Review: Preschtale by C-jeff

Complexity Under Control
Put simply, Preschtale is a lesson in how prog-rock should be done. Effortlessly weaving strains of rock, jazz, metal and classical music into one seamless musical story, the latest release from C-jeff– prolific chip composer and mastermind of Ubiktune– is a through-composed tour de force that tells its epic tale with breathtaking ease and command. Like the landscape adorning its aptly conceived album cover (and with equally crisp portrayal) Preschtale paints an inspiring musical vista then explores every peak and valley as an adventure unfolds before your ears.

To say that Preschtale is technically impressive would miss the point.  C-jeff’s mature compositions transcend mere musical acrobatics, wielding controlled complexity to specific and calculated dramatic effect. Every flourish, melody, and modulation is functional, directly contributing to the narrative development without wasting a note (no small task for a piece of such ambitious scale). Drawing on a broad stylistic palette, C-jeff ornaments angular, driving, often mixed-meter rock grooves with seventh chords, chromatic motion, and classicaly inspired counterpoint, creating a pan-stylistic fusion reminiscent of cross-genre greats like Return To Forever, Herbie Hancock, and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Spanning grand culminating peaks strung together by bittersweet solitary reflections, Preschtale recounts through music a dynamic but singular chronicle that beams with the wonder and excitement of exploration.

This inspired effort from C-jeff is the latest in his growing catalog of exceptional work, and is not to be missed. Check out this and other releases at his own ubiktune.org.