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ECCENTRIC ORBIT

Symphonic Prog • United States


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Eccentric Orbit picture
Eccentric Orbit biography
Founded in Boston, USA in 2000

This is a four piece USA progrock formation. Some members have played in the progrock bands PYE FYTE (a 'vintage' keyboard heaven) and A TRIGGERING MYTH and on GENTLE GIANT covers albums. The line-up from ECCENTRIC ORBIT is Bill Noland on bass, Madeleine Noland on wind controlled synthesizer and keyboards, Mark Cella on drums and Derek Roeback on keyboards. The music on their debut-album "Attack of the Martians" is a tribute to the sound of EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ("Trilogy"-era).

Despite the fact that some members played on GENTLE GIANT covers albums, ECCENTRIC ORBIT plays keyboard leaden progrock with strong echoes from ELP, the "Trilogy"-era. The five dynamic compositions feature a propulsive rhythm-section as a base for sumptuous keyboard play with a leading role for the Hammond organ and Moog synthesizers, flight after flight, what a splendid tribute to ELP! In some songs we can trace the sound of the Fender Rhodes electric piano (imagine the legendary intro from "Riders on the Storm" from The DOORS), the Wurlitzer piano and the swinging clavinet. The strong title-track (3 parts) contains a bombastic duel between the Moog and Fender Rhodes. The even longer, very alternating track "Forbidden Planet" (4 parts) starts with a spooky and hypnotizing climate, followed by lots of changes of atmosphere and tempo delivering many waves of a violin-Mellotron and runs on synthesizers, concluded by fragile piano play. Along ELP, this composition also evokes ARS NOVA and other ELP-inspired Japanese bands like SOCIAL TENSION and DEJA VU. The music on this instrumental CD is beyond original but sounds exciting.

: : : Erik Neuteboom, The NETHERLANDS : : :
Fan & official Prog Archives collaborator

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ECCENTRIC ORBIT discography


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ECCENTRIC ORBIT top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.92 | 48 ratings
Attack Of The Martians
2004
3.85 | 29 ratings
Creation Of The Humanoids
2014

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ECCENTRIC ORBIT Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Creation Of The Humanoids by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2014
3.85 | 29 ratings

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Creation Of The Humanoids
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars The second offer of this excellent band but sadly quite unknown is comming after almost 10 years gap and is named Creation of the humanoids released in 2014. Well, I liked a lot the debut, this follow up is no less top notch. This is the type of prog I can listen every day, dynamic compositions, intelligent arrangements, elegant interplays between musicians, Moog and mellotron having an important role, but aswell the rest of the instruments are not staying aside, nice violin I must add. What I like more on this band then on other bands of same aproach of prog, is the atmosphere on all pieces , absolutely no boring moments , and with every listen I'm discovering more and more hidden musical treasures. Therea re lots of changes in tempo, with the highlight the title track clocking near 20 min, is pure delight, outstanding musicianship with the driving force of Bill Noland behind, his omnipresent bass . All pieces are great to excellent. I forget to mention the album is all instrumental , the title of this one is taken from a 1962 sci-fi of the same name. All in all a very worthy release, to me Eccentric Orbit is one of the most intresting prog bands around, their only two albums released so far demostrates talent, elegant aproch of the music and intelligent passages. Absolutly excellent art work and overall digipak package. Creation of the humanoids desearve from me without hesitation 4 stars, recommended, an instrumental prog album not to be missed.

 Creation Of The Humanoids by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2014
3.85 | 29 ratings

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Creation Of The Humanoids
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by Aussie-Byrd-Brother
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars `Creation of the Humanoids' is the second release by Eccentric Orbit, an eclectic and talented progressive band hailing from Massachusetts. This one follows up their well-received debut `Attack of the Martians' (now don't both those titles just scream prog!) from back in 2004, and the ten year gap between has been more than worth the wait. The title of this one is taken from a 1962 sci-fi flick of the same name, but being purely instrumental means it's really just a framing device for an energetic, heavy rocking and varied mix of spacey keyboards, sprightly drumming and even some searing violin to weave in and out of the mix. But while the entire band is made up of outstanding musicians, the absolute highlight is Bill Noland's driving, relentless rock-thick bass that grumbles away throughout, yet also remains endlessly melodic, and it's easily one of the standout bass performances of the year.

