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 ***

SHOCK OPERA / GHOSTS OF WHITECHAPEL

ShockOpera, from a North Carolina town called Hickory consists of 4 members: David McBee on Vocals, Brian Eury on keyboards, David Zimmermann on guitar and Jason Harris on Percussion.

One of the pleasant surprises I obtained while attending 2007's ProgPower was a free CD handed to me on my way through the front doors. While it's immediately obvious these promo CDs were run off at someone's home PC, I for one would not normally hold this against anyone - as long as the music is good.

The music is good... However, this was promoted as a progressive rock concept album, and consequently that means I will critique it as such. The band's myspace page touts influences ranging from Dream Theater, Symphony X, Stratovarius, Queensryche, Nightwish & Rush. These are impressive heroes to follow after, but in reality what I heard was Lizzy Borden, Iron Maiden and Wasp. Offering very little diversity and mostly relying on standard metal compositions and chord progression molds, this is a good metal album but is not necessarily progressive. Making a concept album doesn't make one progressive. For example, Queensryche's Operation Mindcrime is progressive/concept - Meatloaf's Bat Out of Hell is not.

The first track is probably the most progressive on the album and sounds well produced and intertwined with interesting elements, but the second track and everyone thereafter loses focus and diversity.

Overall it is not a bad home-recorded project. However, the guitars are deadened & somewhat muffled and the drums are way too loud in the mix. If I can hear the hi-hat over the bass to the point of distraction, then it tells me the drummer had too much influence in the engineering room.

Great straight ahead metal band, buy the CD if you're on the hunt for that - if you want prog, pass on it.

DALE JUDAY