ICE CYCLES

I am a big fan of the debut album by Platypus, 'When Pus Comes To Shove', so I was pleased indeed to receive the follow-up 'Ice Cycles'. Platypus was formed by bassist John Myung (Dream Theater), Kings X guitarist and vocalist Ty Tabor, keyboard player Derek Sherinian (Dream Theater, Alice Cooper, Kiss etc.) and drummer Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs, Winger). While not as Beatlesque as the debut, this is an equally as impressive album with some great pop moments.

Although these guys can all blast away or prog with the best of them, it is for pure pop combined with rock and great songs that they are renowned. Although as they prove in the closing instrumental "Partial To The Bean", which is over ten minutes long, they haven't lost sight of their day jobs. By the way. that song is divided into seven parts, "Intro Pompatous", "Yoko Ono", "Yoko Two- No", "Yoko Three-No", "Platmosis", "Yoko Againo" and "Yoko Outro". That isn't the only instrumental either with "25" showing that great rock numbers don't needs words as an instrument can quite easily carry the melody line.

On "Cry" they can even make the listener believe that Tony Iommi is involved with the project as they kick off with some great "Iron Man"-style riffs. Another great album which has plenty for the music lover.

Originally appeared in Feedback #57