BANTAM TO BEHEMOTH

This is my first review. I hope I express my thoughts clearly and help determine your views on Bantam To Behemoth. I found myself coming to Birds And Buildings' Prog Archives page nearly everyday just to hear the opening track over and over again; I had to buy the album. After listening, I found myself a tad disappointed. The intensity of the first track isn't found anywhere else on the album. All of the tracks are well layered but don't flow extremely well, though they are each fairly well composed. Many of the longer songs are sprawled with acoustic guitar arpeggios (which I don't particularly enjoy). Though lacking the intensity of the first track, the music remains just as complex. Symphonic prog fans will likely enjoy the album. I can hear the influence of 70's King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, Magma, Mahavishnu Orchestra, and even a little bit of Return to Forever. The bass playing is phenomenal. The keyboard offers a variety of sounds and often takes the lead role (I'm not sure that is a mellotron Dan is playing though). The guitar playing is sloppy at times, but gets the job done. I wouldn't change a thing with the drumming. Brian Falkowski is great. The vocals seem unnecessary. But hey, the album is 70 minutes long. Birds and Buildings have given a great effort.