by Dean Wolfe, prog dog media
For the sake of convenience, I'm reviewing this as the original double album rather than the expanded 20th Anniversary Edition, which includes all of these songs along with a wealth of bonus material and is arguably the more logical purchase.
Versa are, for me, a revelation—like spotting a rare bird in your own backyard. Your first instinct is to grab a camera or your phone. Quick! Before it flies away. But forget all that. Just stand still and enjoy the moment while it lingers on the fence post. It may be gone in an instant.
That's how fragile this music feels to me—something to be savoured rather than captured.
Fortunately, this rare bird isn't about to fly away and vanish like a dream. If anything, it's likely to become your new best friend.
Versa are built around a core trio, supported by a sprawling cast of guest musicians, all led by Matthew Dolmage—a lawyer by day and a songwriter/lyricist of remarkable talent by night. If only his clients knew.
Among the supporting cast are some prog rock luminaries including vocalist Ross Jennings (Haken), and Nick D'Virgilio (Big Big Train, Spock's Beard) and Dennis Atlas (Toto).
The human voice—male and female alike—is central to the structure this album is built on, with mini-choirs woven throughout. Around it sit haunting upright piano lines, sweet sweet violin, concert and alto flute, horns, long silky threads of clean electric guitar melodies (with the occasional harder-edged passage), electric bass, touches of rock organ, cello, and, of course, drums. But never all at once. The arrangement is spacious, carefully distributed, and unhurried, unfolding with real patience.
Its post-rock atmospherics and momentum may call to mind Godspeed You! Black Emperor. As for its prog rock leanings, the comparison is less straightforward, though Matthew’s influences are clear. He’s a devoted fan of prog—particularly Jethro Tull—and, notably, a very accomplished flautist.
This group is based locally, just down the street from where I live in Victoria, British Columbia—a place I sometimes refer to as Canada’s San Francisco. The comparison comes from its relatively mild climate, high housing costs, and, above all, its setting on Vancouver Island: dense forest, rugged and winding coastline, and striking natural beauty. No doubt that’s part of what’s “in the water,” quietly shaping and sustaining us creatives here.
What makes this double album so compelling is the evident love behind it. It feels almost like the antithesis of music made for profit—not that there’s anything wrong with that, but you know what I mean. Here, music becomes something more personal: joy and intent crystallized into form. The sincerity of the band and their commitment to the work is never in question.The CD artwork and packaging are also excellent, offering plenty to read and take in—from the full list of contributors to the complete lyrics.
Yes, it seems like all I need to do for this review is sing praises for the masterpiece that this album is. Criticisms? Do I have any? Damn it, not a single one. It's warm and vulnerable with humanity, sprawling with adventurous spirit and a dash of weirdness. Versa have made this album all it is and ever can be. Perfect. Just be warned though: it may not hit you all at once. Like all good albums, repeat listens will humble those who are too-quick-to-judge. 5 out of 5 dog bones.
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