PRESENTS OF MIND

This was the first album of my introduction to Detroit based Tiles. A solid outing and I was instantly intrigued by their style and sound. I often read of their comparisons to Rush, and I understand the personnel links with producer Terry Brown, artist/guest musician Hugh Syme, and even a guest appearance by Alex Lifeson on the later released "Fly Paper." But, I think Tiles has forged their own sound and path in the prog world and any comparisons to Rush, Dream Theater, Queensrythc are just that, comparisons and influences, Tiles has been around as long as some of these other groups. Often asked, "How can a band be prog with our a keyboard player?" Well, Tiles does the job with their rhythms, time signatures, plus they have that edge of metal sound that moves that album along at an intense pace. Vocalist Paul Rarick starts to really mature with this release, especially in the control of his upper register, his range continues to grow. Guitarist Chris Herin starts to push the sonic qualities of his instrument with some wickedly interesting chords that he later explodes with on "Window Dressing." Bassist Jeff Wittle is truly a master of his craft and adds that driving punch and harmonic bass component missing in so many prog bands. The Tiles catalog is worth exploring, "Presents of Mind" is their strongest contender in the prog/prog metal world, highly recommended by this listener, I would give this a 4.5 our of 5 stars, I like it that much.