NARROW-CASTER

2008 has been an important year for New Jersey progressive rock band 3rdegree. After reforming in 2005 and releasing their first album in 11 years, the band has once again started to show off their musical abilities. The band features George Dobbs on lead vocals and keyboards, Robert J. Pashman on bass/vocals, Pat Kliesch on guitar/vocals, and Rob Durham on drums/percussion.

"Narrow-Caster" the newest album features some of the best modern prog out there. Cited as January's Artist of the Month for the eminent progressive rock website, Progarchives, the band's latest release is a treat for anyone looking to listen to something with a little energy and drive.

The album opens with "Apophenia" a song that echoes prog rock greats, Gentle Giant. (The band has actually covered the GG song "Peel the Paint" as well). Ethereal sounding guitars, along with a catchy bass hook and vocal harmonies round out this great opener. Next is "It Works" a song featuring some jazzy piano melodies, smooth relaxed drumming, and some talented organ playing.

"Narrow-Caster" the title track and my favorite off the album. It is somewhat similar to the previous song, but has a more soulful feel and some of the best vocals from George Dobbs on the entire album along with the steady drumbeat that follows the vocals. Following this is "Live with this forever" which has some soaring guitar work and crunching bass. After that we come to epic sounding "Cautionary Tale" which has a Yes sounding tone to it.

"The Proverbial Banana Peel" is probably the most hard rocking of all the songs on the album, especially with its grittier vocals. "Young Once" follows this by taking off some of the edge and relaxing the listener with spacey and relaxing keyboards. "Scenery" is a nice peaceful pastoral song with more awesome vocal harmonies, something I have enjoyed a lot on this album.

"Free for all" is another heavier song with some excellent fuzzy sounding bass playing by bassist Rob Pashman. The final song "The Last Grasp" closes the album and includes some majestic keyboard and dynamic instrumentation from all members of the band. I find it to be an excellent closer to an already powerful album.