An objective review of an album you don't like?

richardh wrote: I have never been a Gentle Giant fanatic personally and Echolyn are more my speed musically. Great chops, I like the 'emo' vocals and strong emphasis on melody. One of the great bands that has come out of the US post 80's along with Dream Theater, Spocks Beard and more latterly the oft overlooked but brilliant Presto Ballet. It was a heavier style of symphonic prog. The review is a personal one, driven by the need not to dismiss a band that is considered important. I've never had any problem woth 'endless bombast and constant overplaying'

Thanks for the kind words, Richard. I too think that the band has great chops and should have said so in the review. Along with stating that those, like you, who enjoy bombast would enjoy this album. It's funny that you should mention Spock's Beard as I'm quite a fan. They too have hit the Gentle Giant train on occasion, as a song like "June" demonstrates. But the difference between SB and Echolyn is that SB have explored many other prog influences and are not stuck in one groove. And they know when to lay back and when to max out. It's a balancing act. Rush did this the best as is demonstrated with a song like "The Trees". But that's why they're Rush.

A good thing about the review is certainly that you "declared an interest". I wouldn't call this objective (but then I don't like that term anyway, at least when it comes to music), but certainly it makes the reader appreciate where you are coming from. Which is a helpful element in a negative review.