A post on 1 of the Kevin Gilbert Facebook groups asked today
How were you introduced to Kevin Gilbert? and maybe add a note what led you to that album/concert?
My comment:
technically, the 1st time was hearing him on the Supper's Ready Genesis tribute cd in 1999 or 2000. But I think really the 1st time I consciously read and got to know his name was when Spock's Beard came out with V and the talk online about "The Great Nothing" being about him. That and around the same time on Mike Portnoy's Forum, at least 1 or more topics about him, Sheryl Crow and 1 or more articles about his story was shared sometime in 2001.
I know it was around that time since I recall going to the official website and reading about Kevin along with DJing a semi-regular show on KFAI Radio in Minneapolis and playing a Mini-disc of songs I had downloaded, on KFAI radio.
"Shadow Self" I recall was 1 that I played. I stopped DJ-ing on KFAI in early 2003 (until coming back in 2011). However I didn't fully realize how attached I could become to Kevin until getting 2 copies of Toy Matinee in 2004.
Not long before that, when Portnoy's OSI project came out with their debut album in 2003, Mike Portnoy chimed in on his forum about examples of bands that released both Self-Titled albums with Self-Titled songs. OSI did that back in 2003, and Toy Matinee of course was mentioned among many others.
But with this kind of being uncertain being it was sometime between 1999 and 2004, it got my curious self wanting to pinpoint more accurate details.
The OSI-related topic about Bands who released a Self-Titled song on a Self-Titled album topic on Mike Portnoy's forum I'm afraid I don't think is on his site anymore per I recall it was around the time of the OSI debut album came out which was in February 2003. But Mike Portnoy's forum history only goes back to May 2003, so unless the discussion was bumped or went on for many months, it's gone or in the WebArchives (Way Back Machine maybe?).
So my next thought was to look at my LiveJournal history and I've spent a few hours looking at it, getting distracted of course reading all the nostalgia.
I guess I may spend some more time looking (then again I may not), but at least from looking so far, it was in October and/or November 2004. Which at the same time, was when I checked out Jeff Buckley. But I'm pretty sure there was at least a little gap in time between when I got into Kevin and Jeff. I have a distinct memory of it being the Fall of 2004 and going to the Eagan Library and checking out The Grace EPs, and also finding a copy of the Deluxe Edition of Grace at the St.Paul Cheapo in the Recent Arrivals.
But based on that timing, I wonder if it was in August or July even. Shoot.
But in looking at 1 of the topics, some bands showed up in a suggested listening for fans of Kevin and Toy Matinee
Dada
New Radicals
The Spent Poets
School of Fish
I know Dada and their song "Diz Knee Land" actually I believe I own or owned the cassette single which I bought while working at Sam Goody at the Mall of America the Summer of 1993. But I don't think I ever listened to that whole album or any of their other music. So I went on to YouTube a bit ago and checked some of their other songs out and enjoyed some of them. I.e. I may want to hear Puzzle and in looking at rym, their Self-Titled album also may be worth checking out. And their other 2 records at some point as well.
New Radicals are known best to me for 1 tune "You Get What You Give" which to me always sounded like a cleaner modern sounding Rolling Stones, or even a bit like The Black Crowes for the College Rock crowd. But I imagine there is more to enjoy on their 1 and only record Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too from 1998.
The Spent Poets, i may enjoy most among all of these bands having listened to maybe half of their one and only Self-Titled album from 1992. They use samples and atmosphere well. And among the comparisons in 1 review on rym is XTC and The Beatles.
School of Fish is the only 1 of these bands I'm not as optimistic about. But I will definitely try and check them out as well.
Showing posts with label OSI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OSI. Show all posts
Saturday, May 26, 2018
Monday, September 22, 2014
Flying Colors - Second Nature (2014)
9/22/14 9:46PM
Link with Soundcloud Stream of album
I've checked it out once for the most part. It's not bad, but I'd be lying if I said I was blown away by it. Needs more time I suppose. The Transatlantic comparison is still there, naturally with Neal Morse especially, it often sounds like a lot of his music.
8/20/14 6:15AM
"Mask Machine" video. Not bad. Not as bad at least as some of the comments on some of the forums have given it. Does it sound like Muse? in spots, but so did parts of their debut album. Is it too long? not really just from hearing it initially.
also I never got around to sharing this.The 3 shows in the US Bend Sinister is the support act. I'd love to go, but the Chicago show for example, falls on Yom Kippur anyway. O well, I do hope naturally a lot of new people catch on to Bend Sinister from the exposure as it is cool Flying Colors (Portnoy) is having them share the bill on those 3 dates in the US at least.
OCTOBER 2014 TOUR
10/02 LOS ANGELES, CA JAMES ARMSTRONG THEATER
10/03 CHICAGO, IL ARACDA THEATER
10/04 PHILADELPHIA, PA KESWICK THEATER
10/07 BARCELONA, SPAIN RAZZMATAZZ 2
10/08 MILAN, ITALY MILAN LIVE CLUB
10/09 TILBURG, NETHERLANDS 013
10/11 FRANKFURT, GERMANY BATSCHKAPP
10/12 PRATTELN, SWITZERLAND Z7
10/13 LONDON, UK ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
10/14 PARIS, FRANCE ALHAMBRA
Special Guests for the US shows will be BEND SINISTER
Special Guests for Europe/UK will be JOHN WESLEY
7/28/14 10:50PM
Preorder
Trailer:
Second Nature, the sophomore statement from Flying Colors is released via Mascot Label Group / Music Theories Recordings on September 29, 2014 in Europe and September 30, 2014 in the rest of the world.
Sporting stunning artwork from the legendary designer Hugh Syme (Rush, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater) and bookended by two tracks of truly epic stature – Open Up Your Eyes and the multiple-part Cosmic Symphony – the album is every bit as breathtaking as the debut.
Second Nature will be released on CD and 2LP (180 gram vinyl). The vinyl has a downloadcard, good for one MP3 download of the album.
Both the CD and 2LP can be ordered with a specially designed t-shirt that's only available from MLG Merch.
As always we will include a free poster with each order.
But wait, that's not all! Each pre-order will include a free bonus DVD with behind the scenes footage, interviews and more, and we will send you MP3s of 2 bonus songs that are not available on the album**.
**The bonus tracks are being prepared by the band. As soon as we receive them, we will send everybody who pre-ordered the album a link to get these bonus MP3s.
Tracklisting:
1. Open Up Your Eyes
2. Mask Machine
3. Bombs Away
4. The Fury Of My Love
5. A Place In Your World
6. Lost Without You
7. One Lost Forever
8. Peaceful Harbor
9. Cosmic Symphony
I. Still Life Of The World
II. Searching For The Air
III. Pound For Pound
Please note that this is a pre-order item. If you order this item together with an item that is already available, we will hold your order and ship all items around September 22. We recommend that you place a separate order if you wish to receive the released items sooner.
7/26/14 11:56AM
There is no PRESS RELEASE that I can find at the moment, but the linked website with this information is there, so I'm going with it.
Below is information already published on this Finnish? website/webstore showing the title, artwork, release date (September 26th, 2014) and track list for the sophomore LP from the prog rock "super group" of a sort featuring Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Casey McPherson and Dave LaRue, whose Self Titled debut LP made somewhat of a big splash in 2012, at least among progressive rock fans.
Personally? I thought I was going to fall head over heals for that record back in 2012, and while I did enjoy it for the most part, I kind of enjoyed it enough, but also remained curious where this group could go in the future.
I love progressive rock when combined with well produced pop music, and I actually grew to like Casey McPherson as a singer in Alpha Rev after hearing this.
But the jury is out a bit with this band, I think they have the potential to make some amazing songs, so I certainly hold optimism for this. But do I expect this to fight for my favorite record this year? given their debut LP didn't really, I would be pleasantly surprised if it did. But, then again, those are the kind of surprises and albums I often appreciate even more with time (and even their older work after that experience).
One note: the title being "Second Nature" the Rush song comes to mind of course, but also the name of the band that would become Transatlantic, except would have featured Jim Matheos on guitar instead of Roine Stolt, back in 1999/2000. Matheos it turned out wanted-to but was too busy with Fates Warning (I recall reading many years ago) to be able to work on the music for that band/album so had to depart the project (and replaced by Stolt). And at least some of that experience found motivation for Jim to collaborate with Mike Portnoy again with OSI a few years later.
