What makes Masques by Brand X notable?

Masques is notable for its innovative blend of jazz and rock elements, earning critical acclaim and helping to further popularize jazz fusion. The album received positive reviews from outlets like Rolling Stone, which recognized the band's virtuosic musicianship and complex compositions, influencing subsequent progressive rock and jazz fusion artists. Released in 1978, Masques was Brand X's third studio album, following the acclaimed Unorthodox Behaviour. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation within the jazz fusion scene, showcasing a mature sound and complex arrangements that distinguished them from their contemporaries.

Masques works well if you're into dynamic progression with climax, intricate rhythms for detail hunters and wave-like pacing for deep focus.

How many songs are on Masques?

Masques has 7 tracks, running approximately 48 minutes.

Masques

Brand X · 1978

48 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Intricate jazz fusion rhythms interlace with progressive rock textures, creating a dynamic soundscape full of improvisation and exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Poke — Opening with rapid-fire drumming and intricate guitar work, this track sets the tone for the album's adventurous spirit while showcasing the band's technical prowess.
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Deadly Nightshade — At over eleven minutes long, this epic track encapsulates the band's ability to weave complex musical themes into an extended format, highlighting both improvisation and structured composition.
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Earth Dance — With its infectious groove and melodic interplay between instruments, this track exemplifies Brand X's knack for blending rhythmic complexity with accessible melodies, making it a standout piece.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Masques blends intricate jazz fusion with progressive rock, showcasing strong composition and rewarding repeated listens.

What we noticed

Each track showcases extended instrumental solos, allowing for improvisation that varies significantly between performances.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic progression with climax
intricate rhythms for detail hunters
wave-like pacing for deep focus
ethereal melodies for reflective moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1978, Masques was Brand X's third studio album, following the acclaimed Unorthodox Behaviour. At this point, the band was solidifying its reputation within the jazz fusion scene, showcasing a mature sound and complex arrangements that distinguished them from their contemporaries.
Stylistic neighbors: Weather Report· Mahavishnu Orchestra· Herbie Hancock

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Poke 5:10
2 Masques 3:16
3 Black Moon 4:48
4 Deadly Nightshade 11:22
5 Earth Dance 6:06
6 Access to Data 8:00
7 The Ghost of Mayfield Lodge 10:17

What to play next

Listen next

Product

1979

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Moroccan Roll

1977

Full Brand X discography Artists like Brand X

jazz fusion

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata