zFroGs - one-man band project

Hi guys.

Last year I was involved in my project called zFroGs. I'm from Brazil and I played bass guitar for last twenty years (Heavy Metal, Prog Rock and blues bands). My intention is release an independent album with colaboratins of some friends of prog and heavy scene from Brazil. I would like to know your opinion about my work, for now all tunes are instrumental but I will add vocals (english and portuguese).
It's really difficult for me talk about my own work and I think is anti-ethical and if someone of you want to make a review will be welcome.
On Myspace I have four demo songs (incomplete yet) but you can hear and and maybe write here some comments or reviews. Thanks a lot.

zFroGs - Eri Soares (bass, acoustic and electric guitars, keys and programming)

www.myspace.com/zfrogs

progismylife wrote: I like what I hear so far...keep up the good work.

Thanks man.

Atkingani wrote: I know how hard Eri is fighting to find his space and he's fighting with honour and courage. Great stuff, good sound. Bravo!!!

Hi Guigo,

Thanks a lot for your nice words. I try so hard to make good music with love and passion. Music is my life and I will going pass more and more time to concept my ideas. Thanks again good friend.

Eri

'Congeal' is a good song - such an interesting sound!  Is there a violin in there or is that an electric guitar with an interesting effect on it?  I liked when the song slowed down at about 6:00... I did think it could use some vocals, but I always seem to think that for instrumental songs. :)

'Stoned' hooked me in right away.  It reminded me of Ray Bradbury Theater for some reason... obscure, I know!  Then it became... oh, I don't know how else to say it: rockin'!  I like this one a lot, much more than 'Congeal'.  This one qualifies as fantastic in my book, even without any vocals.  I think you could leave it exactly the way it is on an album.

'I Just Saw' 's intro reminded me of a show I used to watch when I was a kid called The Land of the Lost.  Man I loved that show... so yes I think that's a good thing!  Then when it broke into the electric guitar part... wow.  Shivers up my spine.  This song grows and evolves so naturally, each part flowing cleanly into the next without a dull moment.  I really loved the electronic effects.  My goodness, you're good at this aren't you?  Another fantastic song!

'Shadowplay' again starts with an interesting electronic effect that I found appealing, just in a more mellow way.  It didn't immediately grab me the way the previous two did, but I still liked it from the start.  When the more rhythmic section started, that's when I really got grabbed, and I stayed hooked throughout.  I thought the drum part was quite integral to the song - is this a drum loop type of program you're using or did you record real drums?  I think this is another fantastic one, especially if it eventually has a vocal part...   (I just really like vocals.  This is another one that stands up great on its own, it's only the first song that I really thought was missing something without a vocal line).

Superb superb superb.    The only one that I thought needed some work was the first one.  I would buy this album right now if it existed.

StarsongAgeless wrote: 'Congeal' is a good song - such an interesting sound!  Is there a violin in there or is that an electric guitar with an interesting effect on it?  I liked when the song slowed down at about 6:00... I did think it could use some vocals, but I always seem to think that for instrumental songs. :)'Stoned' hooked me in right away.  It reminded me of Ray Bradbury Theater for some reason... obscure, I know!  Then it became... oh, I don't know how else to say it: rockin'!  I like this one a lot, much more than 'Congeal'.  This one qualifies as fantastic in my book, even without any vocals.  I think you could leave it exactly the way it is on an album.'I Just Saw' 's intro reminded me of a show I used to watch when I was a kid called The Land of the Lost.  Man I loved that show... so yes I think that's a good thing!  Then when it broke into the electric guitar part... wow.  Shivers up my spine.  This song grows and evolves so naturally, each part flowing cleanly into the next without a dull moment.  I really loved the electronic effects.  My goodness, you're good at this aren't you?  Another fantastic song!'Shadowplay' again starts with an interesting electronic effect that I found appealing, just in a more mellow way.  It didn't immediately grab me the way the previous two did, but I still liked it from the start.  When the more rhythmic section started, that's when I really got grabbed, and I stayed hooked throughout.  I thought the drum part was quite integral to the song - is this a drum loop type of program you're using or did you record real drums?  I think this is another fantastic one, especially if it eventually has a vocal part...   (I just really like vocals.  This is another one that stands up great on its own, it's only the first song that I really thought was missing something without a vocal line).Superb superb superb.    The only one that I thought needed some work was the first one.  I would buy this album right now if it existed.

For the first time I heard: "I would buy this album right now if it existed." about my work.
I really try to finish it this year and because your words remind me: I will send you a copy when it released. Free and with a few words of thanks.

Well, I use Pro Tools to record, Strike (drum programing) and Reason (for some programing and keys) and some others plugins. I don't play drums and all drums are programing but with Strike the sound is very good, the dynamics and real feeling is superb. I play bass, electric and acoustic guitars and all keys.

I'm writing all lyrics now, I have 16 songs in progress. But just Congeal is totally ready and yes I use lyrics on it. The violin is a sample of a real violin and I played on keyboards.

About Stoned I have lyrics and melodies ready to record but I don't recorded bass guitar yet.

My inspiration for I Just Saw was when Brazil disqualified in a Football World Cup for France (the complete title is I Just Saw Some Ghosts in the Field) Maybe I don't use lyrics on it, I don't know yet. I think that I will a new drum programing, I don't know.

A friend of mine make lyrics and melodies to Shadowplay but I don't hear or saw yet. Heheheh. But he is a very good singer.

In my house I have a few equipments and instruments and I have work all nights and I think it will be better.

Many thanks about your words. Really I feel so happy. Thanks man.

Good music zFrogs. I like the proggish sound you are going for. The records are not top-notch, but that is not a big problem, as long as you've got the musical talent, and you do.

Hey there,
So I heard your music one time before, but now I'm coming back to listen again and give some feedback (which I forgot to do last time). 

I really liked the music.  Congeal is a very nice tune, it keeps me interested the whole time.  Stoned had some cool sounds in the beginning (except for a high pitched note I didn't like) but this song has a great atmosphere.  I Just Saw also had a cool atmosphere, with the modern sounding sawtooths in the beginning.  I like all of the sound effects you use in your songs.  What program specifically do you use for effects like in this song?  Your last song had some cool synths in it too, some I didn't like but thats ok. 

All of your songs are very interesting.  I like your sound a lot.  It'd be cool to hear some more recordings, I liked them a lot.

Very nice stuff...some great ambient textures in addition to the heavier stuff. I especially like "Stoned".

I'm really keen actually - especially on 'Shadowplay.'  What pedals/board do you use for sound (delay, distortion etc.) ?  Also, who are your biggest influences?  Do you pick bass or use fingers?

The arrangements are really tasty; please post up when your album is released so I can buy a copy!

Hi guys,

I'm starting 2008 with some news.
For now I will finish 10 songs with a friend of mine to release an album. Soon I will post new songs at myspace.com/zfrogs.
Croskill, my old prog metal band reunite in 2008 to record a new album.

I wish a happy and beautiful new year to all of you.
And I would like to tell you Progarchives is one of the best sites I ever saw.
Thank you guys for all support.