| # | Artist | Song (click to play) | Album | Year | CD label | My Gnosis Rating |
| 1 | Tanger | Mas Alla de la Noche | Tanger | 1999 | self-release ? | 10 |
|
Tanger is a new band from Argentina. The guitar has a low-fi fuzz sound
similar in tone and style to some of the recent Mexican prog/psych bands
like Humus & Frolic Froth. Flute runs through-out which makes an
interesting contrast to the guitar. The flute playing often sounds
similar in style to that of Asia Minor. One song borrows from Mike
Oldfield's Tubular Bells in an interesting way, while others have
influences of King Crimson. A very good debut.
tangermail@yahoo.com | ||||||
| 2 | Brainstorm | Egress | Tales of the Future | 1998 | self-released | |
|
Brainstorm, from Austrialia, has been around since 1988 with a couple of
self-released cassettes, and now, their first CD. For much of the CD, I was
reminded of early Landberk with a laid back dark bluesy rock sound. But,
this is mixed equally with more upbeat styles that reminds me mostly of
Phish or Sweden's Five Fifteen. The album appears to have a science-fiction
concept running thoughout giving it a tone like Nektar or Hawkwind.
You can order the CD directly from guitarist Paul Foley at
mfraser@vtown.com.au
Brainstorm | ||||||
| 3 | Empty Tremor | The Future Needs Your Name | Eros and Thanatos | 2000 | Elevate Records | 11 (Alan's) |
|
"Empty Tremor is a young Italian progmetal band,
heavily influenced by Dream Theater. If you like that
style of music, you should find this album very
pleasing. This improves upon their first album nicely."
- Alan Mallery
Empty Tremor - The Official Website | ||||||
| 4 | Abdera | Through the Years | Recollection Demo | 2000 | self-released demo | |
|
Abdera is keyboardist Andrew Sanchez. Andrew is working on some new material
with a drummer and hopes to have a complete album withing the next year.
The music is instrumental electronics which has potential for a modern
progressive group. This track reminds me of the group Mastermind.
AbderaMusic@aol.com Riffage.com search for Abdera Mp3.com - Abdera | ||||||
| 5 | Uzva | Tammela in January - part II | Tammikuinen Tammela | 2000 | Ylosmatka Records | 12 |
|
Uzva is a complex mix of folk, jazz, progressive rock, and chamber-like music.
In the more reflective and quieter moments the style and mood is very close to
the Chilean band Tryo's acoustic compositions. The music is highly dynamic
which moves effortlessly through complex and evocative melodies with a rich
instrumentation of violin, clarinet, electric & acoustic guitar, bass,
drums, french horn, cello, steel pan, acid box, and trombone. The music
reaches some intense levels that at times sounds improvisational but
with hooks that pulls the music band into it's highly composed arrangements.
Hoghly recommended!
uzva@scientist.com | ||||||