While the first album was frequently compared to Emerson, Lake and Palmer, the band here broadens their influences by offering a colourful collection of instrumentals while also injecting plenty of their own personality. Reminding a little of Japanese all-girl trio Ars Nova's `The Book of the Dead', the mystery of ancient Egypt permeates the opening of `Breaking Osiris'. A dramatic mood-setting introduction is torn away by grumbling aggressive bass, Mark Cella's snapping drums and keyboard princess Madeleine Noland's delirious bombastic synths. Mellotron spears rain down, and manic violin breaks any precious grip on sanity! Symphonic synth strains ring out with regal pomp throughout `Stellar Attraction', as Tom Benson's Asturias-like violins cut through, whipping up a dervish frenzy.

The centrepiece of the album is the almost twenty minute, five part epic title track, with plenty of drama and flair emerging throughout. An approaching army of tension begins the piece, distorted mud-thick bass plodding over imperial synth fanfares and marching drums. Electronics flicker to life leading to zippy keyboard wig-outs, moving through mud-thick spastic bass eruptions, searing jazz/fusion violin runs, and even brief sweeping folk breaks and ambient pauses to catch your breath. So many jagged violent outbursts and even some nice dirty slinking grooves, this exhausting piece shows Eccentric Orbit at their very best.

The amusingly titled `Marilyn Monrobot' (nicked from `Futurama' if I recall?!) is a quirky keyboard dominated groove with a subtle funkiness lurking throughout, plenty of nice Mini-Moog explosions and wavering synth ripples on this one. There's almost a Universal Totem Orchestra/Zeuhl quality to the growling bass, intimidating synths and drum battery (performed by Rick Landwehr here) of the first half of `By Air Express To Venus', the album closer that eventually sees the band working up some noisy feedback driven `Red'-era King Crimson bluster and noise.

Sadly one of the two drummers credited here, original member Mark Cella, passed away during the recording of this album, but it's touchingly dedicated to him inside the CD digipack. He couldn't have asked for a more fitting tribute, as this second Eccentric Orbit release is an addictive, energetic (and often deliciously noisy!) work full of infectious instrumental displays with memorable arrangements, but most of all, there's a great sense of fun as well. Should the band decide to carry with replacement drummer Rick Landwehr, let's hope they don't take another ten years to follow up this little beauty! `Creation of the Humanoids' makes a very strong case for not only one of the best instrumental albums, but simply one of the best overall progressive releases of 2014.

Four stars - and remember to play it loud for the best results!

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

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Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

3 stars Eccentric Orbit is the brainchild of bassist Bill Noland, who captured the idea of forming a band at late-90's, when he started writing his first songs.His dream came true in 2000, when he met ex-Pye Fyte drummer Mark Cella (R.I.P.) and former keyboardist of Blind Owl Bruce Alger at Nearfest.The trio worked together for sometime, before realizing that a second keyboardist was needed due to the complexity of the compositions.Bill's wife Madeleine Noland was added to the core as a wind synth player and supporting keyboardist.The band was named Satellite at the time, but heading to the recordings of the debut they changed their name to Eccentric Orbit due to the existence of the eponymous Polish band.Alger had to leave them because of personal issues and one Derek Roebuck was added in the keyboards.The band's debut ''Attack of the Martians'' was released in 2004 as a self-produced effort.

Strange case this Massachusetts-based quartet, the main influences appear to be GENESIS, E.L.P. and KING CRIMSON, but they managed to come up with a sound of their own, even if the style resembles much to old keyboard-driven formations.One basic reason for this is Bill Nelson's upfront and quite heavy bass lines, which sound similar to Jan Erik Liljestrom's from ANEKDOTEN, creating a pretty dark enviroment.Second apparent thing comes from the diverse keyboard work and the combination of wind synths with the analog sound of the Mellotron, organ and clavinet as well as the presence of very edgy modern synthesizers.The result is confusing and enganging at the same time, the most obvious comparison being E.L.P.'s total display of keyboard fests, surrounded by the light or more symphonic Mellotron preludes of KING CRIMSON and GENESIS and the slight taste of LE ORME in the synth moves.Five long, instrumental tracks, filled with numerous mood changes and instrumental palettes, going from complex keyboard-drenched moves to more atmospheric passages with a slightly orchestral background.The most furious and quirky parts have something of a BRIAN AUGER/EGG flavor, dominated by a jazzy freedom amd some abstract keyboard contrasts.The length of the pieces allow much experimentation with rhythmic, grandiose and minimalistic parts, where the symphonic overtones appear to be the driving force towards a rather eclectic performance.

