|
: : REVIEW : :
What we have here is an exciting example of what the band likes to call “a dying art
form perpetuated by WITSEND”. And here I am reviewing this excellent CD, which was
initially released on cassette, and CD in 1993 (and has since been remastered and
re-issued on CD) in 2003. Says something about this style of music doesn’t it? But
what style am I talking about?
The listener would
quickly and surely understand they mean a wondrous CD full of classically styled
progressive rock music. The kind that rapidly reminds the listener of long gone
bands, of bands we dream of, and of some bands other people wish would just go
away. Ah, but therein lies the rub. Bands, like WITSEND, continue to play such an
excellent variety of this classically styled prog rock that it just refuses to roll
over and die.
After several
listens I do not hear any one musical influence, one classic or even neo-prog styled
band that put its stamp on WITSEND or its music. No, what we have here is three top
notch musicians who obviously enjoy and have listened to bands like Yes, Peter
Gabriel era Genesis, Anthony Phillips solo work, maybe a taste of Phil era Genesis,
some Alan Parson’s Project, Stephen Hackett’s solo work, Moody Blues, Greg Lake,
even Fish era Marillion and a taste of ELP. That said they seem to also have a
taste for straight ahead rock ala Van Halen, Rush, or Journey. But saying that
truly does not explain their sound. The words great, top shelf, excellent, well
played, well recorded and written do come to mind however.
Most of the music
on Cosmos and Chaos is instrumental. So you have a solid three-piece outfit that
thank goodness is not trying to be the next ELP. Or Rush for that matter. On the
songs where vocals are present the vox are clear and easy to understand. The
vocalist, Carl Baldassarre, has an appealing voice that sometimes makes me wish he
sang more.
Sam Guinta’s
keyboard work is smooth and truly fulfilling. He is never “over the top” and in
every instance the keys are very balanced, precise, and exactly as they should be.
Of course this
style of prog would go nowhere without a solid and above average drummer of which
Paul Mihacevich is. His playing seems as the thread that laces Carl’s guitar with
Sam’s keyboards together culminating in this bands signature sound.
Back to Carl, he
does some most wonderful acoustic guitar work that begs to be heard live. His use
of mandolin on certain songs also helps give WITSEND’s sound that little something
extra often missing from the clone band of the week.
I found this CD to
be refreshing in a way that many of the current new releases just aren’t. Maybe
because it was released over a decade ago before some of the ‘also ran’s had a
chance to mess around with this style of music. Bottom line, for a lover of
classically styled progressive rock this is one of those CD’s that you just need to
hear. It’s strong across the board even if they could use a full time bass player.
One more word on
WITSEND. They have changed their name and are now known as Syzygy. As Syzygy they
have released a new CD called “The Allegory of Light”. As much as WITSEND was a
breath of fresh air in this prog styled music we love, Syzygy takes their sound to
the next level. My review of The Allegory of Light is to follow very soon.
Visit Syzygy
at
www.syzygymusic.com Buy this CD, if you love mellow,
symphonic rock with just a touch of a ‘rock’ edge you will not be disappointed.
Rating: 7.5 of 10 Stars
Reviewed By: Stephen Ellis
: : Visit the artist website : :
www.syzygymusic.com
:: DISCOGRAPHY ::
Witsend - Cosmos And Chaos - 1993
The Allegory Of Light - 2003 |
