TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

AroarA

Hailing from Scotland, this young four-piece gives us their third cd entitled Forward Through Ruin. AroarA delivers a captivating fusion of progressive, mid-paced hard rock layered with bagpipes, fiddle and whistles. At any given time during your listen to this musical journey you may hear hints of jazz, but, for the most part, it is a genuinely punchy and biting brand of alternative heaviness.

Forward Through Ruin features 4 meaty and progressive tracks. The Morrigan’s Ascent starts things off-an upbeat rocker designed to get people off their rear at a live gig. Judging by their Myspace page, by the way, this band seems intent on composing their tunes with the live aspect in mind. This first track is indicative of all 4 in that it features multiple sub-parts reflected by its subtitles. You begin and end this first song tapping your foot to the unusually-timed bagpipe and guitar rhythm. A sub-part in the middle entitled Return From Donnington highlights a low whistle-led rhythm. A needed, if subdued, melodic contrast to the bagpipes which bring in and end the song.

The fiddle rules in Toil Under Sail, laying down a seriously wicked groove along with the guitar. This song is the most symbolic of the timing-be-damned approach of songwriting that typifies the band’s sole composer Duncan Menzies. The whistle interlude becomes an all-out jam with the alternating rock-on bass groove and the song’s melodic refrain. This is easily my favorite tune on the cd.

In The Wake of Loch Rian brings back the pipes which cry out the main riff of the song with a vengeance. Again, a song designed to get those feet moving at the live gig. Although this begins as a fast-paced rocker, it shifts to mid-paced and punches the listener with a guitar-led section before the pipes come back and drive this first part of the song home. Shifting gears completely, the guitar scratches out kind but rockin’ rhythm for the fiddle to play over.

The Woolly Mammoth closes out Forward Through Ruin. A forlorn whistle ushers in a solemn rhythm for the bass and guitar to build on. This part of the song lasts almost three minutes before being intruded upon by the next sub-section entitled Perugian Crush. Here. The track rages angry with heaviness and bagpipes to boot! And before the heaviness returns there is a mid-paced bass and whistle interlude.

Overall, it seems to me that AroarA is a band custom-designed for the live show. Although I enjoy Forward Through Ruin coming out of my speakers at home I would much rather see the band perform this live. AroarA comes recommended!

VISIT AROARA ON MYSPACE

Nelson LEE