Rich and virtuosic keyboard experiments with a blink to the past and the music of E.L.P, EGG and GENESIS.Good to almost great stuff and warmly recommended.

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

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Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by b_olariu
Prog Reviewer

4 stars Eccentric Orbit from USA, might be considered a well and respected follower of ELP fame, with well known musicians in this bussines who played before in bands like Pye Fyte and A Tiggering Myth. They release so far a single album in 2004 in digi pak format, their second album is still in waiting for almost a year, mainly beacuse of the deummer Mark Cella death, last year in march, but hopes are to be issued soon, check their official page, . The music offered by Eccentric Orbit, is full of great mellotron and bombastic keyboards arrangements, not far from mighty ELP but combined and filled with thier own twists. The most of the parts sound pretty intresting to me, well played and great musicianship. The musicians had enough room to make elaborated music here, each piece is long enough to show how great and profesional they are with culminating point Forbidden Planet with almost 15 min of high class prog, lots of moods and tempo change with mellotron , moog and synthesisers all over the place. In places they remind me besides ELP, with Deja Vu,Ars Nova or Gerard from japan. So a very worthy album, desearves from me 4 stars, has it's moments of greatness for sure, fans of symphonic prog can easely listen to this unknown and yet great band.

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

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Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by toroddfuglesteg

4 stars ELP created their own hybrid of symphonic prog with their first four albums. An hybrid that has produced a lot of dull run-off-the-mill muzak/elevator music during the last forty years.

But this hybrid has also created some good music. Some music where the musicians actually has put their brains and creativity into good use in their aim to create something special........ I give you Eccentric Orbit from USA. Their take on this music is very bass and drums based with the vintage keyboards floating above this rhythm base line. Just floating above the bass, to be precise. Which is a major difference between their music and the muzak genre.

Add some great melodies too. Some of the melodies are pretty somber and gloomy too. Hence, this album has both legs, arms, brain and a soul to match too. Some of the melody lines are funeral laments, no less. Which excludes this album from being played as a background noise in an airport or in Walmart's gunshops. Other melody lines are pretty upbeat too.

As usual, my main gripe is the lack of one or two killer tunes. But this album is slowly creeping under my skin and I guess this album will continue to do so. I am not convinced this is a great album, but I still gives it four stars due to it being miles better than most of the ELP clones. This album is great, but please give it time and listen without prejudice.

4 stars (barely)

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

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Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by bongolong

5 stars May the B3 be with you!

Do you love old 50's sci-fi movies? Do you love Hammond organs? Do you love fun & fresh (yet nostalgic) progressive music?

Eccentric Orbit with "Attack of the Martians" have captured so many sounds, feelings, ideas and atmospheres, on this project that it at once is familiar, yet unexplored, just like those wonderful sci-fi films of the 50's (silvery spaceships, weird landscapes, the blond in the tight fitting spacesuit and the guys with their little 32 caliber pistols!). This all instrumental is a great piece of work. The playing by all is top notch; some great grooves by drummer Mark Cella, driving bass work by Bill Noland (who composed all of the cuts), some very moody & atmospheric wind-controlled synths by Bill's bride Madeleine Noland and Derek Roebuck's very knowledgeable Hammond (and other keyboard) work. The title track, "Attack of the Martians" is my favorite, especially "Part 3: Martians Everywhere!" because whenever I hear it, darned if I don't see those Martians, everywhere!! Also included is a wonderful four-part suite called, "Forbidden Planet (Inspired by the classic 1950s sci-fi film). The set (clocking in at only 45 minutes) also includes "Star Power", "Sputnik" and "The Enemy of my Enemy".

Get this CD; you won't be disappointed!! And when you get it, don't forget to check out the front AND back covers, very funny! And as long as you're on the Internet, check out their website at www.eoband.com.

Looking forward to a lot more from this Massachusetts-based Progressive Rock band!

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

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Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by Atavachron
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars Science fiction has always been a welcome and approprite theme for concept albums in progressive rock. The two forms just seem to marry well and suit each other. That's one of the great things about this band's self-produced debut; a wild and wacky homage to the classic sci-fi films of the 1950s and 60s. Then of course there's the music, which is a syn-phonic lover's fantasy come to life.