Finnish Webstore Link
This is just a *ROUGH TRANSLATION FROM FINNISH TO ENGLISH*
Virtuoso prog / pop / rock band with (former) members of Deep Purple, Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs, Avenged Sevenfold, Dixie Dregs, Spock's Beard, Alpha Rev & the Trans-Atlantic
Release date: 09.26.2014. Product will be shipped the release date.
You can book with this product and pick it up from the nearest Record Shop X.. This is done by moving the product to shopping cart, and then checkout the order takeout trade.
tracks
1 Open Up Your Eyes
2 Mask Machine
3 Bombs Away
4 The Fury Of My Love
5 A Place In Your World
6 Lost Without You
7 One Lost Forever
8 Peaceful Harbor
9 Cosmic Symphony
I. Still Life Of The World
II. Searching For The Air
III. Pound For Pound
Link with Soundcloud Stream of album
I've checked it out once for the most part. It's not bad, but I'd be lying if I said I was blown away by it. Needs more time I suppose. The Transatlantic comparison is still there, naturally with Neal Morse especially, it often sounds like a lot of his music.
8/20/14 6:15AM
"Mask Machine" video. Not bad. Not as bad at least as some of the comments on some of the forums have given it. Does it sound like Muse? in spots, but so did parts of their debut album. Is it too long? not really just from hearing it initially.
also I never got around to sharing this.The 3 shows in the US Bend Sinister is the support act. I'd love to go, but the Chicago show for example, falls on Yom Kippur anyway. O well, I do hope naturally a lot of new people catch on to Bend Sinister from the exposure as it is cool Flying Colors (Portnoy) is having them share the bill on those 3 dates in the US at least.
OCTOBER 2014 TOUR
10/02 LOS ANGELES, CA JAMES ARMSTRONG THEATER
10/03 CHICAGO, IL ARACDA THEATER
10/04 PHILADELPHIA, PA KESWICK THEATER
10/07 BARCELONA, SPAIN RAZZMATAZZ 2
10/08 MILAN, ITALY MILAN LIVE CLUB
10/09 TILBURG, NETHERLANDS 013
10/11 FRANKFURT, GERMANY BATSCHKAPP
10/12 PRATTELN, SWITZERLAND Z7
10/13 LONDON, UK ISLINGTON ASSEMBLY HALL
10/14 PARIS, FRANCE ALHAMBRA
Special Guests for the US shows will be BEND SINISTER
Special Guests for Europe/UK will be JOHN WESLEY
7/28/14 10:50PM
Preorder
Trailer:
Second Nature, the sophomore statement from Flying Colors is released via Mascot Label Group / Music Theories Recordings on September 29, 2014 in Europe and September 30, 2014 in the rest of the world.
Sporting stunning artwork from the legendary designer Hugh Syme (Rush, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater) and bookended by two tracks of truly epic stature – Open Up Your Eyes and the multiple-part Cosmic Symphony – the album is every bit as breathtaking as the debut.
Second Nature will be released on CD and 2LP (180 gram vinyl). The vinyl has a downloadcard, good for one MP3 download of the album.
Both the CD and 2LP can be ordered with a specially designed t-shirt that's only available from MLG Merch.
As always we will include a free poster with each order.
But wait, that's not all! Each pre-order will include a free bonus DVD with behind the scenes footage, interviews and more, and we will send you MP3s of 2 bonus songs that are not available on the album**.
**The bonus tracks are being prepared by the band. As soon as we receive them, we will send everybody who pre-ordered the album a link to get these bonus MP3s.
Tracklisting:
1. Open Up Your Eyes
2. Mask Machine
3. Bombs Away
4. The Fury Of My Love
5. A Place In Your World
6. Lost Without You
7. One Lost Forever
8. Peaceful Harbor
9. Cosmic Symphony
I. Still Life Of The World
II. Searching For The Air
III. Pound For Pound
Please note that this is a pre-order item. If you order this item together with an item that is already available, we will hold your order and ship all items around September 22. We recommend that you place a separate order if you wish to receive the released items sooner.
7/26/14 11:56AM
There is no PRESS RELEASE that I can find at the moment, but the linked website with this information is there, so I'm going with it.
Below is information already published on this Finnish? website/webstore showing the title, artwork, release date (September 26th, 2014) and track list for the sophomore LP from the prog rock "super group" of a sort featuring Mike Portnoy, Neal Morse, Steve Morse, Casey McPherson and Dave LaRue, whose Self Titled debut LP made somewhat of a big splash in 2012, at least among progressive rock fans.
Personally? I thought I was going to fall head over heals for that record back in 2012, and while I did enjoy it for the most part, I kind of enjoyed it enough, but also remained curious where this group could go in the future.
I love progressive rock when combined with well produced pop music, and I actually grew to like Casey McPherson as a singer in Alpha Rev after hearing this.
But the jury is out a bit with this band, I think they have the potential to make some amazing songs, so I certainly hold optimism for this. But do I expect this to fight for my favorite record this year? given their debut LP didn't really, I would be pleasantly surprised if it did. But, then again, those are the kind of surprises and albums I often appreciate even more with time (and even their older work after that experience).
One note: the title being "Second Nature" the Rush song comes to mind of course, but also the name of the band that would become Transatlantic, except would have featured Jim Matheos on guitar instead of Roine Stolt, back in 1999/2000. Matheos it turned out wanted-to but was too busy with Fates Warning (I recall reading many years ago) to be able to work on the music for that band/album so had to depart the project (and replaced by Stolt). And at least some of that experience found motivation for Jim to collaborate with Mike Portnoy again with OSI a few years later.
Finnish Webstore Link
This is just a *ROUGH TRANSLATION FROM FINNISH TO ENGLISH*
Virtuoso prog / pop / rock band with (former) members of Deep Purple, Dream Theater, The Winery Dogs, Avenged Sevenfold, Dixie Dregs, Spock's Beard, Alpha Rev & the Trans-Atlantic
Release date: 09.26.2014. Product will be shipped the release date.
You can book with this product and pick it up from the nearest Record Shop X.. This is done by moving the product to shopping cart, and then checkout the order takeout trade.
tracks
1 Open Up Your Eyes
2 Mask Machine
3 Bombs Away
4 The Fury Of My Love
5 A Place In Your World
6 Lost Without You
7 One Lost Forever
8 Peaceful Harbor
9 Cosmic Symphony
I. Still Life Of The World
II. Searching For The Air
III. Pound For Pound
Friday, January 31, 2014
Toria - Octave (2014)
1/31/14 11:00PM
(from below, but it bares posting a 2nd time).
edit: digging this!..very moody and electronic at points, almost like God is a Astronaut meets Long Distance Calling.
https://toria.bandcamp.com/album/octave
1. Awake 01:55
2. Clear The Mist 03:55
3. Snow Crystals 04:56
4. Urban Wasteland 02:41
5. Water Of The Sun 06:01
6. Facing The Universe 05:47
7. Chasing Storm 03:32
8. Into The Wild 05:51
12/25/13 10:30AM
Previous Entry
Pretty excited to finally hear this debut record of theirs. My only small issue might be in 1 of the sample clips, I hear some djent, which previously, I don't recall on any of their music. But if it's not extensive, it likely won't matter to me. I do hope they continue using samples, but remember what OSI did after their debut album?
anyway, this debut LP should be coming in 2014, my guess would be in the Spring sometime.
http://toria.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/toriaband
(from below, but it bares posting a 2nd time).
edit: digging this!..very moody and electronic at points, almost like God is a Astronaut meets Long Distance Calling.
https://toria.bandcamp.com/album/octave
1. Awake 01:55
2. Clear The Mist 03:55
3. Snow Crystals 04:56
4. Urban Wasteland 02:41
5. Water Of The Sun 06:01
6. Facing The Universe 05:47
7. Chasing Storm 03:32
8. Into The Wild 05:51
12/25/13 10:30AM
Previous Entry
Pretty excited to finally hear this debut record of theirs. My only small issue might be in 1 of the sample clips, I hear some djent, which previously, I don't recall on any of their music. But if it's not extensive, it likely won't matter to me. I do hope they continue using samples, but remember what OSI did after their debut album?
anyway, this debut LP should be coming in 2014, my guess would be in the Spring sometime.
http://toria.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/toriaband
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Graham Butler - Dread Fascination (2013)
http://dreadfascination.com/
Dread Fascination on FACEBOOK
This is a project and the debut album from Los Angeles based musician Graham Butler. This album likely has been a long time in the making as I was introduced to Graham with a demo or 2 maybe around 2008 or 2009. I didn't realize he was living out in LA, as back then I saw him and some of his family members at the Liquid Tension Experiment concert in Chicago ("When the Keyboard Breaks," I recall).
