AVADANTE

Ah Australia, the land of wide open spaces and sandy beaches, where General Motors sell strange cars called Holdens and innocent looking little spiders can drop you with one bite. But to dispense with the cliches for a moment there also seems to be a burgeoning prog movement in the antipodean continent and Kettlespider are one of the more recent to appear on the scene. They are a young heavy progressive rock band from Melbourne. This is their debut release "Avadante" which is billed as a concept album.

"A patient in a critical comatose condition explores the paths of heaven, hell and a mysterious healing ground known as "Avadante", within an atypical series of impossible dreams. His experiences within the otherworldy "Avadante" guide him; as he seeks atonement and redemption for a misguided life of sin on earth". Well, that is apparently the concept according to the band's home page but it's rather difficult to form any link between the music and the story in your mind as this is a purely instrumental offering. So let's forget the window dressing and move on to the meat and potatoes of the album - the actual music. The band describe themselves as heavy prog and although they veer towards the metallic end of the spectrum on occasion that just about nails it. After a short introductory piece sets the scene 'Discovery" takes over with a tasteful motif of multi-tracked guitars and synth before introducing a chugging riff. This isn't overtly technical but the band display their chops competently without over-indulging. 'Comatose' lives up to its title and starts off as a sleepy, blues tinged number culminating in a beautifully plaintive solo piano section. Album closer "Reflections" starts off in a Rush-like vein and features one of those riffs that you feel sure you have heard somewhere before but entertains nevertheless with its jazzy middle section and classy guitar work. The music on offer here is entertaining throughout and there is a high standard of musicianship. However, one is left with the impression that maybe the band need to take a few more risks with their sound. The melodies aren't quite memorable enough, the powerful sections aren't quite committed enough; there is definitely a lot of potential here but they come across as maybe being wary of causing too much offence and choosing to tread the safe path instead of letting loose and being more adventurous.

This is a competent and engaging album. There needs to be a bit more creativity in the arrangements and they need to stamp their authority on the music in search of a signature sound but this is pretty damn good for a debut release. The addition of a vocalist would help no end in adding a bit more individuality to their sound. Hopefully there is plenty more to come from Kettlespider and I am looking forward to seeing how they progress. Definitely worth checking out.