The Custodian is a new side project by Xerath vocalist Richard Thompson. Originally started as a bedroom project it has taken the shape of a genuine band ready to hit the road. Let’s see whether The Custodian has any staying power.
On Necessary Wasted Time Richard Thompson shows his affection for seventies prog rock acts like Genesis, Yes, King Crimson, Jethro Tull and Pink Floyd. A prudent gesture, because retro prog is incredibly popular at the moment. To his (eternal) credit Thompson doesn’t try to emulate the aforementioned bands. He uses them as a template to create some very rich and lush progressive rock songs, not unlike Steven Wilson’s Grace For Drowning and Terria by Devin Townsend. Granted, he doesn’t reach the dizzying creative heights of Wilson and Townsend, but he acquits himself well. Tracks like ‘The Man Out Of Me’, ‘Persona’ and ‘The Sun Is God’ are solid prog rock compositions, albeit a little too much by the book for my personal taste.
Necessary Wasted Time by The Custodian is an interesting solo trip by a musician who doesn’t want to limit himself musically. Although solid, the album is a little too much prog by numbers to make a genuine splash.
7/10
Raymond Westland