CONSUMPTION

Eyestrings new release "Consumption" almost made me a little nervous the first time or two I listened to it. So many things going on. So many rhythms, so many melodies, harmonies and themes that it was too much for me to absorb it all until, as with all music of this sort, I'd given it time - a few spins - and allowed it to become familiar, to become... mine.

It is certainly worth the time. Now the CD finds it's way into my player every few days of it's own accord and I'm sure it will for quite a while longer. There don't seem to be any weak tracks here as even the couple that didn't grab me as much initially seem to rattle around my head pleasantly far more often than I'd have expected.

My favorite track is the the last one. The CD cover says "Lifelines" is twenty minutes long, but it never seems it to me. With three almost separate introductions, that in combination beautifully foretell some of what we can expect later in the song, the trip to and through the many themes is a wonderful aural carnival ride that grabs the patient listener carefully guides them through the various movements culminating with the final incredibly uplifting section 'Vox Populi,' during which I've found myself getting misty-eyed more than once.

And still, it's rock. Progressive rock to be sure, but first and foremost... it rocks.

Influences? KC for sure. There's some Vandergraff there, a little Gentle Giant or Echolyn. Definitely some Discipline - as the primary writer is the nephew of the front man for that wonderful group and the bass player either is, or has been a member of both bands. Even some Yes comes through every now and again, but these guys have a sound of their own, and one with which I'm sure a lot more people will eventually become familiar.

Creatively? It may be one of the most ambitious releases of the year, and when you combine that with the proficiency and musicality of the group's members (Ryan Parmenter: vocals and keys, Alan Rutter: Guitar, Mat Kennedy: Basses and Theremin, Bob Young, Drums and other things struck) plus writing that rivals the recent best of the genre, you end up with something very satisfying indeed.

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