KDB3: I Fill My Days With Noise

Symphonic, Cinematic Progressive Music

KBD3

Doug Bowers has had numerous musical incarnations, like Sonic Throwback and Ad Astra. Not to mention being musical guest on other recordings, like Vertical Alignment.

KBD3 seems to be the platform Doug prefers, when the focus is on his obvious passion for Christian faith and symphonic progressive music like Neil Morse Band, or Kansas, or Spock’s Beard.

Doug is a multi-instrumentalist based in Florida, USA, and here, utilizes guest guitarists, and a few others to help with the themes.

Proselytizing?

There are two senses of the word; one is to attempt to convert or save someone, and the other is to advocate or promote a particular perspective.

I must confess I don’t care for proselytizing, either musical or otherwise, so I was curious how Doug would handle this.

He’s clearly a person of Christian faith, and doesn’t shy away from this in his lyrics or his self-descriptions.

My verdict:  It skates a very fine line.  The second sense of the term, to advocate or promote, is certainly there.

So if you, like me, prefer to listen to music without sensing that you are being preached at or persuaded towards a point of view, listen to the album with that in mind.

The music

Doug has the ability to make enthralling, cinematic, sweeping progressive music, relying a great deal on his skill on keyboards and numerous timbres and tones.

He has a strong melodic sense, and one never gets bored- if one passage doesn’t grab you, hold on a few shakes, and the next one will.

From vibrant acoustic guitar, to ripping electric lead guitar, to orchestral passages, to funky blues-y rock, the album covers a wide range, and does it well.

Lyrical themes

This isn’t a concept album, yet there are consistent themes:  internal spiritual struggle between self and the divine call, the corruption of human-kind, the exploitation of faith by cheap hucksters- and even a pointed stab at internet trolls who can consume the thoughtful person’s time and emotions.

Strengths

-great musicality

-lavish instrumentation

-twists and turns in the music

-lovely textures

-hummable melodies and choruses

-clean, crisp production

Growing edges

-Please credit the guest musicians in easy-to-find format

-lyrics seemed too literal at times, and flirted with moralizing

In Sum

An excellent album from KDB3, AKA Doug Bowers, well-worth your time and hard-earned cash.

KDB3 links:   Facebook   Bandcamp

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