Album Review: Masters of Reality – The Archer (Mascot Records)

The iconic Masters of Reality (singer, guitarist and driving force – Chris Goss) have released their first new album in 16 years. It’s called ‘The Archer,’ and it is out now via Mascot Records.

As effortlessly cool as ever, 16 years has passed in the blink of an eye, and Masters of Reality are back and transforming the desert rock sound once again. Experimenting with psychedelia, blues, and straight-up rock, it’s an album that grabs the attention from the start as the title track creates a relaxed vibe with some bubbling and drippy melody. Capped off by the smoothness of Goss’ vocals. If you’re expecting them to come out of the starting blocks with a rocking bang, well, you’ve not been paying attention.

Masters of Reality do not follow any rules and consistently defy expectations, aside from the assuredness that whatever they produce will excite and intrigue.

Hold on though, if you do want something with a bit more rock and roll groove, the following I Had A Dream will certainly suffice. The rhythm of this one is very infectious, but it’s all about that big old bass sound. Pure inventive brilliance, but what do you expect? It’s Masters of Reality and when they’re on, they’re really freaking on.

Blending progressive thinking with a slightly sinister vibe, Chicken Little is Masters of Reality at their strangest. Especially as this one slowly, but distinctly transforms bit by bit. The heightened drama helps make the guitar soloing flurry at the end sound even more powerful. Before the halfway point of the record passes with two giants. The first being Mr. Tap n’ Go, a groove monster that infects the senses, and the second being Barstow, an imaginative example of how mischievous Masters of Reality can be.

You really can’t fault them as far as variety goes. Five tracks in, five different listens, and the latter half of the album certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard either. In fact, it doesn’t disappoint in any regard. Not when we have melodramatic efforts like Sugar (those vocals are so dreamy), and Powder Man (the melody warms the soul). Nor when we have errant ideas such as what is experienced on the moody It All Comes Back To You. At least until the chorus hits and suddenly it turns into a bit of a rock anthem. Again, a track like this is a showcase of Masters of Reality’s ability to be wholly unique.

It is a record that demands patience and time, which when you consider how savoury it is overall, is an easy thing to give it. Especially when it ends in funky fashion with the smile inducing Bible Head. Another unforgettable and addictive effort on an album packed with ‘em.

Masters of Reality – The Archer Track Listing:

1. The Archer
2. I Had a Dream
3. Chicken Little
4. Mr. Tap n’ Go
5. Barstow
6. Sugar
7. Powder Man
8. It All Comes Back to You
9. Bible Head

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