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 ***

NO MACHINE / A Terrible Thing

“The idea behind the name ‘No Machine’ is the idea behind the band: a real ‘live’ band, with straightforward, expressive, ‘human’ songs”. So goes the most telling statement in their press release for their debut A Terrible Thing. London’s No Machine comes off as a no nonsense, mature, progressive pop rock group of high caliber. After even the first listen, the most obvious thing that stands out is the songwriting. Although the band is great, which it needs to be to pull this whole thing off, this band is exceptionally gifted in the writing department. A Terrible Thing showcases 11 solid songs which fall nicely into both the modern progressive and intelligent pop camps.

Vocalist Al Rivers humbly commands each tune as a melodious and vulnerable everyman. While his voice is not polished and pretty, the attempt to be so would surely be a distraction. But here, to say not polished is not to say not pleasing. Rivers’ approach begins with knowing melody and then using his amiable tone he pulls the listener in by demanding that they allow his voice to speak for them. It works well.

The combination of Al Rivers’ unusual melodies and the creative, moody phrasing of the guitars and keyboards (including the organ and piano) give No Machine its unique artistic brand. There are listeners who like a bit of straight forward pop once in a while, but those of us who would never dream of turning to the Top 40 for something to listen to would starve without a band such as No Machine. This band gives those of us who want something special a pop format, but they kindly turn it on its head before handing it over for our enjoyment.

Each song on the cd is a well thought-out course in a musically fulfilling meal. Although the writing lends to each song the ability to stand on its own, the listening is much better when one hears the entire cd straight through. Hooks and catchy rhythms abound, over which Al Rivers’ melodies bounce and pull the listener in. But this never infringes on the music’s ability to be seriously paid attention to.

The bulk of the tracks on A Terrible Thing are upbeat and urgent. Highlights would have to be “I Get Down” with its frenetic and (dare I say?) danceable groove, “Tell Me”-a moody stroll, “Elevator” an adagio filled with longing, and “The Races”-a tune which demands the listener’s attention with its drama and vocal urgency.

Overall, an outstanding band and an exceptional debut.

NELSON LEE