FUTURE

I consider this album as a straight hard rock music (with some prog elements) featuring Asif as mastermind of the band, as well as guitar player of trio band. Other band members include: Tony Norton (bass and vocals), and Robert Lowe (drums and percussion). Even though the musical concept is different, the trio reminds me to the early Grand Funk Railroad or Jimi Hendrix band.

The opening track "The Owl" (3:30) is an energetic song with relatively fast tempo. It continues with blues-based song "Future" (7:10) with stunning guitar solo and nice melody. I like the bass guitar work which gives good rhythm as well as melody for the song. Even though completely different in composition, this song reminds me to a blues song "Blue Breeze" by The Livin' Blues. I'm not saying that "Future" is following "Blue Breeze" but if I want to create a blues compilation CD, I would put both at one volume - they are pretty similar in style.

"Medusa" (3:25) is another upbeat track with classic rock guitar riffs. "Workshop" is a track with reggae beat and excellent guitar solo. The music immediately turns into different style in the middle of the track (hmmm.. Is this why we can say that this is prog? It's probably). This track is not bad at all. "Arabic Sales Market" (3:11) is a unique song with narration singing style - it reminds me to operatic style. "Wild Ones" (7:00) is in similar vein with previous track with more ambient in nature. The guitar solo is truly stunning. The mixing of guitar sound is also great. "Wishsong" (3:45) is an unplugged based rhythm section using acoustic guitar with energetic vocal. "Wake Up" (3:30) is another unique song with various styles. Bass guitar is quite dominant. "Mama Don't Send Me" (1:55) is another straight hard rock with unique structure and style. "Capture A Dream" (3:45) is another blues song in the vein of Trapeze. What interesting is that the music interlude brings the music into upbeat style and returns back to blues style. Nice composition. "Wizard" (9:35) is a Led Zeppelin influenced track. It's so good - especially on guitar solo / effects and bass guitar.

For those of you who like hard rock music with bluesy touch and classic rock influenced music, this is definitely yours. All songs are good, backed up with good musicianship on bass and guitar. If the drum section plays like Neil Peart, this must be a wonderful record! Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW