TIME OUT OF MIND

"Time Out Of Mind" is the 2006 debut album from the Atlanta-based all-instrumental quartet known as Speechless. This is very good rock guitar-oriented symphonic prog/jazz fusion with similarities to other American bands like 4Front, Bad Dog U, Helmet of Gnats, Syzygy, and Parallel Mind (not to mention the better known Happy the Man and Dixie Dregs).

I like the diversity of sound they provide - they're not always painting from the same sound palette. Their website lists a ton of influential bands that range from jazz to fusion to hard rock to prog to metal. (I didn't hear any metal on this cd - whew!) I guess I most often heard some weird marriage of Steely Dan and Rush! They really have a unique sound all their own.

The songs are mostly in the 4-8 minute range, and are typically groove-oriented (as they self-proclaim!) with a nice balance of guitar, keys, bass and drums. They are all seasoned experts on their respective instruments, but I must say that the drumming in particular stands out for me.

The neat cd artwork is always a plus, but it wouldn't influence my rating. This is the kind of music I've been leaning towards most these days - it's melodic yet challenging, jazzy yet propulsive, intense as well as playful. And they do it all very well.

Recommended, especially if you're into the comparison bands listed above.