Eccentric Orbit is the Massachusetts quartet of monster bassist Bill Noland, his more than able wife Madeleine on wind-controlled synths, powerful drummer Mark Cella and the solid Derek Roebuck on keys, and a more wonderful blend of fun and musicianship I do not know of. The players don't appologize for their serious take on the absurdly space-age, and play with glee the five cuts like a B movie score raised to glory. 'Star Power' sets the eerie tone with an ancient-sounding mellotron sample leading to Bill Noland's pounding bass line. 'Sputnik' continues the impending attack with foreboding organs... and the invasion begins-- saucers appear in the sky and start blasting buildings, people are running for their lives, oh the humanity! Then, silence. They have landed and it'll be no time before there are martians everywhere and the world is theirs. The three-part title track rocks symphonic and both reminds of and rivals ELP's 'Tarkus'. Drama, chops, imagination, this band has it all and the music stays buoyant throughout this CD. 'Forbidden Planet', a four-part extravaganza based on the seminal 1956 film, takes us through psycho-space, Floydian meanderings and a look inside the culture of the Krell with great melodies and stellar synth work from Madeleine Noland. A final showdown with 'The Enemy of My Enemy' wraps things up and reprises the main theme. Lavish in musical content and unnerving in tone but without the blackness or depressive nature of doom music, this was one of the best releases of 2004 and is the kind of little treasure that may disappear someday. So look to the skies and if you see something strange, put this record on.

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

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Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by mharringtin

4 stars This is such an enjoyable gem of a CD, all neat keyboards including the mighty mellotron. Some may write it off as an ELP clone, but listen closely and there is so much more going on.Someday proggers will look back on this as an undiscovered jewel. Get it while you can!!!
 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

BUY
Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by dalt99

4 stars DON'T let the silly CD cover fool you. This is a GREAT new instrumental progressive rock band from Massachusetts. No fooling around here. The sound is similar in style to ELP, Yes and Rush though with a bit more of a spacy science fiction feel. The reason for that feel is because of the featured keyboard work (including Mellotron, Hammond, Rhodes, Wurlitzer and Clavinet) from Madeleine Noland and Derek Roebuck. Madeleine also plays analog wind- controlled synthesizers which really give the album a spacy feel. This music however, is not ambient. Far from it. The other two bandmates, writer Bill Noland (bass) and Mark Cella (drums), really love to bring in some tasty rhythms that energizes the music and impress. The bass lines are not simple and are always keeping things groovin'. The drumming is also superb and never boring. Impressive debut from EO. I hope to hear more from them. If you are a fan of 70's prog from Rush, Pink Floyd, Yes and ELP or music featuring a classic analog keyboard sound then this CD is very recommended! 4 1/2 stars!

Note - The drummer, Mark Cella, owns M&M Records, the label that released this album.

 Attack Of The Martians by ECCENTRIC ORBIT album cover Studio Album, 2004
3.92 | 48 ratings

BUY
Attack Of The Martians
Eccentric Orbit Symphonic Prog

Review by erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer

3 stars This is a four piece USA prog rock formation. Some members have played in the prog rock bands PYE FYTE (a 'vintage' keyboard heaven) and A TRIGGERING MYTH and on GENTLE GIANT covers albums. The music on their debut-album "Attack of the Martians" is a tribute to the sound of EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER ("Trilogy"-era). Despite the fact that some members played on GENTLE GIANT covers albums, ECCENTRIC ORBIT plays keyboard leaden prog rock with strong echoes from ELP, the "Trilogy"-era. The five dynamic compositions feature a propulsive rhythm-section as a base for sumptuous keyboard play with a leading role for the Hammond organ and Moog synthesizers, flight after flight. In some songs we can trace the sound of the Fender Rhodes electric piano (imagine the legendary intro from "Riders on the Storm" from The DOORS), the Wurlitzer piano and the swinging clavinet. The strong title-track (3 parts) contains a bombastic duel between the Moog and Fender Rhodes. The even longer, very alternating track "Forbidden Planet" (4 parts) starts with a spooky and hypnotizing climate, followed by lots of changes of atmosphere and tempo delivering many waves of a violin-Mellotron and runs on synthesizers, concluded by fragile piano play. Along ELP, this composition also evokes ARS NOVA and other ELP-inspired Japanese bands like SOCIAL TENSION and DEJA VU. The music on this instrumental CD is beyond original but sounds exciting.


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