UNFOLDED LIKE STAIRCASE

When I 1st heard this cd I would have said 3 stars as I felt the music meanders aimlessly too much and lacked a bit of structure...even for prog. But I found that the more I listened to it the better it became. This is definitely a grower lp. Eventually, when I could predict what part was coming next, I realized the subtle intricate structures and musical undertones that were subtlely interwoven with the overall music and then became aware that the overall quality musianship was quite good and interesting. I wouldn't rate them as the next King Crimson or Gentle Giant as far as complexity is concerned, but they won't dissapoint either. The tasteful blend between the 90's era of angst and the traditional era of prog make this THE prog masterpiece of the 90's.

The opening track Canto IV is a perfect example of that 90's angst and traditional prog I was referring above. A great opening track that sets the mood for this very dark cd. However, it is only a sampling of what is yet to come....

Crutches....perhaps my favorite tune on here just oozes with such bitter and desperate emotion. Parmenter's desperate cry for help is so heartwrenching it will emotionally move any listener to tears or at least a bit of sadness. A precaution to any listeners with fragile psyches, you may want to veer away from this lp until you're in a better frame of mind.

Into The Dream is the true epic tune on this cd as it spans over 20 minutes. It takes one into the mind of someone who is about to go over the edge as the person desperately tries to fight his inner demons. Parmenter's almost psychotic lyrics on this one are at times truly frightening, anfd the music that encompasses it, perfectly reflect this as it seems to spiral out of control using many tempo changes to pull this off. At 1st it is hard to keep up with, but once you grasp this tune, it is quite rewarding.

Before the Storm Part 1..I always thought this tune should have been 1st on the cd while pt 2 should have been the culmination right after Into The Dream. Perhaps my only complaint for this cd and a minor one at that, therefore a give this a full 5 stars.

Cheers.....Gdub411