"Devil On An Indian," from the US group The Raptor Trail, is a concept album talking about the spiritual dilemmas of a young man - an American of Indian origin who grew up in the spirit of Christian morality. A motorcycle accident in the desert (which almost ends in the death of the main character) is the beginning of poetic, mystical and spiritual pathways and awakening self-awareness leading to the conclusion that human nature is inherently full of evil. The story is divided into ten tracks grouped in three parts that fill the CD which lasts just over an hour.
It might seem that an album immersed in the philosophical and religious considerations is something inherently heavy and indigestible. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Raptor Trail tells the story with a quite plainly sounding music, but I immediately realize that we are not dealing with music that isn't American mainstream pop or "Christian prog rock", but rather with bold trips to the alternative-rock world and even progressive-psychedelic territories, sometimes even sounds of Indian ethnic music.
All this is happening because of considerable experience from the musicians forming the group The Raptor Trail. John Meyer (v, g, bg, k) and Matt Mayes (v, g) have been present on the American scene for nearly 25 years, and "Devil On An Indian" is the third album of the The Raptor Trail trio which also includes drummer Gene Bass.
Their latest album is full of stylistic references to the music of the 70s. Lots of good guitar playing here, with some alluding directly to the production of The Allman Brothers. A lot of it is also psychedelia with musical experiments decorated in the spirit of world music (heavily exposed, played drums ethnic sounds in the "Dream Catcher"), but soon they are offset by the lyrical and melodic fragments ("Dream Catcher" followed by the soothing ballad "Wolf Medicine"). There are also many moments of guitar "madness" (but beware! The Raptor Trail not for a moment goes into metal!). The best example are the songs "How The West Was Won" and "Quaker Pets". The band plays with temperament, sometimes going into jam ("Froth Squelch") with enchanting riffs and nice energy groove. "Without A Trace" delights with vocal harmonies, and "Red Giant" builds a real epic atmosphere (as well as in "The Vanishing Point").
Perhaps this is not a groundbreaking, but it is an outstanding album. I guarantee that you will feel good when you listen to this joyful musical experience. Therefore, if you desire a powerful, losing the hair on your head, crazy trip with classical sounds experience straight from the 70s in a first-class scenario, be sure to please play the album "Devil On An Indian" while turning up your volume. Fasten your seat belts and let yourself drift through the magical sounds filling this new album by The Raptor Trail...
