SPIRALING

The vocal style and use of piano reminds me a bit of Ben Folds at times but this is more interesting than most alternative stuff I've heard. I would say it's a cross between alternative and prog mainly because of the keyboards. There is a lot going on here but it's mostly in the background. There's also some humor in the tracks which you can tell by the song title of "a face for radio" and also in the track "sugar" which might be the only song I can think of about the downside to eating too much sugar. The final track on this ep "you can't get there" is definitely the proggiest track on the album, with lots of great instrumental play towards the end, and the main reason I am giving this four stars. All the songs are good though although they might be a bit contemporary and alternative sounding for many prog fans. One of the best eps I own for sure.

Not to say the music is bad (although it’s not really very interesting or exciting either), it’s just not progressive, or really art rock even. Not unless one wants to expand the definition of those genres to include an uncomfortably large number of bands with a presence on mySpace, or an occasional cut on the free CD in Paste, or a Local Favorites listing in the back of Rolling Stone, or a Street Team©. All three of which I’m pretty sure apply to these guys (and apparently I’ve been spending way too much time reading about indie bands lately).

Oh God, I just checked their web site – they do have a mySpace site, a Street Team©, have been featured in The Onion, and recently appeared on MTV. Go figure.

There are a couple songs that stand out, but for the most part this is pretty much cookie-cutter college indie. “Girl on Top of the Piano” has an interesting sequence of keyboards where one is a bit moody and spacey while the other is almost a dance rhythm. Very catchy. “This is the Road” has a great driving beat with vocals that remind me a bit of dredg, and the title track has a really cool synth sequence. But that’s about it really.

The claim to fame here is that keyboardist and band guru Tom Brislin toured with Yes. I must admit that is impressive. But most of this music isn’t, I’m afraid. Pretty forgettable, and mostly interesting to their fans I suppose. Two stars.

peace

"A Face for Radio" starts this CD off in a big way. This sound is like the Cars on steriods. One heavy riff through the song but underlying is some subtle keyboard work by Tom Brislin. Short and to the point with some entertaining lyrics. The second song Ah, Sugar is a very pop radio friendly song that is a satire on the vices of our society. Lyrics such as "I got a secret to it all and its called alcohol, one drink and I'm as brave as if I were ten feet tall, I know it makes me funny 'cause they all laugh when I fall. I'm a joke without my alcohol" The harmonies both vocal and instrumental take on almost a Beach Boys quality while again Brislin makes it more than it is with some very nice keyboard embellishments that are almost orchestral. "Texas is the Reason" starts out with some nice bass and drum work. A really fast walking bass line with energetic drums and a great Hammond bottom and inspired vocal make this song good to listen too. Some great instrumental action in the break gives Spiraling a definitive sound. They use the whole of their parts to achieve a strong sound. The last song "You Can't Get There" is the best song of the CD. The band uses a variety of sounds under the vocals to archive some very proggy parts to the music. This subtlety is the strength of Spiraling. Listen to the mellotron, guitar and piano in the instrumental section for the best example of this. Paul Wells drumming is outstanding here also.

A long review for a three star EP but I think this one is worth listening too. I just wish there was more to it.

I find this CD refreshing in a sea of medicore pop/rock music.