http://www.myspace.com/thepianowar - www.myspace.com/thepianowar

We just put up a new song btw - Sept. 6th 

My band...yes we are TRYING(key word)to do prog.  So far we have 4 songs written(all exceeding 10 minutes in length...although that wasnt supposed to happen ).  Im not meaning for this to be Spam but this is the best place i can get real criticism on the music we are writing.

p.s.  Keep in mind that these demos are about 2 months old.  The songs have been changed around a little, tightened up, the Vocals have been mastered, and some lyrics have been changed around.  We plan on releasing a full length album sometime in December(yes a concept album ).  It will be about 4-6 tracks long containing a good hours worth of music. 

The newer stuff we are working on is coming out kind of like an orgy of Mogwai, Led Zeppelin, and Genesis.  We are also working on a more Jazz influenced song.

Please be honest...if you dislike it tell me why.

And i know the vocals on the demo are sh*t.  The dude only heard the song like twice and it was recorded one take.  Trust me this guy CAN sing...just not on these demos

Yeah, it does sound a lot like The Mars Volta. Too much, I would say. Try toning down the TMV and add some originality in there.

I liked the guitarist's use of the volume pedal, though. And the overall instrumentation is pretty good. The drummer's got some talent.

Biggles wrote: Yeah, it does sound a lot like The Mars Volta. Too much, I would say. Try toning down the TMV and add some originality in there. I liked the guitarist's use of the volume pedal, though. And the overall instrumentation is pretty good. The drummer's got some talent.

I am the drummer

BTW we have been getting the whole TMV thing alot so our next few songs have been trying to break away from that.  We arent trying to make it sound like The Volta...its just how we are writing music. 

I personally think its to Post Rock to sound like The Volta.  Most of our inspiration comes from a mix of Mogwai, Explosions in the Sky, Yes, The Volta, and Tool.  Our Singer isnt even really into TMV.

Anyone else?

We have gotten alot of praise from alot of people.  But i want some criticism from prog fans...not scene kids.

con safo wrote: Good schtuff. But yea it does sound ALOT like TMV.

So does your name

Dude I think its got a lot of potential. I'm not sure if it sounds like MTV or Mars Volta cause I rarely watch MTV or listen to Mars Volta. My only complaint is that the singer sounds identical to a singer from an EMO  band my brother likes. I'm not sure of the bands name but its so close that I'm inclined to believe that it is intentional. Of course I'm probably wrong, I was just compelled to say that because of how close it is. The music was very interesting but I feel like you guys need some keyboards. Good stuff, dive deep into your favorite classic prog albums, don't rip them off but just try to pinpoint the things that make them special and try to relate it to this era. I think that might help a lot. Well that's all i got to say. Congratulations and good luck!!!!!!!!  

yesman72 wrote: Dude I think its got a lot of potential. I'm not sure if it sounds like MTV or Mars Volta cause I rarely watch MTV or listen to Mars Volta.

I don't think anyone mentioned MTV yet.

Logos wrote: yesman72 wrote: Dude I think its got a lot of potential. I'm not sure if it sounds like MTV or Mars Volta cause I rarely watch MTV or listen to Mars Volta. I don't think anyone mentioned MTV yet.

I hope not

yesman72 wrote: Dude I think its got a lot of potential. I'm not sure if it sounds like MTV or Mars Volta cause I rarely watch MTV or listen to Mars Volta. My only complaint is that the singer sounds identical to a singer from an EMO  band my brother likes. I'm not sure of the bands name but its so close that I'm inclined to believe that it is intentional. Of course I'm probably wrong, I was just compelled to say that because of how close it is. The music was very interesting but I feel like you guys need some keyboards. Good stuff, dive deep into your favorite classic prog albums, don't rip them off but just try to pinpoint the things that make them special and try to relate it to this era. I think that might help a lot. Well that's all i got to say. Congratulations and good luck!!!!!!!!

Oh god...well our singers fired (j/k). 

Lmao. Yeah you're right nobody did.  I seriously need to wear my glasses

No all your singers gotta do is either keep doing what he's doing ( I could be wrong, he may naturally sound that way.) or if he is emulating that guy ( I think the band is Armor for Sleep) then he needs to find his own sound or voice literally. Good Luck Again!!!!!!!

yesman72 wrote: Lmao. Yeah you're right nobody did.  I seriously need to wear my glasses No all your singers gotta do is either keep doing what he's doing ( I could be wrong, he may naturally sound that way.) or if he is emulating that guy ( I think the band is Armor for Sleep) then he needs to find his own sound or voice literally. Good Luck Again!!!!!!!

Our singer=amazing

Listening to Old Demo w/ Lyrics on our myspace.  It shows his vocal talent more. 

He recorded the new demo after hearing it twice and couldnt find his pitch...i have videos of him doing it live and his voice is amazing. 

Well then I gotta say you got everything I'd expect from a prog band except keyboards (which aren't really necessary I guess, I just think its important to a proper prog band imo. But at the same time i guess if you're gonna have keyboards just cause all the other guys do thats not very progressive.) But other than that I'd say the music is interesting enough to be called prog.

yesman72 wrote: Well then I gotta say you got everything I'd expect from a prog band except keyboards (which aren't really necessary I guess, I just think its important to a proper prog band imo. But at the same time i guess if you're gonna have keyboards just cause all the other guys do thats not very progressive.) But other than that I'd say the music is interesting enough to be called prog.

I play keyboards

Don't know if it's what your'e going for, but I'm reminded a bit if VDGG on the beginning of the Old Demo.  And I liekd the new demo too, seeing as TMV are a fav of mine.  Kep up the good work.

And nice drumming, It's nice to hear someone with some skills behind the set.

Sorry for the double post, but I just noticed that you guys are from PA!  It's good to know I'm not the only proghead around in Pennsylvainia. 

can't say im a huge fan of the vocals, but i think thats just cause of the delay... Over all good. Fusion influence would work really well in there. Get The inner mounting flame by the mahavishnu orchestra, it will change your life, it changed mine.

yea, fusion and jazz metal influence would be great in like that creepy floydy spacey section with just the delay guitar. and i was especting more piano vs. piano soloing and riffs due to the name

but over all good sound.I dont care for the mars volta, but i liked this song

BePinkTheater wrote: can't say im a huge fan of the vocals, but i think thats just cause of the delay... Over all good. Fusion influence would work really well in there. Get The inner mounting flame by the mahavishnu orchestra, it will change your life, it changed mine. yea, fusion and jazz metal influence would be great in like that creepy floydy spacey section with just the delay guitar. and i was especting more piano vs. piano soloing and riffs due to the name but over all good sound.I dont care for the mars volta, but i liked this song

The vocals on the recordings are terrible.  He can actually sing

And come on...like i dont own Inner Mounting Flame

alan_pfeifer wrote: I'm liking the new one so far.

Thanks