But style wise, his music then and in just listening to this now, shares a lot of what many like in modern prog rock. I hear elements of Porcupine Tree and OSI among some others. Textured/Textural rock music with movements and time changes.
The songs I would say found my attention the most in just 1 listening,
"My Disguise" and "Flicker" with some of the big riffs and build ups.
And "Closer and ":Paradise" which have kind of a melancholy about them at points.
The vocals seem to sound like a few singers like Nick D'Virgilio, and maybe the singer from Sound & Shape, who I actually seem to hear a lot of singers who remind me of both of them, which isn't a bad thing necessarily.
01 Calcine Love
02 Dread Fascination 6:08
03 Air Conceals pt. 1 4:16
04 Testify 4:06
05 My Disguise 9:32
06 Sleep Forever 10:28
07 Flicker 4:55
08 Air Conceals pt. 2 1:49
09 Closer 4:32
10 Faith Alone 4:52
11 Paradise 5:26
From the site:
Dread Fascination is the free-to-listen debut album from Graham Butler. It represents a unique approach to concept albums, with no characters and no dialogue; Instead, it attempts to tell a story through different perspectives, bringing to light the thoughts & emotions that come about from experiencing tragic or life-altering events. It explores themes of love, loss, depression, death & rebirth, and the process of finding purpose and fulfillment in the face of life's resistance.
Graham Butler is a Musician/Producer based in Los Angeles, CA. After playing drums and producing records with many different artists for several years, he decided to start developing his own project in 2006. After the attempted suicide of a friend, he was compelled to write and record an album as a reaction to that event as well as his own experiences with depression. The result, after 7 long years, is Dread Fascination.
I will admit, the description reminds me of Neverending White Lights, with doing concept albums with different voices, etc. But musically, I would say they don't share A TON but perhaps with hearing this more, I may trace more than just on the approach to songs/albums and concepts.
Dread Fascination on FACEBOOK
This is a project and the debut album from Los Angeles based musician Graham Butler. This album likely has been a long time in the making as I was introduced to Graham with a demo or 2 maybe around 2008 or 2009. I didn't realize he was living out in LA, as back then I saw him and some of his family members at the Liquid Tension Experiment concert in Chicago ("When the Keyboard Breaks," I recall).
But style wise, his music then and in just listening to this now, shares a lot of what many like in modern prog rock. I hear elements of Porcupine Tree and OSI among some others. Textured/Textural rock music with movements and time changes.
The songs I would say found my attention the most in just 1 listening,
"My Disguise" and "Flicker" with some of the big riffs and build ups.
And "Closer and ":Paradise" which have kind of a melancholy about them at points.
The vocals seem to sound like a few singers like Nick D'Virgilio, and maybe the singer from Sound & Shape, who I actually seem to hear a lot of singers who remind me of both of them, which isn't a bad thing necessarily.
01 Calcine Love
02 Dread Fascination 6:08
03 Air Conceals pt. 1 4:16
04 Testify 4:06
05 My Disguise 9:32
06 Sleep Forever 10:28
07 Flicker 4:55
08 Air Conceals pt. 2 1:49
09 Closer 4:32
10 Faith Alone 4:52
11 Paradise 5:26
From the site:
Dread Fascination is the free-to-listen debut album from Graham Butler. It represents a unique approach to concept albums, with no characters and no dialogue; Instead, it attempts to tell a story through different perspectives, bringing to light the thoughts & emotions that come about from experiencing tragic or life-altering events. It explores themes of love, loss, depression, death & rebirth, and the process of finding purpose and fulfillment in the face of life's resistance.
Graham Butler is a Musician/Producer based in Los Angeles, CA. After playing drums and producing records with many different artists for several years, he decided to start developing his own project in 2006. After the attempted suicide of a friend, he was compelled to write and record an album as a reaction to that event as well as his own experiences with depression. The result, after 7 long years, is Dread Fascination.
I will admit, the description reminds me of Neverending White Lights, with doing concept albums with different voices, etc. But musically, I would say they don't share A TON but perhaps with hearing this more, I may trace more than just on the approach to songs/albums and concepts.
Monday, April 9, 2012
OSI - Fire Make Thunder (2012)
4/9/12 6:23PM
new video for the song "For Nothing"..meh. This record went from intriguing to luke warm at best, to now I don't know if I'll even listen to again, until the end of the year review period, lol. But I'm hardly surprised.
3/19/124:46PM-3/22/12 9:43AM
Go stream "Big Chief II" here. I'm already digging it more than "Cold Call."
3/5/12 11:50AM
New song "Cold Call" via this article
2/15/12 9:39PM
A couple of interviews, the one comment that has me a little concerned is
Kevin saying at 9:24 "I dunno, for me, when I listen to it, just like you were saying, like after mastering, just from beginning to end. it seems this album had a more consistent mood to it. It's kind of more MELLOW overall I'd say, than previous albums. But um, it definitely has like a certain sound to it. The overall production, the sound of it, and like the keyboards sounds ...are more unified throughout the whole thing"
well, the last record Blood was almost entirely all MELLOW songs, lol. I'm not sure how much "more mellow" an album from OSI could be?
I am curious about this live performance referred to. Sounds like it could be like ustream.com or stageit.com thing. The latter, I'm not crazy about paying for. But when if/when it may happen, it'll be something to consider.
1/23/12 11:58AM
01. Cold Call
02. Guards
03. Indian Curse
04. Enemy Prayer
05. Wind Won't Howl
06. Big Chief II
07. For Nothing
08. Invisible Men
b-mouth link
"Fire Make Thunder" marks the fourth undertaking for the collaborative duo known as OSI. The CD is slated for a March 27 release via Metal Blade Records.
Formed in 2002 by Jim Matheos (FATES WARNING, ARCH/MATHEOS) and Kevin Moore (CHROMA KEY, former DREAM THEATER keyboardist), OSI is a long-distance partnership, both musicians typically writing and recording alone and sending song ideas back and forth for further elaboration.
Written and recorded throughout most of 2011, this latest release once again reflects the eclectic influences of both Matheos and Moore.
Returning as OSI's session drummer is Gavin Harrison of PORCUPINE TREE, this time co-writing one of the tracks with the band. All other instruments and programming were performed by both Matheos and Moore, while vocals and lyrics were handled exclusively by Moore.
All of the recording for "Fire Make Thunder", with the exception of drums, was done by Moore and Matheos at each musician's respective home studio with drums being recorded at Harrison's home in London. Final overdubs as well as some additional writing/arranging was completed in July 2011 in Jamaica, Iowa, where the band mixed alongside engineer Matt Sepanic at Sound Farm Studio & Recording Environment. Mastering was handled by renowned engineer Roger Siebel. The record was produced by both Moore and Matheos.
It sounds like there's some heavier riffs and samples perhaps. Songwriting and flow? we'll see. I've been impressed by other album previews, and the album didn't end up sounding as good as I thought it would. But I guess I'm slightly optimistic about this album now.
1/16/12 2:29PM
Nuclear Blast for sale link
March 23rd, on Vinyl and CD.
not that I'm all that excited or optimistic about this, as they've pretty much jumped the shark since KevMo hijacked this project to being more or less an ambient sister band to Chroma Key.
But I and I'm pretty sure others who find/read/stumble-upon this blog want to know about this record regardless.
But I'll repeat what I have said many times in this blog. The 1st record is a great flowing album, that is textural, heavy, atmospheric, and melodic. And the songwriting is terrific.
Free was mediocre, and Blood was even worse, a snoozefest save for maybe 2 songs.
