Brief review: It's quite good -- give it a try!
The DREGS of the Internet CD is a compilation of various
unsigned progressive bands. I really wasn't quite sure what to
expect before I listened to it, but I figured that I'd like a couple
bands and that would be about it. I was pleasantly surprised when
I got a chance to listen to it -- I like over half of the twelve bands
quite a bit and I definitely would like to hear more from a number of
them. Plus, of the bands that I didn't like as well, it's not that
they were that bad, but rather that they just didn't fit my tastes
well.
For more info, including how to buy the CD from them, see the
DREG homepage: http://www.hutman.com/dreg/
If you think you might like the CD, give it a try. The Internet
is a great way to support the local, unsigned bands out there. (I'm not
associate with DREGs, just giving my review of it).
Steve
schew@tis.com
Review of "DREGS of the Internet" CD
Overall, the CD is produced quite well. The cover is nicely
done and the sound is good. I'll give a brief review of each of the
bands:
Clockwork's "Reflections":
This is one of my favorite tracks on the disk. I definitely
want to hear more from this band. The music is superb, with
lots of rhythm changes, cool bass lines, and nice guitar work.
I really like how the guitar, bass and percussion work together,
providing a lot of variety. The keyboards start out with a
big symphonic sound that I like, but then is used less through
the rest of the song. I like how the song smoothly changes
between slower and faster sections. The vocals are good, with
good harmonies.
Happenstance's "Seeing is Believing":
This song is more in a neo-prog style than the previous one.
I'm not as big of a fan of neo-prog, but it's got a decent
melody and the music works pretty well. The guitar is especially
well done. The vocals have some nice harmonies. I'd be curious
to hear more.
Mirror's "Foolish Shadows":
Another song in a neo-prog style. Some pretty good keyboard
work on this one, and the music creates a decent atmosphere,
but it doesn't grab me much. The vocals don't do much for me
either.
Cold Front's "Season's Forgive":
This song kind of reminds me of a Grateful Dead style with
laid back vocals and music. It doesn't really have much that
keeps me interested though.
3250's "Fear Itself":
This one's in a fairly straightforward metal style with deep,
almost growling vocals. The guitar work is OK at first, but
it doesn't really go anywhere.
Psychedelic Lullabies's "Bad Communication":
Cool drumming on this one. The drummer and guitarist work well
together so provide some good music that stays interesting.
The vocals are a little dry, but work pretty well in context.
Facade's "Light Years":
Good stuff. The music and vocals (some harmonies) work very
well together. It's not to complex, but it keeps my interest
nicely.
Inferno's "The Second Hand":
Very good guitar work, but the song didn't grab me as much as
I had hoped. If you like Inferno from their demos, you'll
like this one.
The Age of Reason's "What You Will":
Somewhat interesting, jazzy beginning. The rest of the song
doesn't interest me much though, unfortunately. It seems to
have potential, but it doesn't do much with it. Not much
variation or dynamics to keep my interest.
Naked's "Idols":
I like this one. The opening sets up a bit of an ominous feel
and the rest of the song (while not that ominous) follows up
well on it. The vocals are very good with some cool harmonies
on the chorus. The music is also superb -- the guitar, bass
and drums work very well together. The rest of the demo tape
isn't quite up to the standards of this song, but it's good.
I look forward to this song when I put in the CD.
Nature's Call "The Running Man":
This song has a bit of a neo-prog feel to it, but I like it.
It gets a bit repetitive after a while, but keeps my interest
pretty well.
Atlantis' "Spiral Into Nine":
Great music. Musically, this is probably one of the most
'complex' songs on CD with lots of changes in rhythms and
dynamics. The vocals are OK, but don't add much to the song.
It's mostly instrumental though and the music is superb so
it's a good listen.
If you questions about my review or about the CD, just send me
email at schew@tis.com
Here's the DREGs homepage again: http://www.hutman.com/dreg/
-- Steve Chew - schew@tis.com - http://www.clark.net/pub/iz/home.html "Give me ambiguity or give me something else." --
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