STANDARD DEVIATION

Electrum is an all-instrumental trio consisting of bass guitarist Gino Foti, guitarist Dave Kulju, and drummer Joe Musmanno. Kulju and Foti both share keyboard duties. This is their second album, featuring seven all instrumental tracks (the first and fifth tracks have a few scant spoken mutterings). My main interest in this band is that I discovered their CD at a cheap price on Ebay and after reviewing several positive reviews on other sites, I gave it a try.

Wow, what a mixed bag this CD is, and I mean that in a positive way as the musical styles are quite diverse, although there is a subtle "sameness" across the whole album. Many of the reviews I've read point to Rush as a big influence, and I'm not so sure the influence is "big," but it certainly is there, mostly in Musmanno's almost Peart-style of drumming. Occasionally the guitar work is similar to that of Alex Lifeson, but generally Dave Kulju has a wide palette and I hear similarites with other prog guitarists like John Mitchell, Roine Stolt, Chris Fry, and John Petrucci (yes, Kulju plays some metallic riffs in places). Some songs are jazzy, some even exhibit blues influences. Some are energetic, some peaceful, and some are a mix of several styles. I even hear a little neo prog and symphonic prog in places, though the keyboards are usually used as a background or to fill out the sound more, with occasional solos being brought out into the front. The bass work is exceptional, though it plays a more subdued accompanying role instead of being in front. Occasionally I sense some Geddy Lee references (particularly during the last track).

Overall a really nice album and an enjoyable listen. If you like your prog in the instrumental vein with touches of Rush, this one is worth your attention.