Chasing the Mad Rabbit

Album Review

Since the release of this album, Bliss (Michael Trapp and Matt Wells) has changed their name due to legal conflict with another artist by the same name. That bit of headache for them should certainly not take away from the appreciation of this fine album. As an independent release, this one is incredibly strong. In fact, even if this album had come out on a major label, it still would hold up as one of the stronger releases on that label. The songwriting is some of the best to be heard in a long time, with the arrangements fitting into a somewhat poppy, considerably accessible vein. That said, they still contain strong progressive rock elements and a dark sort of overall texture, without being depressing or ominous. To help to clarify the description of the sound, it can definitely be said that there are segments of this album that call to mind artists from all ends of the musical spectrum. Among those would be Genesis, Head East, Nine Inch Nails, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Journey, and Queen. The end result is a highly original, diverse, and entertaining album that holds up very well, even after repeated listenings.