Canada: Stories and Legends is the second release of 2024 from Projekt Gemineye, and it takes a big thematic turn from What’s On Your Mind. This time, Mark Anthony K brings listeners along for an exploration of his home country of Canada.
No, it’s not an ode to hockey and poutine. Canada: Stories and Legends is a look at the development of the country, with all of the achievements and the scars. The entire storied history would seem difficult to capture in just five songs, and to his credit, K doesn’t try. Still, his short glimpse at some of Canada’s history is enough to whet the listener’s appetite.
As usual, Mark Anthony K’s metallic sensibilities and musicianship are at the forefront. “Ghost Ship” immediately captures your attention with its powerful chorus guitar intro, melodic lead guitar and a ferocious double-time section incorporating guitar and synthesizers. K’s use of the ride cymbals and a more relaxed drum pattern supports the lyrical context of a ship that appears and disappears off the coast of Nova Scotia. The song’s imagery is as powerful as the music.
“Racing the Flames” is progressive metal at its best as this 12-minute masterpiece builds on a foundation of Hammond organ, acoustic piano and direct rhythmic passages. The song demonstrates a fascinating shift in time signatures and jaunty bass playing to support K’s lyrics, which are delivered clearly and powerfully in the mix. He focuses on ecological challenges in Canada, while also unleashing some of the album’s best lead guitar work, powerful church organ and Moog-synth passages. It’s all very effective in supporting the story.
“This Promised Life” changes things up with its Rush-like 12-string guitar intro passage, ’70s-style analog keyboard stylings and slashing guitar leads. Lyrically, the song addresses a universal issue of immigration and specifically the impact of those who were asked to come to Canada and the barriers they face.
“Drive North: 1901” kicks off with swirling Canadian wind and atmospheric synths and a gong before a driving AOR-like piano riff. Mark Anthony K’s Gibson Les Paul shifts the mood as the Geoff Downes-like keyboard part and massive bass and drums combine to provide a sonic kick. Lyrically, “Drive North: 1901” touches on the Canadian gold rush, telling a story that’s not well known by non-Canadians but yet is very relatable. The end guitar/synth breakdown hammers the lyrical points of the song with a remarkable urgency.
“The Lost Generation” the first single from Canada: Stories and Legends, is a worthy addition to the Projekt Gemineye canon with equally provocative and direct lyrics and a musical urgency which invites air guitar playing and repeated listening. At 40 minutes, you feel the album is just getting started when it ends.
- Projekt Gemineye – ‘Canada: Stories and Legends’ (2024) - November 9, 2024
- Jonathan Powell – ‘Mambo Jazz Party’ (2024) - November 3, 2024
- Johnny Pacheco – ‘Mi Nuevo Tumbao … Canonazo’ (1964; 2024 reissue) - November 2, 2024
