FAÇADE

With a name like this, and labeled as symphonic rock I guess you would expect something similar to Yes, right? Well.I don'tknow about their earlier releases, but what I got from their most recent CD is much closer to classic rock them to prog, let alone symphonic. Very good music, of course. Elaborated, some complex structures, but much more guitar led and on the heavier side of it. Their main influence is no doubt Rush (around the time of Grace Under Pressure, but with even less keyboards). Styx and even Queen are another bands that come in mind sometimes (just the instrumental parts, without the vocal harmonies). I liked the acoustic parts too. Tim LaRoi is a guitarist who has a firm foot planted firmly on the 70´s, with licks and solos that have a strong blues and country overtones. Singer John Sahagian has a nice strong voice that fits well all the styles they embrace. The rhythm section is tight and versatile. The CD is quite varied and interesting: the instrumental Parabola is like a mix of Pink Floyd with Black Sabbath riffs, while Miracle has a Doors-like jazzy overtone.

Definitely eclectic and good. Although far from Symphonic (at least on this album), this is a fine record that grows with each listening. After the initial disappointment, I was delighted with their musicianship, songwriting and impeccable performances, specially on the latter half of the CD. If you´re into 70´s prog rock, with a modern twist on it, this is surely for you.

A band to watch for.

Rating: something between 3.5 to 4 stars, rounded up.