By some chance, they bring back the heavy-ness and the samples, my interest might be renewed. But until then, this is an album I'll check out when it comes out and then expect to read baffling comments about it, and how it compares to the others, including the debut record, and the debut record still being their worst album by these folks, lol.
But, of course that would mean nothing is new. But so be it.
At least once this is released, Jim can start to focus on the next Fates Warning again, hopefully.
new video for the song "For Nothing"..meh. This record went from intriguing to luke warm at best, to now I don't know if I'll even listen to again, until the end of the year review period, lol. But I'm hardly surprised.
3/19/124:46PM-3/22/12 9:43AM
Go stream "Big Chief II" here. I'm already digging it more than "Cold Call."
3/5/12 11:50AM
New song "Cold Call" via this article
2/15/12 9:39PM
A couple of interviews, the one comment that has me a little concerned is
Kevin saying at 9:24 "I dunno, for me, when I listen to it, just like you were saying, like after mastering, just from beginning to end. it seems this album had a more consistent mood to it. It's kind of more MELLOW overall I'd say, than previous albums. But um, it definitely has like a certain sound to it. The overall production, the sound of it, and like the keyboards sounds ...are more unified throughout the whole thing"
well, the last record Blood was almost entirely all MELLOW songs, lol. I'm not sure how much "more mellow" an album from OSI could be?
I am curious about this live performance referred to. Sounds like it could be like ustream.com or stageit.com thing. The latter, I'm not crazy about paying for. But when if/when it may happen, it'll be something to consider.
1/23/12 11:58AM
01. Cold Call
02. Guards
03. Indian Curse
04. Enemy Prayer
05. Wind Won't Howl
06. Big Chief II
07. For Nothing
08. Invisible Men
b-mouth link
"Fire Make Thunder" marks the fourth undertaking for the collaborative duo known as OSI. The CD is slated for a March 27 release via Metal Blade Records.
Formed in 2002 by Jim Matheos (FATES WARNING, ARCH/MATHEOS) and Kevin Moore (CHROMA KEY, former DREAM THEATER keyboardist), OSI is a long-distance partnership, both musicians typically writing and recording alone and sending song ideas back and forth for further elaboration.
Written and recorded throughout most of 2011, this latest release once again reflects the eclectic influences of both Matheos and Moore.
Returning as OSI's session drummer is Gavin Harrison of PORCUPINE TREE, this time co-writing one of the tracks with the band. All other instruments and programming were performed by both Matheos and Moore, while vocals and lyrics were handled exclusively by Moore.
All of the recording for "Fire Make Thunder", with the exception of drums, was done by Moore and Matheos at each musician's respective home studio with drums being recorded at Harrison's home in London. Final overdubs as well as some additional writing/arranging was completed in July 2011 in Jamaica, Iowa, where the band mixed alongside engineer Matt Sepanic at Sound Farm Studio & Recording Environment. Mastering was handled by renowned engineer Roger Siebel. The record was produced by both Moore and Matheos.
It sounds like there's some heavier riffs and samples perhaps. Songwriting and flow? we'll see. I've been impressed by other album previews, and the album didn't end up sounding as good as I thought it would. But I guess I'm slightly optimistic about this album now.
1/16/12 2:29PM
Nuclear Blast for sale link
March 23rd, on Vinyl and CD.
not that I'm all that excited or optimistic about this, as they've pretty much jumped the shark since KevMo hijacked this project to being more or less an ambient sister band to Chroma Key.
But I and I'm pretty sure others who find/read/stumble-upon this blog want to know about this record regardless.
But I'll repeat what I have said many times in this blog. The 1st record is a great flowing album, that is textural, heavy, atmospheric, and melodic. And the songwriting is terrific.
Free was mediocre, and Blood was even worse, a snoozefest save for maybe 2 songs.
By some chance, they bring back the heavy-ness and the samples, my interest might be renewed. But until then, this is an album I'll check out when it comes out and then expect to read baffling comments about it, and how it compares to the others, including the debut record, and the debut record still being their worst album by these folks, lol.
But, of course that would mean nothing is new. But so be it.
At least once this is released, Jim can start to focus on the next Fates Warning again, hopefully.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Arch/Matheos - Sympathetic Resonance (2011) (1.0)
6/20/11 10:48PM
edit okay, Jim does clarify the differences a bit there. Huh. Now, I'm a tad less optimistic about it, only in that given how much control John had. I dunno. The quotes from John Arch in the story as well.
I guess it's all words, and until hearing it, the differences might not mean any thing (or even be noticed/a factor on how good it is).
http://www.metalblade.com/news/06-20-11-04.html
Arch /Matheos: Band sets "Sympathetic Resonance" as the title of upcoming debut full-length album Fates Warning guitarist JIM MATHEOS and original vocalist JOHN ARCH team up for new band!
As previously announced, Jim Matheos (current member of the progressive rock powerhouse Fates Warning and OSI) and John Arch (former vocalist of Fates Warning) have teamed up to form the new progressive rock band, ARCH/ MATHEOS. The band -accompanied by Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar- began tracking the drums on January 12 and continued to record through mid February with Jim Matheos producing. ARCH/ MATHEOS is pleased to announce Sympathetic Resonance as the title of the debut album, which will be released September 13, 2011 in North America.
Jim Matheos offered his insight on the writing and recording process of Sympathetic Resonance; "I think John and I work really well together. There's a lot of mutual respect and trust in what we do.
But, we're also both very critical of ourselves, and each other. This can make for a long and, sometimes, tedious process. But ultimately it's one I enjoy because I think it brings out the best in both of us." John Arch added; "When I first heard some of the arrangements Jim had written and recorded, it took quite some time before I could wrap my mind around the odd time signatures and guitar work going on here.
There are some long compositions, so putting anxiety and apprehension on the back burner it was time to dissect these numbers into digestible bits. After the lengthy process of lyrics and melodies, listening to the songs now, I can't imagine them any other way." In terms of the lyrical content on Sympathetic Resonance, John Arch notes that "the lyrics this time around are more in line with A Twist of Fate and not of the mystical nature of some past albums."
More details will be released over the coming months so be sure to stay tuned to MetalBlade.com. ARCH/ MATHEOS pages on Facebook and Twitter coming soon!
Lineup:
John Arch – vocals (Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI) Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches) Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot) Frank Aresti - additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
Damn, what a great thing to read about on my 35th birthday. I like many things about this. It's still my #1 anticipated record. The title and quotes sounds like it may be an extension of AToF which I can't lie, is more or less exactly all I'd ever hope for.
Damn, September 13th, the parents 40th anniversary, new Arch/Matheos, Dream Theater, St.Vincent and possibly more.
5/10/11 7:51PM
Brian Slagel of Metal Blade posted this on twitter over the weekend:
Great to see John Arch and Jim Mateos last night. Album is AMAZING!!! They will be doing tons of press as well. Out in Sept. 1:25 PM May 7th via web
I also noticed they aren't clear on the NAME of the band yet. "Arch/Matheos" or "A/M" perhaps.
Good news to read about my most anticipated record of 2011.
1/19/11 7:27PM
Previous post on 1/12/11
So the other post from last week was a partial false-start. Arch/Matheos is the moniker; which actually makes a lot of sense, given Jim co-wrote "Relentless" on John's EP.
Glad to see more info as I noticed the post Joey Vera made on facebook last week was pulled a few days later. It got me worried. I'm frankly, ecstatic anticipating hearing this, as when I read the bit from Joey Vera last week about learning new John Arch tunes, that album immediately became my most anticipated record for 2011, or for that matter, in a number of years.
The only question that this raises is with all of the Fates Warning guys involved save for Ray Alder (obviously), I wonder if the next FW record is not gonna happen. Jim has OSI this year as well, and Ray is kind of busy with Redemption I think.
As a Fates Warning fan, I'm a little concerned given the group has taken long backseats to these other projects. I mean Bobby and even Joey for that matter (and Frank too) came/came back to playing with Jim from what I read was for Fates itself.
But at the same time, maybe this is what they're doing. I adore John and Jim's writing especially (save for the recent OSI, lol). I guess if the next Ray Alder-involvement with these guys (save for John, or who knows, maybe John could also comeback in some way?) is pushed back another year or 2, I'm still happy; since for many years of course the belief was John may never do anything else after that landmark EP from 2003.
edit okay, Jim does clarify the differences a bit there. Huh. Now, I'm a tad less optimistic about it, only in that given how much control John had. I dunno. The quotes from John Arch in the story as well.
