ENOUGH BLAME TO GO AROUND

As I began listening to 'Enough Blame To Go Around', I was curious to see in what direction Disconnect would go, as they have alternated concept albums with non-concept albums. This new album falls into the latter category, but as I listen to it somehow it still feels like I'm in the middle of a continuing story. Each track is a journey unto itself and I can hear how the band's songwriting and arrangement skills have grown since their first album a couple years ago. While the influences of Pink Floyd, King Crimson and Rush are still heard, what we get on this album is a band that has forged their own sound and seems to have found their "zone".

Disconnect are at their very best when composing long tracks - indeed, the shortest track on this album is still over 8 minutes long. My listening history with respect to Disconnect has taught me that their sound changes from album to album - however here on 'Enough Blame To Go Around', each track stands alone as its own journey. No two songs are cut from the same cloth, the band has taken each track on its own path.

Without question the backbone of the album are the two epic tracks "Falling Man" and "Twisting The Knife". "Falling Man" is a heartfelt memoir of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and winds its way through various musical forms (including a brilliant Arabesque breakdown that is absolutely stunning), while its lyrics never lose sight of the human side of that tragic day. "Twisting The Knife" is equally as impressive musically, changing moods and styles frequently throughout its 18+ minutes. This is not to ignore the other 3 songs, of which perhaps "Sufficient" is my favorite as it sort of sneaks up on you. It's probably the most straightforward song found here and it's not the kind of track that hits you right away....but on the 2nd or 3rd listen it really grabbed me.

As they are a 2-man outfit, I find it amazing they are able to produce music of this magnitude. One key area of their recordings that consistently improves with each release is the overall mix of their work. The stereo image is beautiful, and I can even hear differences in how Eschrich's drums are mixed on this album versus prior albums. Speaking as someone who knows a thing or two about recording and mixing, 'Enough Blame To Go Around' is by far their best "sounding" album yet in addition to being their strongest collection of songs & performances. Highly recommended.