. No point in the duration does the album falter or get boring. Ultimately In the Year 20XX gives me great hope for future releases.
Rating: Great
-Andrew
