Stolen From A Crow - A View From Another Dimension

Stolen From A Crow

A View From Another Dimension
self-released; 2016

3.6 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Crispin Case-Leng has an alter ego and it’s called Stolen from a Crow. He actually gives you an introduction on the first song “Demons' Gold” from his album A View From Another Dimension. I’m not sure he intended it to be funny but it was. I think that’s not a bad thing. He says, “Why Hello, I don’t believe we have encountered each other before. I’m Stolen From A Crow.” Right off the bat there is this whimsical vibe fantasy kind of like the folk artist Donovan used to hit upon.

Throughout  A View From Another Dimension that vibe remains. Take for instance “Of Beasts And Foes” which in the name alone is indicative of fantasy-based themes from J. R. R. Tolkien to Dungeons and Dragons. It’s in there. There is no denying that. The only popular artist who is hitting upon this vibe right now is Joanna Newsom even thought she doesn't admit it. Just watch the video for Divers.

Case-Leng fills his songs with lore and the music to back it up. “Of Beasts And Foes” has Gregorian-like chants while he sings about a dragon's cave. “Hallucination” is melodic and triumphant with guitars, drums, bass and bells. 

Some of the songs like “Squeezing Youth” and “Thoughts Spent On You” are quite catchy with some impressive hooks. Truth be told I had a hard time making out some of the lyrics. I would have loved to have a lyrics sheet along with the music.

Some of his music is certainly triumphant. Take for instance “Titled.” This is a song where you can picture the knight riding back to the castle after a victory of the evil horde. The deep vocal harmonies and synth horns do a good job feeding the vibe. 

Some of his best songs are the most subdued. Take for instance “A New Kind Of Skin” which pushes his vocals to the front because of the atmospheric music. This music would work good in a live play. He closes with “Ashes Of The Phoenix” which rocks out in its own unique way.

Overall, A View From Another Dimension is definitely hitting upon a certain vibe that certain people will gravitate towards. If you have all the Lords of the Rings movies on DVD and play WoW this will be your new favorite album.

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