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 ***

THE CONSPIRATORS

ONE SURE THING/TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER

The Band:

The Conspirators is a brand new band from Bedale, North Yorkshire, UK. The members got together in late 2006 and in a little over a year, they were ready to release their debut single on March 3rd 2008 (Transcend Records). It has 2 songs on the A side and one on the B side. You are probably wondering why we say A side, B side… Well, because this single will not only be released on CD and online for downloads, but also on limited edition (500 copies all autographed) vinyl.

The Conspirators worked with a legendary name on this project: Judy Dyble (Fairport Convention / Trader Horne / Giles, Giles, Fripp, McDonald and Dyble). She has an angelic voice and shares vocals with Genevieve Parker on “One Sure Thing” which was originally a Fairport Convention tune that was released on their first album. Judy added the extra verse to the song that they left out back then and The Conspirators made a brand new arrangement which is faster than the original version with more electric guitar sound, but still with the folk rock spirit. In fact the guitar work and the drums in some parts reminded me of Fleetwood Mac’s early Lindsey Buckingham era in the mid 70‘s. Their drummer Laura Goodacre (yes, a female) is doing a great job especially on this song.

The band’s music in general can be described as The Clash meets Blondie. “Take Me To Your Leader” is a good example of that, with Genevieve on lead vocals this time and Dyble accompanying her on background vocals. I have to admit their voices harmonize pretty good. Genevieve’s vocals have a Deborah Harry feel to them but in a more folksy tone which makes you want to listen more and more.

The B side is “Connected” with John Gillies on lead vocals and Genevieve on background vocals. This one stands alone from the first two with its new wave/trance sound, very much like a modern twist to an 80’s flashback. I encourage you go to their myspace page where you will find two more songs: “Turning Green” and “Robots” (www.myspace.com/theconspiratorsuk). You can read more about them and get the latest news on their website (the conspirators.co.uk).

They are not prog, but I wanted to write this review anyway. The Conspirators deserve attention with the fresh sound they bring to the music scene. They have great guitar riffs and vocals, the bass is in perfect harmony with the rest of the instruments (Nathan Reeve has a flawless style with a punk-rock approach except on “Connected”) and they have a really awesome female drummer.

HANDE BURDG