ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

A well-hidden secret of the 90's US Prog scene, Roots of Consciousness were around since the late-80's, led by charismatic singer, guitarist and multi-instrumentalist Brian Neuwirth.Apparently they made a demo sometime in early-90's, leading to the issue of a self-titled album on the Synphonic label in 1993.Band crew included Bill Schuessler on keyboards/vocals, Robert Stallings on drums and Matt Miller on bass, while their sole work was carried out with several supporting members on vocals, choirs, sax and keyboards.

The style of the band resided on the heavier side of Progressive Rock with RUSH being an omnipresent influence and the quirky guitar moves of Neuwirth the leading force, surrounded by some nice keyboard lines, much in a GENESIS/BABYLON vein, and having definitely a sligthly theatrical aspect in the vocal parts.This is pretty exciting, energetic and groovy stuff with the power parts reminding of the Alex Lifeson's style and the complex breaks obtaining a discreet KING CRIMSON inspiration.The richer and more emphatic instrumentals recall also of complex US groups such as LAND OF CHOCOLATE and FINNEUS GAUGE.While the album lacks any epic or long compositions, the density of the musical ideas and the tons of changing tempos are more than enough to satisfy the Prog fan.Nuewirth's work on guitars is the absolute highlight, providing punchy riffing, jazzy hooks and dynamic rhythms.But the supporting keyboards of Schuessler are what make the album quite personal, getting it often into complex 70's Prog territories with series of Moog synth, organ and piano moves.The result is a pretty nice effort, full of complicated themes, unexpected breaks, over-the-top vocals with lots of distortions and a high level of passion with strong links to the stylings of the 70's.

Roots of Consciousness supported Yes in their ''Talk'' tour in 1994 and their shows even contained stage theatrics by the supporting crew of the band.Around the same time Miller was replaced by new bassist Wade Summerlin, but the band dissolved in 1995, following the sad death of its leader Brian Neuwirth.Summerlinn went on to form the Heavy Rock band Cobweb Strange.

Unknown little gem of 90's Prog.Challenging, demanding and passionate music, featuring a great guitarist and a bunch of inventive instrumental exercises.Interesting and recommended material.

Roots of Consciousness must be considerated one of the most unnoticed and under rated progressive rock band ever. This unique band from USA manage to releas only one album selftitled in 1993 and then gone into oblivion. With stellar musicianship and original ideas this album is a must have, only that is quite hard to find now days. The music is quite odd and in many parts dark but very intresting, is needing more then several spins to get into, but when is all reveled to listner is defintly a winner. With crazy musical parts who remind me of Frank Zappa , heavy prog elements a la Rush, some grotesque spoke words and quirky instrumental passages, Roots of Consciousness deliver a very solid and tight album. The clean vocal parts remine me of Fish or Gabriel kinda aproach, but is very well integrated in the overall sound, really intresting. Also there are some experimental elements added that gives to the album a very strange but quite consistent atmosphere that are melting very well with the rest. All piece are great , maybe with a plus on Time Out of Mind , Candelabria or ( ) definetly show the big potential this band once had. Very enetrtaing release that goes recommended for sure. A piece of work that gone under the musical radar then as now. 4 stars easy, the gate fold cover goes hand in hand with music, odd and dark.

This is a great album, really! ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS has created a very crazy, interesting mood on this CD!

The song "Singing The Praises Of Pious Whores" is the opener of this disc and I'm sure that the band didn't choose it as the first track for no reason. The scary voice which also could have been a part of an examination predicts the craziness (not meant negative) of this album. ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS is taking you on a trip full of bizarre sounds and frightening beauteousness.

Outstanding songs of this CD are "Time Out Of Mind", "Candelabra", "Remorse", "Lethe Wharf" and "Minuteman" which has a very interesting and beautiful albeit short ending which is hardly abutted on JOHANN SEBASTIAN BACH's "Bourrée". But each song on it's own is great.

Unfortunately this was the only album of ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS and regrettably you won't find any websites related to this band (with the exception of the progarchives), so nobody seems to know why these guys broke up. Alas!

However, I think if this band would have gone on, they would probably be well known by progheads. ROOTS OF CONSCIOUSNESS is a must for each good prog-collection!

The guitar here tingles the spine! Unique - a product of its moment in time. Aside from being a fluid cohesive album + an Achievement for all involved, it's tantalising to wish for more. There's a hole in any progressive rock collection without Roots of Consciousness. We miss you, Brian.