Every so often a band comes out of nowhere and turns the music scene upside down. Last band that comes to mind was Circus Maximus, they hadn't even released a CD yet and they were already booked to ProgPower USA. Daydream XI appear to be another band poised to make itself known in the music scene. What makes this Brazilian bands story so interesting though is they've been around since 2008 and even released their debut disc is 2014 and while it was well received they were relatively unknown. That's all about to change, and I predict with a thunderous explosion. Daydream XI are poised to take Center Stage next weekend at ProgPower USA and Sensory was kind enough to make this release available to fans. I predict when all is said and done Daydream XI might be the next Circus Maximus.
This Brazilian bands sophomore release comes
3 years after their debut and all the tracks were written after Progressive
Nation at Sea. Tiago Masserti, the
brains behind the outfit, was courteous enough to take some time to answer some
questions about his latest release as I was contemplating my review.
Circus of the Tattered And Torn is a concept album, though
it was never originally intended to be such.
Tiago explains “I started working in 2014 right after we came back from
Progressive Nation at Sea. I wrote 50
or 60 song to get where I wanted”. That
must have been some inspiration!
Each chapter or song is paired with a character from the
Circus of the Tattered and Torn. I
talked to Tiago more about the songs, “I came up with the story as a
metaphor. I was thinking constantly
about people’s needs to compete to see who is more hurt and affected by the
tragedies in their life, while at the same time trying to make themselves look
better and better through titles and credentials. When all we really want is just to feel
something and get a glimpse of humanity in others.
“The songs represents different aspects of human life
through the vision of the characters”.
Ticket 000011 is a spoken word piece that kicks off the disc
with Phillip, the circus master, talking about the lost souls and how to reel
them back in as he’s talking to Circe, his apprentice. Open The Curtains is the opening of the
Circus and is mostly instrumental but introduces us to the epic story “Circus
of the Tattered And Torn”. Trust Forged
Knife was one of the first singles released to fans. It’s a song about trust and abusive
relationships. Painted Smile is one of my favorite
songs. Well written and a great
chorus. I asked Tiago for more insight
into this, “Painted Smile is about sadness and dealing with the image we
portray to others versus what we really feel”.
Appropriately the lyrics reference we all clown hiding the behind the
painted smile and the chorus states:
And in this
twisted play
Forever Bound to
Fail
I am the sadness
disguised
Behind
a painted smile.
Yes we
are.
Another one
of my favorites is the appropriate named A Cup of Agony. It’s an up tempo song, at times feeling
angry. I love the chorus:
Endlessly nurturing
the pain to ignore
The needless attention
we’re longing for
Endlessly trying in
vain to restore
The needs of a heart
that beats no more.
The songs so
catchy and mesmerizing. Discussing this
song Tiago said, “A Cup of Agony came up when I was writing about the idea of
pain, both physical and psychological. The song itself came up really
naturally. Lots of riffs and some
melodies surrounding the theme.
(haha). I think that’s something
we call all relate to from time to time.
Overhauling
Wounds clocks in at a shade over 10 minutes.
It starts very slowing, building up through out the song. It’s a very beautiful piece. Tiago stated, “it’s about change, about
falling so hard and so deep that the only way you can go is up and rebuild
yourself.
I really
loved the song Collector of Souls. It’s almost a bluesy song that even has
that old Hammond organ sound. I asked
Tiago if he was intentionally going for a bluesy rock sound “No, I never write
with the intention to sound like anything.
I just let it happen. Collector
of Souls came to me in my sleep and I woke up and recorded the melodies for the
intro choirs. It had this southern,
bluesy, gospel feel to it and I just went for it.
Forgettable
and The Love That Never Was lead into the epic finale, the title track and 15
minute opus, The Circus Of the Tattered And Torn. It’s a brilliant closing piece showcasing
everything I love about Daydream XI.
Beautifully orchestrated choruses, fantastic musicianship and a well
written story. It was written in multiple sessions but is masterfully
crafted.
The Circus
Of The Tattered and Torn clocks in at 71 minutes and beautifully meshes
Progressive Power Metal in a way that few do.
Symphony X is one that comes to mind, though Tiago is quick to point out
that he doesn’t like labels, it’s something done for PR. We as fans like it so we have a baseline to
compare to and honestly, Symphony X isn’t a bad place to start. I can’t say enough good things about this disc. Tiago has a fantastic voice and the band is
very very talented. The disc is very
solid beginning to end and the story is as good as the music. I for one cannot wait to see what this band
puts together for a 3rd release. In fact, I asked Tiago for some
insight to the next release and all he would tell me was “the music is written
for the 3rd disc”. Tease. I think this band has a very bright future and
I’m sure we haven’t seen the last of them at ProgPower USA. Rating: 10/10
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