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 ***

3RDEGREE / NARROW-CASTER

If what you want out of your prog is something that tells you in the first 60 seconds of putting on a CD that this will not be an ordinary listening session... then you will be impressed with 3rDegree. The first 30 seconds is a bombardment of complex changes and and tight, well rehearsed transitions from part to part. The vocals are excellent. Background vocals too, very reminiscent of Kings X, which in turn have an affinity to The Beatles.

The disc is comprised mostly of songs dating back to the mid to late 90s that the band "always regretted" did not get justice in the recording studio. Often times, music that has seen the passage of time, ends up holding a special place only in the hearts of the artists themselves, however THESE are some incredibly fresh sounding tracks and I think we as a community of appreciating listeners should extend a hearty thanks to the group for not letting these songs be relegated to history.

The second track, "It Works" has an early Genesis vibe but quickly conforms to a pleasing niche the band have worked out for themselves. A 3-way answer-call type of communication is happening between the musicians that starts about a minute forty five into the song. It's impressive the cooperation that is proven in this section. This is not simply a group of guys that rehearsed their parts over and over again before heading to the studio, this collection of accomplished musicians actually ENJOY playing together. That's a chemistry that can't be faked, as evidenced also in "Live With This Forever".

Many times, the nature of progressive music, especially with the more advanced the arrangements, the more "less feeling" it becomes. This music does not suffer from that, but even beyond that are the thought-out lyrics. I'll admit, I actually got chills when reading along and listening to "Cautionary Tale". If this particular song is a decade old, then they obviously (or cryptically) altered the lyrics to transform it into an epic expose on our culture. With allusions to "Burning Crosses - Falling Towers" and a challenge to ask yourself if "something can unify despite the difference between our ways".

3 of the ten songs are recent for the band and show they have not only not lost their ability to write outstanding music, but have also a developing sense of humor like in "The Proverbial Banana Peel" and the lyric "phoning it in far too long because it's so hard to make it genuine" as heard in "Young Once".

Narrow-Caster is an excellent effort with outstanding production and musical variety to hold your attention from beginning to end. "Free For All" is probably the weakest track on the album, but "The Last Gasp" quickly jolts you back into place. On the first cursory listen of this album, I jotted down a note that it was worthy of a solid four. I have since repented and turned from my ways. I'm glad that I discovered the gem that this album is. Worthy of five resilient stars.

Dale JUDAY