I guess it's all words, and until hearing it, the differences might not mean any thing (or even be noticed/a factor on how good it is).
http://www.metalblade.com/news/06-20-11-04.html
Arch /Matheos: Band sets "Sympathetic Resonance" as the title of upcoming debut full-length album Fates Warning guitarist JIM MATHEOS and original vocalist JOHN ARCH team up for new band!
As previously announced, Jim Matheos (current member of the progressive rock powerhouse Fates Warning and OSI) and John Arch (former vocalist of Fates Warning) have teamed up to form the new progressive rock band, ARCH/ MATHEOS. The band -accompanied by Joey Vera on bass, Bobby Jarzombek on drums, and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar- began tracking the drums on January 12 and continued to record through mid February with Jim Matheos producing. ARCH/ MATHEOS is pleased to announce Sympathetic Resonance as the title of the debut album, which will be released September 13, 2011 in North America.
Jim Matheos offered his insight on the writing and recording process of Sympathetic Resonance; "I think John and I work really well together. There's a lot of mutual respect and trust in what we do.
But, we're also both very critical of ourselves, and each other. This can make for a long and, sometimes, tedious process. But ultimately it's one I enjoy because I think it brings out the best in both of us." John Arch added; "When I first heard some of the arrangements Jim had written and recorded, it took quite some time before I could wrap my mind around the odd time signatures and guitar work going on here.
There are some long compositions, so putting anxiety and apprehension on the back burner it was time to dissect these numbers into digestible bits. After the lengthy process of lyrics and melodies, listening to the songs now, I can't imagine them any other way." In terms of the lyrical content on Sympathetic Resonance, John Arch notes that "the lyrics this time around are more in line with A Twist of Fate and not of the mystical nature of some past albums."
More details will be released over the coming months so be sure to stay tuned to MetalBlade.com. ARCH/ MATHEOS pages on Facebook and Twitter coming soon!
Lineup:
John Arch – vocals (Fates Warning)
Jim Matheos – guitars (Fates Warning, OSI) Joey Vera – bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches) Bobby Jarzombek – drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot) Frank Aresti - additional lead guitar (Fates Warning)
Damn, what a great thing to read about on my 35th birthday. I like many things about this. It's still my #1 anticipated record. The title and quotes sounds like it may be an extension of AToF which I can't lie, is more or less exactly all I'd ever hope for.
Damn, September 13th, the parents 40th anniversary, new Arch/Matheos, Dream Theater, St.Vincent and possibly more.
5/10/11 7:51PM
Brian Slagel of Metal Blade posted this on twitter over the weekend:
Great to see John Arch and Jim Mateos last night. Album is AMAZING!!! They will be doing tons of press as well. Out in Sept. 1:25 PM May 7th via web
I also noticed they aren't clear on the NAME of the band yet. "Arch/Matheos" or "A/M" perhaps.
Good news to read about my most anticipated record of 2011.
1/19/11 7:27PM
Previous post on 1/12/11
Arch / Matheos currently tracking in the studio
AGOURA HILLS, Calif. – January 19, 2011 – Jim Matheos (current member of the progressive rock powerhouse Fates Warning and OSI) and John Arch (former vocalist of Fates Warning) are currently working together on a new full-length album that will be released in late spring/early summer via Metal Blade Records. The band, called ARCH / MATHEOS, began tracking the drums on January 12 and will continue to record through mid February with both John Arch and Jim Matheos producing the album.
ARCH / MATHEOS features an all-star lineup including the talents of Joey Vera on bass (Armored Saint, Anthrax, Fates Warning, Seven Witches), Bobby Jarzombek on drums (Halford, Fates Warning, Sebastian Bach, Riot), and Frank Aresti on additional lead guitar (Fates Warning). More details will be released over the coming months so be sure to stay tuned to FatesWarning.com & MetalBlade.com
So the other post from last week was a partial false-start. Arch/Matheos is the moniker; which actually makes a lot of sense, given Jim co-wrote "Relentless" on John's EP.
Glad to see more info as I noticed the post Joey Vera made on facebook last week was pulled a few days later. It got me worried. I'm frankly, ecstatic anticipating hearing this, as when I read the bit from Joey Vera last week about learning new John Arch tunes, that album immediately became my most anticipated record for 2011, or for that matter, in a number of years.
The only question that this raises is with all of the Fates Warning guys involved save for Ray Alder (obviously), I wonder if the next FW record is not gonna happen. Jim has OSI this year as well, and Ray is kind of busy with Redemption I think.
As a Fates Warning fan, I'm a little concerned given the group has taken long backseats to these other projects. I mean Bobby and even Joey for that matter (and Frank too) came/came back to playing with Jim from what I read was for Fates itself.
But at the same time, maybe this is what they're doing. I adore John and Jim's writing especially (save for the recent OSI, lol). I guess if the next Ray Alder-involvement with these guys (save for John, or who knows, maybe John could also comeback in some way?) is pushed back another year or 2, I'm still happy; since for many years of course the belief was John may never do anything else after that landmark EP from 2003.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Jim Matheos (of Fates Warning, OSI) interview. New FW Album =2011
Here's an interview with Jim Matheos after 1 of the shows they did recently. It sounds like the earliest a new FW album could come out, will be sometime next year.
I'm not surprised, as it's now 1-week into July and no details. They've been busy with the Parallels reunion shows. Plus of course he's been working on a new OSI album *shrugs*.
I guess as a fan, hopefully some details will surface by the end of the year about it and his plans for 2011. And it's nice to find out now, rather than wait the rest of the year/season (through October/November) wondering about it.
2011 keeps looking better and better.
I will add, this will definitely not be the last new entry about Fates Warning this year, hehe.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
More New Music: Long Distance Calling, new OSI
Long Distance Calling - Avoid the Light (2009)
Track List and Observations:
01.Apparitions 12:18..7:30 sorta trippy/mathy/melodic rhythm..awesome build..a few mins later it fades with atmosphere
02.Black Paper Planes 7:19 ..the drums standout in the middle..the syncopation and interplay between the guitar parts..synths, and drums work really well
03.359 7:57...tight drumwork..more subtle spacey synths..5:10 it starts to pick-up again..the layers of clean guitars really work well as it builds..epic
04.I Know You, Stanley Milgram! 10:28..nice grindy rhythm..then goes kind of clean and reminds me of PT..it really builds into a heavy, spacey wall-of-sound
05.The Nearing Grave 7:50 ..Warm/TRIPPY/DREAMY kind of vocals..a bit like Minus the Bear's vox...NICE BELLS OVER DOUBLE BASS
06.Sundown Highway 9:10 ...ANOTHER ENERGETIC RHYTHM..ALMOST REMINDS ME OF dt'S lEARNING TO LIVE..love the acoustic ending.
Okay, this has impressed me a ton, only played it twice. This German-based mostly instrumental psychedelic-tinged progressive post-metal really have composed an energetic, without-filler 55min album here. I am a fan of some *Post* music..actually I'm lying, in the past couple of years I have really found a lot of music labeled as "Post" in some way, to be my thing. But really they either are:
a) NOT the traditionally thought-of Explosions in the Sky or in the case on metalic groups like Isis and Pelican (Mono and some others..most recently Irepress).
b) they are often HYBRIDS. Bands who have a prog rock or psychedelic aspect to their music, with some other quality that is found in "Post Rock"
c) they also focus on SONGWRITING or frankly, don't have length-ly passages that lose (or bore) me.
d) They use a chamber element like trumpet, violin, cello
Groups like Kacica, Oceansize, Do Make Say Think, Nomia, Mutyumu, Clann Zu, Murder By Death I'm thinking more-of.
in the "Post-Metal" vein. Long Distance Calling do belong in the same class with this album as Russian Circles and 2008's pleasant surprise, East of the Wall. And perhaps even a few others I've gotten into of late in Eroica and the Oceansize-esque Meniscus among others.
Atmosphere, muscle, punch, tight compositions, layers, and a nice melodic sense. And actually overall less being more. It's 55 minutes, but it doesn't necessarily feel that long. I put it on twice yesterday, and I couldn't help but have my attention focused on each second; not wanting (or seeming like it should) end.
