ALBUM REVIEW: Castles – Daniel Tompkins
Given the multitude of projects with which Daniel Tompkins has involved himself over the past decade, one could be forgiven for being surprised that it has taken so long for him to add a solo album to his CV. Perhaps best known for his work fronting the progressive metal outfit TESSERACT, a long and fruitful career has seen the singer shape-shift and continually impress with his diverse vocal range and eagerness to push his own limits. The idea of Castles was born during a time in which Tompkins could feel his creativity reaching an impasse of sorts, and has allowed him to once again open up the taps and dazzle us with his scintillating true colours. Kept safely under lock and key for nearly four years, it will now finally see the light of day, aided by the reverent companionship of Kscope.
As Saved opens up the record, unmistakable, serene vocals follow a subtle assortment of keys, introducing the album with it’s cathartic hum. Acting as our first insight into this new chapter of Daniel Tompkins‘ career, the track begins to build with a synthetic edge and immediately acts as a draw into a whirlpool of electronic warmth. Much of the album’s thematics revolve around the subject of relationships, and Saved cuts straight to the chase with its lyrical outlook. Delving into dense subject matter, Dan begins to dwell on the throwaway nature of modern-day romance, detailing the state of habitual society from his own vantage point. Black The Sun continues this concept. “Take my hand, release your breath, beneath my covers softly you’ll forget,” Dan croons, perhaps alluding to the way in which the battles of love can be bested, when strength in unity is employed.
By the time we reach the title track, we have grown accustomed to the dark mystique stirred up by the thickset synth. Equal parts eerie and exquisite, it provides a modish canvas upon which each track is built. As the instrumentals judder, Tompkins‘ vocals continue to soar, building into towering choruses and achingly beautiful sonant passages. Dan has seemingly matured into a master of atmosphere, which continues to prove it’s relevance as we drift into Kiss. Here, pulsing electro feels like a beating heart breathing life into Castles, as cautiously echoed vocals add further dynamic to the ambience. The track rarely stops for breath as Tompkins continues to layer vocal sections, resulting in an almost choral feel.
Limitless begins with an intro that feels drawn directly from synthwave. Retro electronics tread water, before sudden voltage zaps life into the track, resulting in one of the album’s most impactful choruses. Cinders takes things down a notch, feeling composed where previous tracks have made use of more jarring melodies. Although far from being a perfect debut, the versatility shown across the album can only be held in high regard. There is no doubt that Tompkins‘ solo career is a work in progress, but Castles has planted a solid footing and will certainly offer a pathway forwards.
The record could maybe have benefited from a little more direction, but as we reach Telegraph it’s hard to care about that. While Dan serenades across yet another idyllic soundscape, the track hints at jazz, before blossoming into a orchestral outro that wouldn’t be out of place in a Bond film. Telegraph is the final track before six reworkings are offered. Acting as an opportunity to experiment even further in the sonic department, these remixes showcase some of the incredible talent Dan has worked with throughout his career. Spotlighting the likes of Randy Slaugh from WHITE MOTH BLACK BUTTERFLY and Acle Kahney of TESSERACT, these tracks allow the final twenty-five minutes of the album to become a collaborative celebration of Tompkins‘ glittering career. Stylistically vast, shimmering and ultimately truly enjoyable, it shows a side to his creatively that we’ve never really seen before.
Castles is a journey on which novelty is key. It is Daniel Tompkins setting his sights on a future in which he is in control of his own destiny, and considering it is only the first rung, it stands as a huge leap towards this aspiration. Future records are already in the works, and it will be thrilling to hear what is possible once the creases are ironed out.
Rating: 8/10
Castles is set for release May 31st via Kscope.
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