In short order after Book 1, the excellent progressive rock concept project The Chronicles of Father Robin release the second part of the trilogy – Book 2, Ocean Traveller.
Book 1 is superb (review here). Does Book 2 Ocean Traveller follow suit? The answer is a resounding yes!
The story continues with Father Robin travelling further through the world of Airoea this time leaving the forest for a sea-based adventure including an underwater city before finding himself on the Grand Reef and in something of a pickle.
Musically all the classic progressive rock elements are present delivered expertly sounding fresh just like on Book 1. A most pleasurable listen particularly if as I did you grew up on prog in the 1970s when concept albums such as this reigned supreme.
Over Westwinds starts our hero’s journey with a soft, pastoral acoustic number with some nice gentle organ swirls and keys in the background. A folksy kick off.
Orias and the Underwater City splits in to two parts. Part 1 being gently atmospheric conjuring up images of being underwater (you’ll get that when listening to it) before part 2 comes in as an instrumental passage progging things up nicely with excellent use of various keyboards. One to lose yourself in.
Ocean Traveller has Father Robin being transported on the back of a giant turtle no less. More glorious and engaging progressive rock of the highest order which continues with Lady of Waves where Robin run in to a sea nymph. The pace builds up very nicely particularly towards the end of the song.
Green Refreshments has Robin meeting some small creatures living in water trees. A thumping prog rocker with plenty of flowing flute brought in amongst changing tempo and glorious riffing and prominent bass lines and drumming thumping things along. Have a listen:
The Grand Reef is a majestic closure full of bombastic, classic prog. More of that tasty flute, crashing chords, riffs and guitar bursts, steady, melodic bass prominent, great drumming and the synth mini-solo well placed. Classic Jethro Tull meets A Farwell to Kings era Rush meets 1970s Yes.
Oh – and with the song concluding Book 2 with a cliff-hanger. How will Father Robin get out of the predicament he finds himself in after being captured by the inhabitants of the Grand Reef?
Have to wait for Book 3 for the answer.
Until then – enjoy Book 2 Ocean Traveller. It is so good that the tradition of good old progressive rock concept albums is kept going with this trilogy and done so very, very well.
All the usual formats (CD, download, stream, vinyl) from the Father Robin Bandcamp page as it Book 1:
https://fatherrobin.bandcamp.com/album/the-songs-tales-of-airoea-book-ii