|
Eclectic
 I'm
not going to pull any punches on this CD. The music is excellent. Ulysses music
reminds me of Nektar-meets-Dream Theater---and that's the first time I've ever said
that about any other band. Soaring keyboards, very good, heavy guitar work and a
bass/percussion duo that has obviously worked together since before joining the
forces of Ulysses.
It's the vocal styling I have a personal issue with. I am NOT inferring that the
voice of Mr. Raymond Jansen is not capable and/or good (Mr. Jansen has a very
powerful voice.). It's just that his vocal styling does not fit the music as it is
presented for my tastes. There is way too much tremolo is present in his voice. It's
as if Mr. Jansen and the producers were trying to evoke the presence of Geddy Lee
from Rush in the works presented.
The opening track on the CD ("Hero for one day") begins hard, with an incredible
wave of synths, bass and percussion, leading to an excellent guitar flow into the
vocals. Then, for this reviewer, the vocals entered and it was as if the air was let
out of the room. I did not know what to expect, but what was there wasn't it.
I just can't get the music out of my head---and don't want to. Especially the second
track, "Disbeliever." These guys are really, really good at what they're doing.
An added bonus that I did not realize when first playing the CD, is that there are
two LIVE VIDEO tracks added (.avi for Media Player). Seeing Ulysses on stage
confirms my previous opinion that the musicians in the band are excellent, and Mr.
Jansen's voice is extremely powerful.
I'd highly encourage all of you to go to the Ulysses website (which is extremely
well presented), download a few of the samples, and decide for yourself.
After all, who am I to say what is good music for your tastes and what is not.
Reviewer: Kenneth L. Solomon
Rating: 7.5 keyboards
Additionally on the album - Bonus: Two Live video performance tracks (avi).
Visit the artist website
Ulysses
Discography:
Ulysses: Eclectic - 2001
Symbiosis - 2003
|
