LEAVING TOMORROW: Morningdom (release date December 12, 2020)

Carefully Choreographed Music

Tight, Taut Progressive Rock Trio

morningdom
noun [U]

uk /ˈmɔː.nɪŋ.dəm/ us /ˈmɔːr.nɪŋ.dəm/

“The realm of morning and home of enlightenment. A place where east meets west, where different styles happily co-exist and the noble dances with the folk; laments for the departed and the wisdom lost.
A healthier philosophy of life is at hand and the dawning light brings warmth with a sense of joyful sadness, signalling the transition from darkness to awareness.”

So Says LEAVING TOMORROW

Here’s the lineup of this talented Greek trio:
Costis Raissis – Bass,
Demetris Katsikis – Drums & Percussion,
Alex Doutsis – Guitar & Vocals.

LEAVING TOMORROW has been active since 2002, and has released three albums- the eponymous “Leaving Tomorrow” in 2009, “Daylight & a Lonely Place” in 2012, and now “Morningdom” which we now consider.

Morningdom

LEAVING TOMORROW presents us with eight tightly, tautly constructed tracks, that under closer examination reveal a ‘trio’ of dances to open the album, a related but separate track, another trio under the rubric of “The Great Illusion”, and a closing song to wrap things up.

I thought the theme in “Morningdom“was a challenge and a promise- live a life built on the convenient illusions presented by capitalism and the boob tube culture of materialism OR a life that is richer, more ambiguous, deeper, more inclusive- even perhaps more dangerous…

…only you (and I) can decide.

The Music

Impressive trio ensemble playing that relies on trust, on a sense of the others’ strengths, on musicianship- rather than on massive stoner riffs, various effects and tones, or down-tuned doom walls of sound.

I heard traces of blues, jazz, classical, and all of it wrapped up in progressive, unconventional compositions. Clean vocals from a talented tenor vocalist, singing lyrics that were poetic and challenging, needing thought to unravel and to suggest meanings.

Each member brings some key ingredients- spry, melodic, spare guitar work. Solid and tasteful bass playing that often mirrored or complemented the guitar lines. And terrific drumming with some pretty impressive fills and active backing.

A sound of spare spaciousness- and if you’ve ever tried trio playing, you know it’s no mean feat.