MANIKIN PARADE

First of all, I'd like to thank Progarchives and Vangough for providing this CD (and some other stuff) in the monthly giveaway. Free stuff is always a treat.

Secondly, my disclaimer: I'm not much of a metal fan, but I do enjoy heavy prog moments.

For a first release from a band (or a one man show, as would mostly describe this CD), this is not bad. Clay Withrow does all of the singing, and plays everything but the drums, and does a fine job. The music is mostly metal, with some (not quite enough for me) prog sensibilities mixed in. Withrow's melodic sense is extremely good, making his songs quite listenable, despite some occasionally clumsy lyrics. And the drums often sound programmed.

I'd like to hear Withrow playing these songs with a full band.