WELCOME HUMANS

Texas is not quite the Mecca of progressive rock, but it is home to some damn fine musicians. Thirteen of Everything (T.o.E.) have actually been around for a while under various names and line-ups, but finally released this, their first album this year (2005). Heavily influenced by Genesis, Yes and Gentle Giant, T.o.E. put together a fine debut that showcases the individual talents of the members and gets their name on the prog map. They boast three vocalists, guitar, drums, keyboards and a Chapman Stick/bass/acoustic player. All the tools needed to create interesting and challenging music.

Welcome, Humans features six medium to longish pieces and one twenty-six minute epic that is broken into seven subtitles. The dynamics are played well, as themes change and build, break into soft acoustic piano or guitar with subtle vocal sections, then swiftly turn into full group flurries of electric bliss. The music doesn't drag, it consistently moves steadily forward and maintains strong melodies and attention grabbing meter shifts.

The only "problem" I have is the less then stellar recording mix. The drums sound boxy and dull. Ted Thomas is a talented drummer, the mix lacks snap. The vocals are good, not great. Mick Peters has a Peter Gabriel styled delivery, but lacks range and emotive colourings to his voice and often sounds strained. Guitarist Joe Funk has a voice best used to enhance a lyric, not really harmony, just as an effect. Ted Thomas, drums and percs, has the best voice in the band, however seems to have a jazzer delivery. Hopefully the band will either get a "true" lead singer or invest in making better use of the the talents of Mr. Thomas. The lyrics don't really carry the songs,they seem more of an afterthought, as T.o.E.'s strength is in their hands. The epic "Late for Dinner" is a bit too "war of the Worlds" in it's alien take over scheme.

It's hard to point out the highlights, because the music is consistently well played and melodic. Semprini is a beautiful respite in the center of the album, subtlely played guitar with a synth undercurrent. None of the tracks get too heavy, the balance between vocals and instrumental sections is nicely achieved.

This disc should appeal to classic-prog fans and musicians.