Released by: Self
Genre: Hard to Define
Release Date: Feb 21st, 2025
Links: https://jasonbieler.bandcamp.com/album/the-escapologist-pre-order
Line Up:
All songs written/created: Jason Bieler
Andee Blacksugar: Extra guitars, noises and
solos on Industrious, Zombies & Black Swans,
Space Debris, No Real Goodbyes, Sacred Cow,
Violent Creatures.
Edu Cominato: Drums on Industrious, Stars
Collide, Savior, Zombies & Black Swans, Violent
Creatures, Space Debris, No Real Goodbyes,
March Of The Vikonauts, Sacred Cow
Johan Niemann: Bass on Violent Creatures
Renaldo Eclipser Jr.: Drums on Hollow
Yuri Armstrong: Metal bowl on No Real Goodbyes
Buzz Bykovsky: Steel drums on Savior
Norrington Blamestown: Bass on Zombies &
Black Swans
Pleasant Strife North: Keys on Space Debris
Steambath McCrarey: Whistle on Savior
Jimmy “Cabbage Rot” Prudentialberg: Bass on
Sacred Cow
Diatribe Impossibles: Bass on Industrious
Wilhelmina Waistaway & Bernadette Babbles:
Choir vocals on Hollow & Violent Creatures
Nigel Biggles: Bass on Savior
Tracklist:
Industrious
Savior
Stars Collide
Violent Creatures
Hollow
Zombies & Black Swans
No Real Goodbyes
Space Debris
Sacred Cow
March Of The Vikonauts
Jason Bieler is a master of quirky lyrics and unique sounds, so it comes as no surprise that when you listen to his lyrics, you’re getting a funny time and a serious dose of rock n roll. I quite enjoyed this album, there was a lot to unpack within it, in typical Bieler style as well.
I found it had a similar energy to his 2023 release “Postcards from the Asylum”; but it felt much heavier, “louder” and darker in tonality all around. You’ll find more use of intricate work with the instruments, and rhythms on this album as well.
“The Escapologist” has a good mix of genres from rock to prog, even synthy dance, sure to make anyone who listens enjoy it. It’s not straight prog as one might think either, it has soft and heavy elements and poignant messages throughout, slight and subtle changes that add a layer of “ohh, that’s nice,” where you might not have thought it would fit.
I feel like Jason and his crew took a new approach on this album slightly to give the production a more full sound too, and I appreciate that. The ability to have such a contrast but continuity from songs such as “Savior” to “Hollow” is really a gift. The first few songs hit you in the face, and the album evens out for a bit. By the time we hit “No Real Goodbyes” we’re back in the heavier zone. We had some good variation of soft and heavy ish prior, but the emphasis was on vocals and lyrics. I also noticed more solos on this album, which is cool because the guitar work on them is excellent!
While I enjoy every track on the album because it has something different to offer, I have to say, “Space Debris” is straight out of the ’70s/’80s TV Theme song era meets pop synth beat and is hands down one of my favorites on the album. It’s a different kind of head bopper and head turner compared to the rest of the album.
All said and done, there’s something for everyone on this album and you should add it to your pre-orders, and buy it, support Jason Bieler and the Baron Von Bielski Orchestra, because he certainly is a master song writer.
You should follow Jason’s music page because he’s a master at creating quality content that makes you think and laugh, and he’s actually interactive. Find him at https://www.facebook.com/jasonbielermusic
Written by: Chris Rugowski
Ratings: 9/10
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