An accomplished début album by one man band Nicholas Chapel under the guise of "DEMIANS", very much cut from similar cloth to PORCUPINE TREE, turning up a few surprises too, and ultimately coming up only slightly less rewarding than that bands last album too in my opinion.

Brooding, atmospheric and multi textured stuff, think long build ups to short, explosive passages no better exemplified than with "The Perfect Symmetry". Conversely, "Shine" and "Naive" are impressive to due largely to the luscious sound being stripped back at times allowing for some superbly complimentary acoustic guitar work to infiltrate the songs. Sixteen minute closer "Sand" is a work of some note too that would stand as impressive if heard in isolation but caps the album nicely even if it could have been edited a little without detriment.

Occasionally the "one man playing everything" format lets the side down a bit, the repetition of rhythm samples for example (most notably on "Empire"), being programmed rather than played take impact away, leaving a sound somewhat cold and impersonal. The formation of a live band to perform this material may point towards a more organic sound in future. With PORCUPINE TREE's Steven Wilson a vocal supporter it's very possible a lot more will be written of Chapel in the future. For now, this work rates as an impressive opener that sounds bloody great through headphones.

- Leslie

OFFICIAL SITE: myspace.com/demianmusic

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