DAYS BETWEEN STATIONS

Days Between Stations is the creative partnership between guitarist Sepand Samzadeh and keyboardist Oscar Fuentes. The duo came together in Los Angeles in November 2003, and named the band after the 1985 novel by Steve Erickson. The band’s sound – Samzadeh calls it “art-rock,” Fuentes labels it “post-prog” – reflects their varied influences, as well as a shared disregard for stylistic boundaries... more

BILLY SHERWOOD

We are much honored this month to have Billy Sherwood (CIRCA:, former YES) as our interview guest. He just released his new CD titled "At The Speed Of Life". Currently, beside his solo projects he is one of the members of the band CIRCA:, formed by ex-YES members Tony Kaye and Alan White, along with Jimmy Haun. They released their first solo album in 2007, followed in 2008 by a live DVD. They are currently in the studio working on their second solo CD...more

Kate BUSH / Never For Ever

1980‘s “Never For Ever” is Kate’s 3rd album. The album was co-produced by Jon Kelly & Kate herself. One of the most interesting things about this album is that it is the first record by a British female artist to top the UK album charts. (Wikipedia). Kate’s progressive approach to music reaches its peak with Never For Ever. She tastefully blends different genres including folk, oriental, rock, classical and jazz. Unlike her first two albums which she wrote on piano, this one was written on synths... more

THE SECOND THAT

The Second That hail out of Brisbane, Australia. Comprised of members Toby Skeates (vocals), Mark Irwin (guitar), Justin Horsfall (bass) & Steven May (drums). They claim influence from the likes of Pink Floyd, Faith No More, MUSE, Rage Against the Machine, Cog, Pantera & Queens of the Stoneage. I'm pleased to inform you that although they give homage to the legends, The Second That in fact stand in a league of their own. Straddling the line between experimental and industrial music, this group of accomplished musicians have flavors of prog as well. They're not necessarily progressive in the way of time changes, intricate compositions, etc – but it's money well spent to take a lesson from these guys in style & movement to hear the way they can express mood and emotion with a versatility that is like no other. This, their debut release is an impressive one chock full of interesting parts and embellishments that will forcefully demand your attention. They have really got their act together as well. Complete with an eye-catching website & myspace profile, the band has quickly become one of my favorites.

Admittedly, this style of music is not up my alley. I tend to like definitive vocal lines & concrete compositions, however The Second That are unique in that they sprinkle just enough of all the elements you may enjoy hearing in your music without overdoing or over-using those musical spices.

The EP is well packaged and includes interestingly ominous artwork. I only wish the insert included lyrics because I found myself at several points wanting to know what this or that song was really about... which brings me to the point of their incredible vocalist. Not really technically accomplished, rather he is a singer that knows his range and abilities and expresses it to the empth degree. I was fascinated with the many styles enveloped in this one voice. I stopped keeping score after I counted 11 different sounds vocally. Toby can go from a Black Metal growl to a pop sounding croon in seconds flat.

As it turns out, the vocalist needs to be this versatile, because the band is changing atmosphere rapidly. Tracks like The Seed & Dissolve make me want to turn on every light in the house, it's that creepy. Other times on the disc the band is locked in, drums, bass & all out metal riffs are woven so tightly you'd think that all the parts were somehow played simultaneously via one alien instrument. My only complaint is that the guitar licks, although great, may be repeated a bit longer than needed, like on Claustrophiliac. I'm sure the driving chord is a hit when seen live, but for the recording it goes on just a bit too long... but not so long I would need to skip to the next track – in fact this is as good a time as any to say I did not skip any tracks, even the “hidden” 7th track that I waited six minutes and 59 seconds for!

Anytime a band invokes an emotion, be it uneasiness, happiness, fear, excitement or even dread, that band has successfully realized it's goal – The Second That have done just that, the FIRST time. Bravo to a well mastered piece of work.

I tried to get ahold of the band via myspace, email & phone but was unsuccessful in getting permission to post a sound clip – no harm done, they can be found and heard at myspace.com/thesecondthat & at their official site.

Dale Juday