Give it some more time, but it's a low 80's/4-star album. In my top 10 for 2009. Chances are it won't move-up much, but when it does get passed-up, it'll likely be due to other even better albums (as opposed to it not standing the test of time).
I probably require to checkout their 1st album now as well.
OSI - "Blood"..some thoughts.
a) "Terminal" and especially "Radiologue" are the 2 exceptional songs on this (at least the 1st cd that leaked).
b) OSI have changed and very much may be a 1-album wonder. The textures and layering they used in that wonderful debut record "Office of Strategic Influence" are not used (or incorporated) anywhere close to the same way on this new album nor "Free" overall.
c) I should take the three good songs off "Free" ("Go!", "Bigger Wave" and 1 other I'm forgetting) and burn them with those other two and perhaps the "re:Free" ep into one compilation.
d) A few samples, but pretty much they are limited.
e) My guess is Kevin Moore did a great deal of the songwriting (including the VOCAL-LINES) on both FREE and BLOOD. As opposed to Jim and him, and even Mike Portnoy doing more of it on the debut record.
f) The 1st album flows really well, and in some ways could be regarded as a *suite*. Most if not all of this new album and "Free" are just a bunch of songs really. The mood changes, and not that effectively really.
More specifically with "Blood"..I suppose it may be a little better than "Free" and I want to still hear the Bonus disc material, which includes an extended version of "Terminal" one of the two really good songs on this album. Plus it does have a track Tim Bowness of No-Man wrote and sang on for what it's worth (No-Man being Steven Wilson's maybe 3rd best project, but a big level down from even Blackfield). But "Terminal" I dig maybe mostly with the use of the Zeppelin-like Mellotron. "Radiologue" has a nice hook to it, and I guess features Jim's guitar work, the way I like it. Melodic, thick-toned but not too-in-your-face. And layered enough. I love Jim's guitar work; he 's perhaps my favorite (or like a top 5 or top 10 guitar player for me). But sadly on this album and "Free" there's a bit too few and far between.
His guitar work (writing) on the 1st album and especially the John Arch EP "A Twist of Fate" was incredible. Maybe he wanted to separate that style a little? Or maybe sadly, he hasn't had a lot of new ideas. C'mon Jim, whatcha been listening to? He should check out some of the newer, spacier guitar work of a lot of the alt-prog and mathy/post bands perhaps?..hell it was 1999, but Todd Rose of Soundscape's guitar work on "Grave New World," especially the diversity of tones he used are light years better and more infectious than much of the last two OSI albums.
So, OSI, they really have jumped-the-shark. I figured I'd give them an 1-album bump in-the-road. But sadly, I think due to Kevin's writing style and Jim's input they are a verrry different band now. And very well may be always. It's too bad. OSI could have been amazing. I can't deny, the potential to have Daniel Gildenlow sing that 27 minute piece on the 1st record I'll never forget. John Arch actually almost became their singer as well. And perhaps without Mike Portnoy involved, the direction changed a lot. And what seems like Jim's main focus musically now, all his Fates Warning ideas are out into this (as opposed to them not being put-into the 1st album?).
Sure it's fine they have Mikael Akerfeldt sing and write a song in "Stockholm" which does bring back that mellotron sound a bit. But it doesn't ultimately sound that much different than if M.A. wrote an Opeth tune with a little industrial feel to it. It sounds like something he left off "Watershed" in a way.
Akerfeldt and Steven Wilson (whose involvement with OSI actually was much better), seem to be the token prog-related players of late. Everyone kisses their asses, when to me, their recent work has become predictable as anything. I wish people would move-on and stop praising things, that are their fantasy music-formulas. And instead, evaluate what they put out FOR WHAT THEY ARE. Dream Theater..hell, even Marillion I try and do that for the most part with. If Marillion puts out a bad or less-than-par album, I am not going to kid myself or anyone else on my opinion.
No OSI are just another name in the underground music genre of prog that were cool when they 1st arrived, but haven't followed-up that 1st impression with nearly the promise they gave. The prog scene is like that. Really predictable, and cyclical. Not unlike a lot of other genres. But I know, just based on experience, there is better and more worthwhile music out there to discover; rather than kid myself into believing the similar style, even recipe-laden music that come from groups who were great in the past, have not *progressed*.
But a lot of the people who listen to OSI, will with this album, and continue-on likely with other albums, to praise their current direction. Sorry, they could have been so much greater than they are. I can't be down though, with the wonderful new album Archive and even that Long Distance Calling album I just posted above, this OSI album likely will become an afterthought. I wasn't expecting it to be great, but still hoped I'd be wrong. O well, people have different tastes for good reason I guess.
At least I will get to see Jim with Fates Warning in September at the 10th (Anniversary) ProgPower USA Festival. Even without Mark Zonder. Jim should be doing the Jim Matheos music I love I imagine.
note: I mean to write up a big TV entry soon. Mainly involving the passing of a lot of recent shows. And some thoughts about some good new ones. In due time. It's been a never-ending intake of music of late as to why, among others factors, it hasn't happened. Plus, I mean to wait until after the final show is done to put it together, which will be in a week or 2.
Track List and Observations:
01.Apparitions 12:18..7:30 sorta trippy/mathy/melodic rhythm..awesome build..a few mins later it fades with atmosphere
02.Black Paper Planes 7:19 ..the drums standout in the middle..the syncopation and interplay between the guitar parts..synths, and drums work really well
03.359 7:57...tight drumwork..more subtle spacey synths..5:10 it starts to pick-up again..the layers of clean guitars really work well as it builds..epic
04.I Know You, Stanley Milgram! 10:28..nice grindy rhythm..then goes kind of clean and reminds me of PT..it really builds into a heavy, spacey wall-of-sound
05.The Nearing Grave 7:50 ..Warm/TRIPPY/DREAMY kind of vocals..a bit like Minus the Bear's vox...NICE BELLS OVER DOUBLE BASS
06.Sundown Highway 9:10 ...ANOTHER ENERGETIC RHYTHM..ALMOST REMINDS ME OF dt'S lEARNING TO LIVE..love the acoustic ending.
Okay, this has impressed me a ton, only played it twice. This German-based mostly instrumental psychedelic-tinged progressive post-metal really have composed an energetic, without-filler 55min album here. I am a fan of some *Post* music..actually I'm lying, in the past couple of years I have really found a lot of music labeled as "Post" in some way, to be my thing. But really they either are:
a) NOT the traditionally thought-of Explosions in the Sky or in the case on metalic groups like Isis and Pelican (Mono and some others..most recently Irepress).
b) they are often HYBRIDS. Bands who have a prog rock or psychedelic aspect to their music, with some other quality that is found in "Post Rock"
c) they also focus on SONGWRITING or frankly, don't have length-ly passages that lose (or bore) me.
d) They use a chamber element like trumpet, violin, cello
Groups like Kacica, Oceansize, Do Make Say Think, Nomia, Mutyumu, Clann Zu, Murder By Death I'm thinking more-of.
in the "Post-Metal" vein. Long Distance Calling do belong in the same class with this album as Russian Circles and 2008's pleasant surprise, East of the Wall. And perhaps even a few others I've gotten into of late in Eroica and the Oceansize-esque Meniscus among others.
Atmosphere, muscle, punch, tight compositions, layers, and a nice melodic sense. And actually overall less being more. It's 55 minutes, but it doesn't necessarily feel that long. I put it on twice yesterday, and I couldn't help but have my attention focused on each second; not wanting (or seeming like it should) end.
Give it some more time, but it's a low 80's/4-star album. In my top 10 for 2009. Chances are it won't move-up much, but when it does get passed-up, it'll likely be due to other even better albums (as opposed to it not standing the test of time).
I probably require to checkout their 1st album now as well.
