CoC : Siena Root - Different Realities : Review

Siena Root - _Different Realities_
(Transubstans / Record Heaven, 2009)
by: Quentin Kalis (8 out of 10)

Siena Root are essentially hard rocking hippies, who have had the misfortune of being burdened with fickle vocalists -- this is their fourth album, and all have featured different singers. This might explain why the new vocalist is only used on two songs, even though his bluesy and soulful vocals are more than adequate. More likely, they may have grown tired of the singer shit and preparing to relaunch themselves as a purely instrumental outfit. This would not be a bad idea, as their '70s styled hard rock jams are well suited for lengthy instrumental explorations. The CD is divided into an LP -- style Side A and Side B -- a distinction worth mentioning due to the difference between the two, with the first focused on Jethro Tull and Zeppelin inspired hard rockers, while the second consists of extended bouts of instrumental grandeur, with some Eastern touches providing an ethnic and psychedelic flavour. The first four songs are clearly more accessible and commercial, yet it feels as if the latter half of the album is where the band's heart truly lies. Not that any song feels insincere or plastic, merely that the latter half feels like their true musical home and the entire is album is worth a listen from the first to the very last note. If this style is your chalice of mead, you can't go wrong with this lot.

Contact: http://www.sienaroot.com/

(article published 2/4/2010)