RADIO HOSTILE

A friend of mine introduced me to this indie prog band recently. I am likely in the minority, but I have a lot of great music by checking out independent prog bands like Disconnect. Often the approach of these bands is very refreshing.

"Radio Hostile" is Disconnect's first album. It's a concept album that tells a story through the persona of a musician/artist struggling to achieve mainstream success and eventually finding success in a surprising way. Here's my breakdown, track by track:

"You'll Hear My Name Again Someday" - the song introduces the album's main persona, an un-named musician who is inspired by the sounds he hears coming from his radio. Musically the tune is mostly straightforward rock, building up to a very mid-70s prog-ish finale which gives the listener a sign of things to come.

"One Song" - This track is possibly the most 'accessible' song on the album in terms of its potential appeal to non-prog fans. The vibe throughout is definitely Kevin Gilbert with some Neal Morse thrown in for good measure. The song ends with a turnaround that is reminiscent of Porcupine Tree.

"Have You Heard The Band?" - this is probably my least favorite track on the record. It's definitely a rock song. It has a raw feel to it, reminds me of Foo Fighters in parts. Not bad, just not my cup of tea.

"The Most Sincere Form Of Flattery" - The lyrics reveal that the persona's band has evolved into a group that emulates the sounds that are current & popular, yet also make it clear the artist is not pleased with having to play this sort of music. Another relatively straightforward rock track with some tasty lead guitar work.

"Radio Hostile I" - this the album's first instrumental. Very techno with a strong beat. Some Fripp-esque tremolo picking going on in parts. The electronic drums are a great addition and help elevate the song. One of my favorite tracks on the album.

"Second Soul" - At first this song lulls you into thinking it's a blues-rock song with its pacing....but that changes at the point of the guitar solo where the odd time signatures and backwards guitar grabs your attention. You can hear the King Crimson influence here for sure. Another one of my favorite tracks on the album, and definitely one of the more progressive tracks on the album. The drums are tremendous here.

"Torpid Frost" - This is a curious instrumental, the first half of it is only keyboards (a very creepy, horror movie kind of tone). Then the band breaks into a VERY King Crimson-esque groove. The drums are really outstanding on this track as well.

"Pull The Plug" - The band's Kevin Gilbert influence makes another appearance here. More or less a straightforward rock song, but not bad.

"The Sycophantic March" - Another instrumental, very heavy and dark. This track is a bit jarring by comparison to the previous & subsequent tracks as it features the heaviest riffs on the album.

"Not Commercially Viable" - The story moves a bit further along. The artist has tired of playing 'popular' music and tired of hearing how the music he wants to write is not suitable for mainstream audiences. Lots of odd meters here and strange turnarounds. Some really fantastic drum & guitar work here. One of my favorites.

"Radio Hostile II" - Although short in length, it may be my favorite track. Another techno-style instrumental, but more heavy & bombastic than "Radio Hostile I".

"A Fond Farewell" - A very cynical & bitter song lyrically as the album's persona leaves behind the path he had previously chosen with his approach to music & songwriting. A rather unique track among the others on the album. Very upbeat with some unique chord combinations. The lyrics & music have a very Steely Dan vibe happening (a good thing). I also have to say the first guitar solo on this song is extremely good, probably the best on the entire album.

"Tone Poem" - The album's final instrumental is a bit atmospheric, consisting of only guitar and keyboards. A nice lead-in to the next song which is...

"Temple Of Rain" - An interesting song which features odd time signatures from start to finish....drumming is, once again, very impressive.

"When The World Was Lined With Gold" - The album's persona has reconciled his music with his spirit and realized that the only success he needed all along was his own happiness with what he has accomplished. Musically it is a nod to the album's first track ("You'll Hear My Name Again Someday"). Features a very uplifting guitar lead (sounds very Gilmour-esque).

I've listend to this album quite a few times. I give it 4 stars because I think it is an outstanding debut effort from an independent group. It takes a lot of bands two or three albums to hit their stride, but I think Disconnect has had it working right from the start.