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:: Review : :
I must tell you from
the very start that this is one of the most refreshing CD’s I have heard in a very
long time. This CD is chocked full of new approaches to this progressive music we
love so much.
 Hailing
from the Miami, Florida area, what we have here are a group of deadly serious
musicians who have taken up the mantel of progressive rock music and are committed
to producing music that is very different all the while being familiar.
It’s hard to single out one or two true musical influences for these guys, as their
own style is right out front. They have a pop prog sound that was put on the map by
Kevin Gilbert and really defined by A.C.T from Sweden. Not that Little Atlas sounds
like either of these two bands.
There is some truly wonderful keyboard work in this CD. Lofty and ethereal all the
while being down to earth and tactile. I just love this entire CD. The shortest
song is just under 4 minutes with several clocking in at just over 7 minutes. The
great thing about this is there is no filler in the longer songs. No extended
“riffing” just to make the song longer. No redundant programming that makes the
song longer, but not better.
No, you have complex songs that refuse to be classified. The soundscape created by
Little Atlas is diverse and yet finite. It is both broad and deep, as well as
focused and specific.
Lyrically, this is exactly my “cup of tea”. Songs of searching (Can I Find It),
psycho analysis (Surface Serene), songs of love (Dance) and groovy little proggy
rockers like (Collapsing). Steve and Joanna Katsikas are the vocalists, and both
their voices are rich and expressive filling the space between the musical notes
with power and sincerity.
I love this CD. Sure wish these guys could get invited to a North American
progressive music festival one day soon.
So bottom line, if you like your music well played, well written, well recorded and
extremely accessible, then Little Atlas “Surface Serene” should click all your
buttons.
Rating: 8.5 of 10
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis
: : Honors : : Album of the
month for May
Visit the artist website:
http://www.littleatlas.com/
Record Label:
ProgRock Records
: : DISCOGRAPHY : :
Surface Serene
- 2003
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