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:: Review ::
After a long hiatus, guitarist/vocalist Cliff Phelps is back with a brand new
incarnation of his band which has long been a favorite of mine among the local
Baltimore scene. This is the second release by Phelps, who kicked things off in 1998
with the awesome "A Tapestry Of Afterthoughts", and believe it or not, things just
improved all across the board with the new release.
For those seeking an immediate reference, think early Camel, or Floyd circa Meddle,
but with a significantly more muscular rhythm section, comprised of newcomers Gary
Curtis on bass and drummer Patrick Gaffney (better known for his frenzied,
hyperkinetic fusion work with Cerebus Effect). On keyboards we have the tasty
textures of Tom Langan, who took over after Marty Saletta migrated to the Dark
Aether Project, and on saxophone and flute a man who frankly needs no introduction
for anyone who knows anything about progs precarious endangered habitat here in the
USA. That's right, we have none other than the mighty godfather of Baltimore
prog: Mike Potter of Orion studios fame. I just never knew Mike blew that well, or
as they say here in charm city, Who woulda thunk it?!
The album was obviously recorded, mixed and mastered at Orion, and I have to say it
is a real pleasure to hear from beginning to end. Song-writing duties are mostly due
to Phelps who penned all the lyrics and most of the music, though every member has
input, thereby investing Phelps ideas with very balanced, diverse and integrated
band feeling. The end result of this effort has a strong, dark 70s veneer through
and through, but these guys are not ripping anybody off. Its a rare treat, to find a
band that can evoke that sort of soundscape, and yet still manage to do so with
their own unique style and voice.
The only bad thing I have to say is that I think the album cover has got to be one
of the worst ever. I mean, theres ugly, and then theres this fuckin ocular miasma,
but hey, as long as they continue to make such outstanding music, they can
illustrate their album covers with extreme close-ups of their own asses and the
bottom line would remain the same:
BUY IT!!!!
Don't believe me? Listen, even the notoriously musically xenophobic Ken Golden has
added this title to his store catalogue. Need I say more? Kick ass stuff man,
honest!
Rating: 9 Keyboards.
Reviewer: Luis Nasser
Visit the artist website:
Chaos Code
Mail Chaos Code
Chaos Code
4449 Mountain road
Pasadena, MD 21122
U.S.A.
410.458.9654
:: Discography ::
The Tragedy of Leaps And Bounds - 2002
A Tapestry of Afterthoughts - 1999
You can purchase this CD from -
Kinesis Inc.
Kinesis
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