OSI - "Blood"..some thoughts.
a) "Terminal" and especially "Radiologue" are the 2 exceptional songs on this (at least the 1st cd that leaked).
b) OSI have changed and very much may be a 1-album wonder. The textures and layering they used in that wonderful debut record "Office of Strategic Influence" are not used (or incorporated) anywhere close to the same way on this new album nor "Free" overall.
c) I should take the three good songs off "Free" ("Go!", "Bigger Wave" and 1 other I'm forgetting) and burn them with those other two and perhaps the "re:Free" ep into one compilation.
d) A few samples, but pretty much they are limited.
e) My guess is Kevin Moore did a great deal of the songwriting (including the VOCAL-LINES) on both FREE and BLOOD. As opposed to Jim and him, and even Mike Portnoy doing more of it on the debut record.
f) The 1st album flows really well, and in some ways could be regarded as a *suite*. Most if not all of this new album and "Free" are just a bunch of songs really. The mood changes, and not that effectively really.
More specifically with "Blood"..I suppose it may be a little better than "Free" and I want to still hear the Bonus disc material, which includes an extended version of "Terminal" one of the two really good songs on this album. Plus it does have a track Tim Bowness of No-Man wrote and sang on for what it's worth (No-Man being Steven Wilson's maybe 3rd best project, but a big level down from even Blackfield). But "Terminal" I dig maybe mostly with the use of the Zeppelin-like Mellotron. "Radiologue" has a nice hook to it, and I guess features Jim's guitar work, the way I like it. Melodic, thick-toned but not too-in-your-face. And layered enough. I love Jim's guitar work; he 's perhaps my favorite (or like a top 5 or top 10 guitar player for me). But sadly on this album and "Free" there's a bit too few and far between.
His guitar work (writing) on the 1st album and especially the John Arch EP "A Twist of Fate" was incredible. Maybe he wanted to separate that style a little? Or maybe sadly, he hasn't had a lot of new ideas. C'mon Jim, whatcha been listening to? He should check out some of the newer, spacier guitar work of a lot of the alt-prog and mathy/post bands perhaps?..hell it was 1999, but Todd Rose of Soundscape's guitar work on "Grave New World," especially the diversity of tones he used are light years better and more infectious than much of the last two OSI albums.
So, OSI, they really have jumped-the-shark. I figured I'd give them an 1-album bump in-the-road. But sadly, I think due to Kevin's writing style and Jim's input they are a verrry different band now. And very well may be always. It's too bad. OSI could have been amazing. I can't deny, the potential to have Daniel Gildenlow sing that 27 minute piece on the 1st record I'll never forget. John Arch actually almost became their singer as well. And perhaps without Mike Portnoy involved, the direction changed a lot. And what seems like Jim's main focus musically now, all his Fates Warning ideas are out into this (as opposed to them not being put-into the 1st album?).
Sure it's fine they have Mikael Akerfeldt sing and write a song in "Stockholm" which does bring back that mellotron sound a bit. But it doesn't ultimately sound that much different than if M.A. wrote an Opeth tune with a little industrial feel to it. It sounds like something he left off "Watershed" in a way.
Akerfeldt and Steven Wilson (whose involvement with OSI actually was much better), seem to be the token prog-related players of late. Everyone kisses their asses, when to me, their recent work has become predictable as anything. I wish people would move-on and stop praising things, that are their fantasy music-formulas. And instead, evaluate what they put out FOR WHAT THEY ARE. Dream Theater..hell, even Marillion I try and do that for the most part with. If Marillion puts out a bad or less-than-par album, I am not going to kid myself or anyone else on my opinion.
No OSI are just another name in the underground music genre of prog that were cool when they 1st arrived, but haven't followed-up that 1st impression with nearly the promise they gave. The prog scene is like that. Really predictable, and cyclical. Not unlike a lot of other genres. But I know, just based on experience, there is better and more worthwhile music out there to discover; rather than kid myself into believing the similar style, even recipe-laden music that come from groups who were great in the past, have not *progressed*.
But a lot of the people who listen to OSI, will with this album, and continue-on likely with other albums, to praise their current direction. Sorry, they could have been so much greater than they are. I can't be down though, with the wonderful new album Archive and even that Long Distance Calling album I just posted above, this OSI album likely will become an afterthought. I wasn't expecting it to be great, but still hoped I'd be wrong. O well, people have different tastes for good reason I guess.
At least I will get to see Jim with Fates Warning in September at the 10th (Anniversary) ProgPower USA Festival. Even without Mark Zonder. Jim should be doing the Jim Matheos music I love I imagine.
note: I mean to write up a big TV entry soon. Mainly involving the passing of a lot of recent shows. And some thoughts about some good new ones. In due time. It's been a never-ending intake of music of late as to why, among others factors, it hasn't happened. Plus, I mean to wait until after the final show is done to put it together, which will be in a week or 2.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
March: Bands, Prog Rock info, Concert Calendar
The new U2 album "No Line on the Horizon" I like. About 6 or 7 tracks especially I think work well. Not an AotY candidate or anything, but it's a nice change to being more experimental. Change in production and textures. I dig the piano and strings among others. The new single "Get On Your Boots" however, is probably the worst song on it, lol.
Doves hitting The Varsity Theater in May makes the upcoming concert plate a bit more frequent in April and May.
March:
20th Bridge Over Troubled Water
30th Bloc Party @ First Ave (maybe)
April
5th Fair to Midland (The Rock)
10th dredg (Varsity)
13th Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (The Triplerock)
26th Neko Case (State Theater) time/$ permitting
29th Mastodon (The Fine Line)
May
3rd Leonard Cohen (Orpheum Theater) time/$ permitting
15th Protest the Hero (Station 4)
28th Doves (Varsity)
I'm sure I'm missing a few dates.
OSI's "Blood" is released on May 19th in the US.
info
01. The Escape Artist
02. Terminal
03. False Start
04. We Come Undone
05. Radiologue
06. Be The Hero
07. Microburst Alert
08. Stockholm
09. Blood
Disc 2
01. No Celebrations
02. Christian Brothers
03. Terminal (endless)
Classic Rock (magazine) Presents: PROG
I'm definitely curious about this new magazine, as I have enjoyed Classic Rock Magazine's special "Prog" issues in the past. So it appears they're going to try to do a semi-regular publication on it.
CLASSIC ROCK PRESENTS PROG
The already burgeoning prog rock scene receives another welcome boost with the announcement of the imminent arrival of Classic Rock Presents Prog, a new quarterly journal of progressive music that's set to offer prog rock fans a wealth of coverage of their favourite bands, artists and music.
Issue one sets out its stall by covering true giants of the genre like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and ELP all the way through to modern day protagonists such as Dream Theater, Coheed & Cambria, Queensrcyhe and Porcupine Tree. New acts such as The Reasoning, Frost* and Demians find themselves nestling alongside established prog heroes like Marillion, Rush and Asia.
Packed with exclusive interviews, news and reviews, the whole spectrum of astounding sounds and amazing music gets the Classic Rock treatment in March. Issue One hits the news stands March 25. It's a date you don't want to miss.
Oceansize's Australian Tour
I guess supporting Cog is a big reason how they are able to afford it.
Thu 4/06/2009 NSW Fremantle Metro
Fri 5/06/2009 SA Adelaide The Gov
Sat 6/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Sun 7/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Thu 11/06/2009 QLD Brisbane Hi Fi H
Fri 12/06/2009 NSW Newcastle Panthers
Sat 13/06/2009 NSW Sydney Selinas
my curiosity is, if they can afford that, perhaps they could afford something similar soon in the US.
Archive's new album is called "Controlling Crowds" and is listed to be released on March 30th.
The 1st single "Bullets" (youtube link above) I definitely like and am looking forward to this album a lot more than I expected. "Lights" from 2006 was okay, but not of the quality of "Noise" and "You All Look the Same to Me."
Fields album "Hollow Mountains" I've seen 2 release dates listed being March 2nd and March 9th. And of course "March." But with no track-list nor artwork, and some mention on their last.fm page about it's status and the band lacking a record label I guess, it's release date/time is really uncertain.
Kiss Kiss, Local Natives, even dredg to a point, kind of are (or were) in a similar spot. Local Natives at least, last night on the NBC show "Chuck" had 1 of their new songs "Airplanes" played for a short while in the background. Being a Street Team member and genuine hugely optimistic fan of theirs, my jaw literally dropped to the floor hearing that. The point being, they are a fucking great band, and more people should and I gotta believe will like them. Many of those Fleet Foxes ass-kissers (among others..Panda Bear, Animal Collective, Miracle Fortess even) are gonna find out when they get the exposure they deserve. They're just too damn good not to.
