EXTREMES

"Extremes" Ive been listening to this band for over ten years.They have been around double that.I generally do not review rock music. In this case , It must be done. We have a quartet here that must be discussed. Id like to start by stating the obvious.These guys listened to a lot of Genisis.However, while opening ones mind , and allowing for the same discrimination one uses when discerning between Nirvana and over a thousand similar sounding bands, or between Sonny Stit and Bird, or between Frank S. and the hundreds of male singers who was imprinted with his voice or the other countless acts who took their favorite sound and built upon it.THIS IS NO DIFFERENT.The fact is is that so little bands have successfully built upon the complexities of Peter and Genisis , that NS gets the wrath. Prog listeners; Please demonstrate to the world that we can hear differences , not only similarities. Newman is a tenor/baritone ; he sounds similar to many singers , but I believe he is far above many of the rich rock stars in the world.I read on the internet that he is a music teacher for children. Leonard uses many similar approaches to the boards as Banks , Emerson eTC. But listen real close to the harmonic structure in relationship to the drums and melody. I think you will hear the genious, not just the genisis. Johnson plays a completely different style of guitar than anything Ive heard on Genisi albums. Listen close to the rythmic relationship between the vocals and the drums. You may be hard pressed to hear such consistancy in other bands. For years I have read reviews of this band nailed for just sounding like Genisis.This does not only demonstrate the limited listening abilities of the critics , but exposes the irony and unfairness of the non-commercial music industry.As non-commercial listeners , we should be praising bands like this.They hold the tourch , and do not hide behind crappy technique and song writing abilites.I saw these guys in PA back in 2000 and walked away with one thought; North Star has gotten the worst wrap of any band I know.I find them more interesting than Merilion, and 80"s Genisis. I love IQ , and feel North Star deserves the same level of success. EXTREMES is a fantastic CD.Its a concept record , so enevidably it will now be regarded as a LAMB sound alike. With all due respect to the neo-prog critics: Try to utilize some artistic perception while listening to this cd.I can personally hear the difference between NS and ANY other prog band. Im sure you will too if you try.I believe the parts that are very similar to Genisis is the ultimate tribute to this icon. Not a rip off. Theres a difference. Extremes is a record of high integrity. It demonstrates that these men do not care about being rich , famous , and they compose from the heart.I believe it tells a story on MANY levels , including the historical dynamics of this group. As neo-prog critics, we have limited the expansion of this genre. Lets open doors for bands like this , not slam closed the doors by stigmatizing them as mere sound alikes. This record will make prog history, for this I have no doubt.If they do not tour this music around the globe , it will be a travesty.I for one want to see this album performed live on stage.It is both a tribute and original and is demonstrative of true progressive rock musician's passion for evolving this genre. RIGHT ON , Musea Records. Other companies have much to learn from you.Yet still , careful of the sounds like... and sound like........thing. Describe the art with new ears. Its our responsibility. -Terri Townsend