DAMANEK – Making Shore (Album Review)

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For whatever reason, the first two records by Damanek more or less flew under the radar. And that’s a shame, for they are well-worth the listen.

That should change with their third outing, “Making Shore.” It is well named, for it truly makes is a wonderful journey that explores new musical lands.

First, the introductions. Damanek is the brainchild of British multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Guy Manning. And he is joined by two prog-rock stalwarts. Australian Sean Timms (of Southern Empire) handles programming and production. German Marek Arnold – who is involved in too many bands to count – is on reeds, giving a distinctive feel to the proceedings. Sometimes he’s jazz; other times, Middle Eastern. But Marek is a treasure.

The album is split into two sections. The first seven songs are socio-political-ecological pieces, the likes of which were the focus of the first two Damanek recordings (although these are unified by one central character). These things are close to Guy Manning’s heart, as one can tell by listening to the music and going over the lyrics. Each cut is strong, reflecting Manning’s taste in music—‘70s Prog, Easy Jazz, a bit of Rock, Pop, Folk, and smatterings of Ethno-Music. These are songs that are meant to be hummed along with, tapping the toes to the beat, immersing oneself in the sounds.

I want to pick out one song in particular—it is very special.  “In Deep Blue Sea” has a wonderful backstory. The Manning family was on holiday. Their autistic son indicated that he’d like to try scuba diving. So he went through the training, learned what he needed, and then took the dive. The young man was pleased with the experience.  So his father put all that in this song, one that is driven by Caribbean rhythms and a simplified instrumentation – some programming, voice, keyboards, sax. The lyrics are beautiful, especially when one knows where they came from.

A brave boy stands on a foreign shore and looks at the waterline
Up here in the Sunlight, well everything to him feels fine

Going to leave the warmth of the comfort zone and plunge into the unknown
Move from the air above the surf to the mysteries of below, down below

Diving into the Deep Blue
Let the waves push over your head
An underwater land where the colours change
As you glide across the grey rock base and follow the current slow
Angel fish swim along Anemone row, Anemone row

Now he’s back on dry land and he tells us of his tale
Total fear and wonderment, still tipping
the scales.

And then there’s side 2 (yeah, I know, CD’s and downloads don’t have sides. But Guy Manning has gone with this, so we’ll follow along). “Oculus—an epic gothic and literary flight of fancy” is an overture and four-part suite; this is new for Dananek, and, to be honest, Manning wasn’t sure it would fly – even after the record was in the can.

He needn’t have worried.

“Making Shore” Album Artwork

It is the tale of a man(ning?) who finds an alternative reality through the looking glass. He makes trip after trip, experiencing new and different lives as he does so. But during his last voyage, the narrator comes across an urn of his own ashes on a mantle.  He panics – a fear made worse when someone covers the looking glass with a shroud and he cannot go home. Finally, he runs into a younger version of himself. This gives him new strength and appreciation for life. When he returns to his real world, he is content.

Musically, the suite covers a lot of ground. The instrumental “Overture” is by turns urgent, contemplative, anthemic, moody, playful, and more – all in nine minutes. Special attention is given to Manning’s piano and some lovely flute by guest artist Linda Pirie. It is the preparation for what’s to come. 

“Act 1—Spot the Difference” is more recognizable as Damanek, in no small part because of Manning’s smoky baritone voice. This one is something of a power ballad – but it has a couple of breaks that remind one of Jethro Tull.

“Act 2—The Corridor” immediately comes in with a blast of sound.  It has the feel of ‘70s-‘80s pop rock—perhaps Christopher Cross mixed with Alan Parsons. This is a toe-tapper with a couple of quieter sections that provide an additional level of interest.

That blends into “Act 3—Passive Ghost.”  It starts quiet, with keyboards and voice, a lovely ballad that builds as more instruments are added throughout. It contains musical and lyrical references to Joni Mitchell, The Animals, and The Wizard of Oz. It is clever and appealing and anything but passive.

 “Act 4—A Welcoming Hand” leads off with an interplay of Marek Arnold’s saxophones with… Marek Arnold’s saxophones. It’s playfully intricate. As Manning’s voice takes over (still with the saxes), it becomes something of a shuffle (which evolves from 4/4 to 6/8 time) before busting out in an Al Stewart-sounding rock section. Guy Manning’s vocals are in top form here, really expressing the feeling of new hope and joy.

This is Prog, and it demonstrates that Manning and Damanek can succeed in various iterations of the genre. It makes me wonder where they might go in album number four.

Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed the first two Damanek albums.  “Making Shore” is a big step forward – one that, as I mentioned – has direct lines to the past as it moves into an exciting future. The record title is absolutely correct: Damanek and Guy Manning are making shore, discovering new territory with this one. If all goes as it should, many listeners will catch this wave and ride it to shore. And then repeat…

One more point, something close to my heart.  “Making Shore” is dedicated to super-Prog fan Paul Hanlon, who passed away last year – but not before he contributed some money to put this project together. Paul was a close friend of mine, and I’m overjoyed that artists have recognized him and what he brought to the genre. Paul Hanlon is still making waves in the music field.

Released By: Giant Electric Pea
Release Date: January 13th, 2023
Genre: Progressive Rock

  Band Members:

  • Guy Manning / Lead and Backing Vocals, Keyboards, Acoustic Guitar & Instruments, Loops, Samples, Percussion
  • Marek Arnold / Saxes, Seaboard; Additional Keyboards
  • Sean Timms / Backing Vocals, Programming

Guest Artists:

  •  Brody Green / Drums (except cut 5)
  • Cam Blokland / Electrical Guitars
  • Ralf Dietsch / Electrical Guitars (on cut 6)
  • Jonathan Barrett / Fretless Bass (on cuts 3 & 5)
  • Nick Sinclair / Bass (all except 3 & 5)
  • Riley Nixon Burns / Trumpet (on 2, 6, 10, 12)
  • Linda Pirie / Flute, Piccolo (on 8)
  • Julie King / Backing Vocals
  • Kevin Currie / Backing Vocals
  • Amanda Timms / Backing Vocals

“Making Shore” Track-List:

  1. A Mountain of Sky
  2. Back2Back
  3. Noon Day Candles
  4. Americana
  5. In Deep Blue (Sea songs Pt 1)
  6. Reflections on Copper
  7. Crown of Thorns (Sea Songs Pt 2)

Part 2

  • Oculus Overture
  • Act I Spot The Difference?
  • Act II The Corridor
  • Act III Passive Ghost
  • Act IV A Welcoming Hand

Order “Making Shore” at this location.

8.8 Excellent

The third studio album by Damanek is a mix of old and news, with a first side comprised of songs that fit well into the band’s catalog, and a second side suite that explores new territories. As always, the music and performances are impressive and compelling, making this a wonderful album in the Prog canon

  • Songwriting 8.5
  • Musicianship 9
  • Originality 9
  • Production 8.5
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