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

Fair To Midland / Fables From A Mayfly: What I tell You 3 Times Is True

"Fables From a Mayfly: What I Tell You Three Times is True" is the first release by Fair to Midland on Serj Tankian's serjicalstrike label. The group originates from Dallas texas and has been performing and releasing indie discs since 1998. They get their name from an old Texan play where the term is originally “Fair to Middling”. Noticed by Serj, the band holds the badge of honor by being the first signed to his budding label. Unfortunately, it's this recognition that puts them under heavier scrutiny.

Only because Serj took interest in this band do I approach them with the word “progressive”, I frankly found little evidence to support it. Yet, the official site for Fair to Midland asserts a bold mission to divert from categorization by telling the listener that they wish to “reinvent” sub genres and bring them together under one musical roof. Isn't that somewhat of a definition of progressive? The band WANTS to be seen as prog, even going so far as to delve into fantasy with inspiring artwork found on the CD insert as well as a Hobbit like video for Dance of the Manatee. They want the listener to think they are progressive. So for this reason, they will be reviewed in that light.

First the positives. They have an incredibly talented vocalist. He has an uncanny control over every aspect of his range and can transition from a low chest voice to a piercing high with apparent ease and grace. The backing band is locked into strong grooves and catchy riffs. The recording is masterfully mixed to boot.

However, some things simply do not add up... I'm having a difficult time making sense of this disc. System of a Down's founding member took an interest in this band for some reason that is lost on the rest of us. Not only that, but legendary progressive rock producer David Bottrill is at the helm. Bottrill is known for his work with Peter Gabriel & Tool, among others – so what happened here? Serj Tankian is credited as executive producer, but it appears he only slapped his name on it as a formality. With this much going for the band, you'd expect some interesting compositions and ground breaking ventures into musically unchartered territory. Instead, what you get is overly polished riff oriented songs written with the express intent to record a video for play on Fuse.

I do think this band reveals glimmers of hope. The vocalist offers intriguing changes in style and range. The band also gives me the sense that they'd probably be great in the rough, which may be the reason Serj took an interst in them to begin with. I'd be interested to see the band live to see if what they do without a producer is more appealing than the 80s filtered power pop they released here.

Dale JUDAY