UK rock band Dorje released their latest EP Catalyst on 6 November.

Dorje are:

Rob Chapman – vocals and guitar

Rabea Massaad – lead guitar

Dave Hollingworth – bass

Ben Minal – drums

Not yet a household name, however these guys have a huge legion of followers on You Tube, including my Boy Child, who drew them to my attention.

Dorje is a Tibetan Buddhist term meaning a representation of a thunderbolt in the form of a short double trident or sceptre, symbolising the male aspect of the spirit and held during invocations and prayers.

Catalyst runs to five tracks and some twenty-five minutes of music.

Dorje signature track Aeromancy starts the musical chemical reaction here. This track debuted in 2012 but has been taken by the throat, shaken and stirred and re-energised for 2015. There’s a prog rock vibe here. Hints of Pink Floyd perhaps?

Title track and single, Catalyst, is powerful. It’s emotional. It’s rock radio station friendly. It’s beautifully balanced. Rob Chapman’s vocal is outstanding. His enunciation is superb. His voice has developed into a very distinct style. The vocal on this track is very Josh Groban-esque. Not a name usually associated with alternative rock. Another musical influence shines bright here with strong hints of Mark Tremonti in the flawless guitar work. Love it!

All has a very soothing zen start to it. An intro that  wouldn’t be out of place on an Alter Bridge record. The listener’s ears aren’t lulled for long as this track builds to a powerful climax.

Written is perhaps my personal favourite on this EP. It’s quirky. It’s different. The start is organised musical chaos but it swiftly develops into a track sure to prove to be a “live show” anthem. Awesome chorus. Very catchy and filled with fun.

White Dove is the final track on this all too short offering from Dorje. Now here is something entirely different! Look out those Lycra/Spandex pants, back-comb that hair and dig out the hair spray. This is good solid sleazy 1970’s style rock fit for a slot at The Roxy or The Troubadour on Sunset Strip. Inspired ending to this EP.

Catalyst is truly a thunderbolt of musical genius, leaving Dorje’s growing fan base offering up prayers for more!

8.5/10