Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
4 stars out of 4
Andy West says that he has no direction on this album; he just plays
what he feels. I cannot imagine what it would be like if he actually
made a concept album with direction, it would be incredible. In spite
of that, this is an extraordinarily ambitious and attention grabbing
recording to say the least. It would not be hard to find envious artists
that would love to create such brilliant music on just emotion alone.
Having tremendous experience as bass player for the Dixie Dregs,
has certainly honed his chops over the years. Although emotion is
the impetus of his artistry, he has a firm grip on the technical aspects of the music.
Mike Keneally, the wandering guitar and keyboard wizard, steps in
to play some mind melting guitar licks and whirling dervish keys.
He also changes the pace when necessary when West decides to take
things in a decidedly jazz-fusion direction. Then to make things even
more interesting and intense, Toshi Iseda jumps into the fray with
some of his own fret bending genius.
The lineup West has on this CD is simply awesome. You could not expect
anything less than complete diversity, energy, and power coming from
a group of standout musicians such as this. That is exactly what you
get from start to finish on this album. It is a progressive rock explosion
with such force that you be completely blown away when it is finished,
then you will want more.
1. Mad March-4:15
2. Meetings-5:55
3. Herd Instinct-4:36
4. Bloomsday-5:29
5. Old Meat Frame-4:50
6. Memento Mori-5:05
7. Qubit-3:24
8. Governments-4:08
9. Resonatce-4:54
Credits:
Andy West-Bass, Keyboards, guitar, synths
Rod Morgenstien-Drums
Jonathan Mover-Drums
Mike Portnoy-Drums
Jens Johansson-Keyboards, synths
Mike Kenealy- Keyboards, synths, guitar
T Lavtiz-Keyboards, synths
Kit Watkins-Keyboards, synths
Toshi Iseda-Guitar
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