MR. ASTUTE TROUSERS

That's kinda heavy progressive music for sure. Though Bob Madsen and Brian Cline, the founder of 41POINT9, are claiming the mystery. 'We don't care about styles or subjects or how a song will be classified.' Well, always a matter of definition of course. If you will describe it as 'rather complex though very accessible rock music which will embed diverse music styles and sentiments' ... that might be a matter of agreement, or what? Anyway, when checking their background a bit, it necessarily strikes that both are known for collaborating with Ted Leonard's Enchant once. When it comes to the earlier days, the last century. And that must have been the starting point for their friendship and musical co-operation too. Meanwhile 'Mr. Astute Trousers' is their sophomore album, I haven't heard anything from the predecessor yet anyhow. Although both are building the core, at least Kenny Steel is aboard as another constant, can be seen as a steady band member therefore.

There are many aspects which makes this attractive. Above all, the compositions are masterful. Garnered with Madsen's vivid bass lines, and of course Cline's excellent singing voice, just trying to point out the most obvious. As for the global flow, over the course, gradually, the album is getting into more shallow waters, so to say. Hence, while taking care of my preference yet, this effort offers its real strength straight from the very start. Now let the guitars speak. Enchanting melodies with singalong character are offered, definitely entertaining. This is skillfully woven, including pop moments, folk and smooth jazz sentiment, samples, electronics, as well as courageous vocal and string arrangements. This album is a must have in each and every case. Especially if you're already keen on bands like Tiles, Spock's Beard, Nine Stones Close and similar.

This band originally started life as a duo back in 1995 when bassist/ songwriter/ producer Bob Madsen met guitarist/songwriter/singer Brian Cline in the North Bay Area of California. Brian and Bob began working together on a few tunes written by Bob and began a lifelong 'bromance.' Interestingly to progheads, Brian was the original singer with Enchant and Bob has guested with them multiple times. The band is now completed by Kenny Steel (guitars, keyboards, string arrangements) and then guests are brought in on drums and additional instrumentation. There are a few things which make this band stand out for me, and the first is the bass. Here it is not being used as an instrument to sit alongside the drums but is often the lead melody. We are treated to a masterclass in how to use the instrument, both fretted and fretless, and it took me a long time to work out who Bob reminds me of, and in the end, I finally realised it was the mighty Ox, John Entwistle. Like Entwistle, Madsen can provide nuances, work the complete length of neck, and also put in blisteringly quick bursts when the music demands in. There are also times when we get slap and pop, which provides a totally different feel to the songs.

But, one of the reasons the bass is such a success is due to the strength of the songs and also to the wonderful vocals of Brian Cline. He can put a rough edge on his voice, or sing melodic straight down the line, which gives a totally different feel in many ways. This is music which refuses to be pigeonholed ' I know there are some which are calling it progressive, even heavy, but to be perfectly honest it is neither of those things, both these things, and much more. Think of it is as songs-based rock which contains elements and influences from everywhere while still staying pretty middle of the road in terms of overall sound. It is a clever trick designed to lull in the listener as the songs are full of hooks, well sung, but with far more going on than may immediately be apparent. I gave up trying to think who these guys really remind me of, and in the end will just say Eighties melodic rock with pop and prog tendencies, which at times may or may not include funk. There is a confidence in both the performance and material that they will have complete sections where it may be just drums, vocals, and/or bass. It is an incredibly laid-back album in that it never feels rushed and the listener relaxes into it like a favourite armchair.

Elements of Level 42, Tears For Fears and Be Sharp? Yes, I guess, maybe. Oh, I don't know, just go out and grab this album as it is a damn fine listen and I smile each and every time I play it as I enjoy it that much.