Two Headed Emperor continue where they left off with "Transference And Transgression". The new album "Omnishambles" digs deeper into the abyss with more lament for loss, sadness and pain of a broken world. Musically they venture further into a more intense territory and you get the sense that this isn't the end of it. The feeling that there will be an air of optimism and hope around the corner but first it's going to get worse before it gets better. The bad news has not been fully unpacked yet.
Two Headed Emperor have a rare skill of fusing noise and melody, so amidst the intensity and chaos are moments with hooks that simply captivate and engage the listener. Like it's predecessor its a soundtrack for these times and captures the mood of the moment. Lyrically almost poetic ... "There is no sacred cow" ... "omnishambles everywhere..."
Review
Two Headed Emperor – Omnishambles – Falling A Records
The definition of omnishambles is a situation that has been comprehensively mismanaged, characterized by a string of blunders and miscalculations. Although this could be an excellent observation on the state of the UK right now, it is in fact the title of the new album by Two Headed Emperor.
Both eccentric and a modern classic, it is as always eclectic in nature in the band’s quest for the unique and original in a contemporary prog rock setting. It is impossible to pin down but reminiscent of so many musical legends. King Crimson, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Fall, The Canterbury scene come to mind. Stop! This list could go on and on.
Suffice to say that there are so many musical influences being stirred around in the Two Headed Emperor’s sonic melting pot. Progressive music with a New Wave edge, giving every track real power.
Excellent heartfelt lyrics/poetry from Barry Lamb backed up by strong melodies and as always truly original and atmospheric musical instrumentation and textures. In depth analysis of what it’s like living in this current strange and uncertain world. Fantastic guitar work from Peter Ashby, always amazingly inventive and interesting. The finale in the form of “Treading On Eggshells” has a blistering guitar solo accompanied by fantastic keyboards. In fact, throughout the album there are lush keyboards, piano and analogue synth sounds, not forgetting the trusty mellotron! There is a good deal of very good bass playing too, anchoring everything down and pushing the rhythms along nicely.
Invention is the key word here, imagination and lots of attention to detail in the production. Two Headed Emperor take you to another place, often strange and otherworldly but don’t worry, no matter how weird or scary it might get, you will always be reassured. Catchy melody lines alongside psychedelic sound excursions compliment the progressive and New Wave elements so well, taking us on a journey through many aural delights for the senses. Music to make you think and feel, not to mention the vital experience of making the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. A real treat for the ears and definitely not to be missed!
Tim Jones – March 2021
Two Headed Emperor have a rare skill of fusing noise and melody, so amidst the intensity and chaos are moments with hooks that simply captivate and engage the listener. Like it's predecessor its a soundtrack for these times and captures the mood of the moment. Lyrically almost poetic ... "There is no sacred cow" ... "omnishambles everywhere..."
Review
Two Headed Emperor – Omnishambles – Falling A Records
The definition of omnishambles is a situation that has been comprehensively mismanaged, characterized by a string of blunders and miscalculations. Although this could be an excellent observation on the state of the UK right now, it is in fact the title of the new album by Two Headed Emperor.
Both eccentric and a modern classic, it is as always eclectic in nature in the band’s quest for the unique and original in a contemporary prog rock setting. It is impossible to pin down but reminiscent of so many musical legends. King Crimson, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, The Fall, The Canterbury scene come to mind. Stop! This list could go on and on.
Suffice to say that there are so many musical influences being stirred around in the Two Headed Emperor’s sonic melting pot. Progressive music with a New Wave edge, giving every track real power.
Excellent heartfelt lyrics/poetry from Barry Lamb backed up by strong melodies and as always truly original and atmospheric musical instrumentation and textures. In depth analysis of what it’s like living in this current strange and uncertain world. Fantastic guitar work from Peter Ashby, always amazingly inventive and interesting. The finale in the form of “Treading On Eggshells” has a blistering guitar solo accompanied by fantastic keyboards. In fact, throughout the album there are lush keyboards, piano and analogue synth sounds, not forgetting the trusty mellotron! There is a good deal of very good bass playing too, anchoring everything down and pushing the rhythms along nicely.
Invention is the key word here, imagination and lots of attention to detail in the production. Two Headed Emperor take you to another place, often strange and otherworldly but don’t worry, no matter how weird or scary it might get, you will always be reassured. Catchy melody lines alongside psychedelic sound excursions compliment the progressive and New Wave elements so well, taking us on a journey through many aural delights for the senses. Music to make you think and feel, not to mention the vital experience of making the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. A real treat for the ears and definitely not to be missed!
Tim Jones – March 2021