Billed as a classical/instrumental-folk/acoustic/jazz project from Thane Farace, I almost didn’t listen to this song Before It All And Now, simply because it sounded like too much of an eclectic mix.
It sounds like a bit of a package deal, with the bio saying “this song is about a bad dream, the music is a story” and encourages me to watch the YouTube video to get the full effect.
Starting with images of a rocket launch with warning sirens bellowing in the background, the track creates an air of tension from the outset before the missile hits its (presumably) intended target, exploding as a frenzied guitar intro/solo mimics the on-ground carnage.
Cut to the inside of a fighter jet as the guitar retreats somewhat, and the lyrics kick in, explained via a lyric video, while the vocals are dark and foreboding, almost harshly whispered and threatening.
As the guitars find voice once more the images turn to the battlefield, punctuated by men in gas masks before the narrative returns, painting a desolate sonic landscape offset by shadowy images of carnage made all too real by a soaring guitar solo that seems to be conducting the forces of war.
Air raid sirens once more disrupt the journey, as if to warn you there will be no respite from hostilities and destruction before the track pulls back with an acoustic interlude that beautifully portrays the subtle nuances of war.
I can see now why so many genres were used to describe this music because it is almost impossible – to its benefit – to slot into one particular genre.
It is instead an assortment of musical riches that is both disturbing and engaging, but, more importantly, never dull. For once, it definitely pays to read the synopsis and bio before taking aim…