Water & Bodies began recording last week, what is I guess to be a 7-song EP that likely will be released digitally. CD and/or Vinyl as well, most likely available through their website and @ Concerts directly from the band. I'm extremely excited to hear these songs recorded after hearing samples live the past few months. I realize this is not Kaddisfly but it may be something even better for all anyone knows. And maybe best, going directly through them, it'll be available rather soon. Like perhaps by April or even earlier.
Soundscape's "Grave New World" I will be hearing in the coming weeks. It's been a 10-year wait, but I am without question overjoyed to finally get to hear it. Expect some kind of in-depth review on this blog among other spots soon after. My s/n on many sites isn't "Soundcape(MN)" for nothing of course :P. "Discovery" is a life-changing record for myself anyway. If GNW is even 1/10 of that, it'll be an AotY contender (to be honest, it already is).
dredg's new album "The Pariah, The Parrot, the Delusion" is coming out on May 19th (same day as the US release of OSI, wow!)
cover art:
Mew's new album is expected in June.
King's X are headlining 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival I guess. Honestly, this is pretty surprising. Maybe it's a $ thing or I'm totally off on their current approach live. I would never expect them to play a "Prog" festival. But then again, many years ago Porcupine Tree did as well. Hopefully they'll do some more touring in 2009 and comeback to Minneapolis, a place they used to never skip (I saw them 10 times from 1996 to 2005 for example).
Muse new album to have a heavy Classical music influence?
bbc article
By Georgie Rogers
6 Music News reporter
The band have their own recording studios at Lake Como in Italy
Muse's new studio album could see them move away from their traditional rock sound to create a more "orchestral", classical offering.
Frontman Matt Bellamy said: "There's some really brilliant songs coming out, some of our best material I think."
The follow-up to 2006's Black Holes And Revelations is expected later this year coinciding with an Autumn tour.
Last month, the Devon band picked up the NME award for best live band for the second year in a row.
Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Bellamy revealed the record's sound could see the band abandoning their traditional rock leanings completely. We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know
Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy
"A symphonic album has turned up here, like a full collaboration with an orchestra," he said.
"There's definitely a few things on the album which are segueing into each other and it's all very orchestral, but that could take over the album, so it could actually be kind of classical act basically, and move away from rock all together.
"We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know?"
Doves hitting The Varsity Theater in May makes the upcoming concert plate a bit more frequent in April and May.
March:
20th Bridge Over Troubled Water
30th Bloc Party @ First Ave (maybe)
April
5th Fair to Midland (The Rock)
10th dredg (Varsity)
13th Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (The Triplerock)
26th Neko Case (State Theater) time/$ permitting
29th Mastodon (The Fine Line)
May
3rd Leonard Cohen (Orpheum Theater) time/$ permitting
15th Protest the Hero (Station 4)
28th Doves (Varsity)
I'm sure I'm missing a few dates.
OSI's "Blood" is released on May 19th in the US.
info
01. The Escape Artist
02. Terminal
03. False Start
04. We Come Undone
05. Radiologue
06. Be The Hero
07. Microburst Alert
08. Stockholm
09. Blood
Disc 2
01. No Celebrations
02. Christian Brothers
03. Terminal (endless)
Classic Rock (magazine) Presents: PROG
I'm definitely curious about this new magazine, as I have enjoyed Classic Rock Magazine's special "Prog" issues in the past. So it appears they're going to try to do a semi-regular publication on it.
CLASSIC ROCK PRESENTS PROG
The already burgeoning prog rock scene receives another welcome boost with the announcement of the imminent arrival of Classic Rock Presents Prog, a new quarterly journal of progressive music that's set to offer prog rock fans a wealth of coverage of their favourite bands, artists and music.
Issue one sets out its stall by covering true giants of the genre like Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes and ELP all the way through to modern day protagonists such as Dream Theater, Coheed & Cambria, Queensrcyhe and Porcupine Tree. New acts such as The Reasoning, Frost* and Demians find themselves nestling alongside established prog heroes like Marillion, Rush and Asia.
Packed with exclusive interviews, news and reviews, the whole spectrum of astounding sounds and amazing music gets the Classic Rock treatment in March. Issue One hits the news stands March 25. It's a date you don't want to miss.
Oceansize's Australian Tour
I guess supporting Cog is a big reason how they are able to afford it.
Thu 4/06/2009 NSW Fremantle Metro
Fri 5/06/2009 SA Adelaide The Gov
Sat 6/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Sun 7/06/2009 VIC Melbourne Hi Fi
Thu 11/06/2009 QLD Brisbane Hi Fi H
Fri 12/06/2009 NSW Newcastle Panthers
Sat 13/06/2009 NSW Sydney Selinas
my curiosity is, if they can afford that, perhaps they could afford something similar soon in the US.
Archive's new album is called "Controlling Crowds" and is listed to be released on March 30th.
The 1st single "Bullets" (youtube link above) I definitely like and am looking forward to this album a lot more than I expected. "Lights" from 2006 was okay, but not of the quality of "Noise" and "You All Look the Same to Me."
Fields album "Hollow Mountains" I've seen 2 release dates listed being March 2nd and March 9th. And of course "March." But with no track-list nor artwork, and some mention on their last.fm page about it's status and the band lacking a record label I guess, it's release date/time is really uncertain.
Kiss Kiss, Local Natives, even dredg to a point, kind of are (or were) in a similar spot. Local Natives at least, last night on the NBC show "Chuck" had 1 of their new songs "Airplanes" played for a short while in the background. Being a Street Team member and genuine hugely optimistic fan of theirs, my jaw literally dropped to the floor hearing that. The point being, they are a fucking great band, and more people should and I gotta believe will like them. Many of those Fleet Foxes ass-kissers (among others..Panda Bear, Animal Collective, Miracle Fortess even) are gonna find out when they get the exposure they deserve. They're just too damn good not to.
Water & Bodies began recording last week, what is I guess to be a 7-song EP that likely will be released digitally. CD and/or Vinyl as well, most likely available through their website and @ Concerts directly from the band. I'm extremely excited to hear these songs recorded after hearing samples live the past few months. I realize this is not Kaddisfly but it may be something even better for all anyone knows. And maybe best, going directly through them, it'll be available rather soon. Like perhaps by April or even earlier.
Soundscape's "Grave New World" I will be hearing in the coming weeks. It's been a 10-year wait, but I am without question overjoyed to finally get to hear it. Expect some kind of in-depth review on this blog among other spots soon after. My s/n on many sites isn't "Soundcape(MN)" for nothing of course :P. "Discovery" is a life-changing record for myself anyway. If GNW is even 1/10 of that, it'll be an AotY contender (to be honest, it already is).
dredg's new album "The Pariah, The Parrot, the Delusion" is coming out on May 19th (same day as the US release of OSI, wow!)
cover art:
Mew's new album is expected in June.
King's X are headlining 3 Rivers Progressive Rock Festival I guess. Honestly, this is pretty surprising. Maybe it's a $ thing or I'm totally off on their current approach live. I would never expect them to play a "Prog" festival. But then again, many years ago Porcupine Tree did as well. Hopefully they'll do some more touring in 2009 and comeback to Minneapolis, a place they used to never skip (I saw them 10 times from 1996 to 2005 for example).
Muse new album to have a heavy Classical music influence?
bbc article
By Georgie Rogers
6 Music News reporter
The band have their own recording studios at Lake Como in Italy
Muse's new studio album could see them move away from their traditional rock sound to create a more "orchestral", classical offering.
Frontman Matt Bellamy said: "There's some really brilliant songs coming out, some of our best material I think."
The follow-up to 2006's Black Holes And Revelations is expected later this year coinciding with an Autumn tour.
Last month, the Devon band picked up the NME award for best live band for the second year in a row.
Speaking to BBC 6 Music, Bellamy revealed the record's sound could see the band abandoning their traditional rock leanings completely. We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know
Muse frontman, Matt Bellamy
"A symphonic album has turned up here, like a full collaboration with an orchestra," he said.
"There's definitely a few things on the album which are segueing into each other and it's all very orchestral, but that could take over the album, so it could actually be kind of classical act basically, and move away from rock all together.
"We'll be knocking on Classic FM's door, you know?"
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