NO INTERFERENCE

Grown up sound from youthful source

Sub-genre: Tech/Extreme Prog-Metal (Tech/Extreme fits fine, "metal" may be a bit of a limiting descriptor for their sound. Think I heard the term "Geekmetal" thrown around)
For Fans of: Probably works good for Don Cabellero fans, instrumental
Vocal Style: None
Guitar Style: Varying levels of overdrive/distortion, never to a dominating level familiar to most metal. Neat use of vibratos and chorusing effects
Keyboard Style: None
Percussion Style: Standard rock set, busy beats
Bass Style: Electric picked
Other Instruments: none

Summary: This Philadelphia based band fits the definition of "Power Trio" very appropriately. This young group of musicians embraces the challenging world of instrumental music within a genre dominated by bands that typically have a vocalist as the focal point of the group. That they are able to pull off compelling work without words to provide cohesion is quite a triumph. Compositions are extremely tight in musicianship, yet maintain a mature openness and stylistic wisdom. No one in this trio becomes overbearing, the teamwork is quite rare. While this band has taken on a "Metal" tag, the sounds of Kevin Hufnagel's guitar very rarely take on the typical ultra-gated crunch distortion that is the primary characteristic of the "Metal' sound. Hufnagel embraces numerous sounds with a strong taste for sustained harmonics, chorused arpeggios and occasional warm bluesy tones. The structure is rhythmically quite often reminiscent of Rush without the cheesy radio element. Not without dissonance, but never far from resolution. Recording quality is not the greatest, but quite excellent for what is essentially and independent project.

Final Score: Highly intelligent and aurally wise compositions for such a youthful trio. Only slight nuances separate this album from masterpiece status. 4 stars

The thing that surprised me most about this band is how young they look in the liner notes.Teenagers ? Anyway they are a power trio who play all-instrumental music that is quite technical and complex. A pretty good variety here too although it loses it's freshness towards the end. "No Interference" is their second album from 2001, and for a lot of people this is their favourite.

"Body Destroyed, Brain Intact" is rather tastefully done until it kicks in before 2 minutes (haha). "Craving For Transformation" is a top two track for me. When the sound gets fuller it sounds excellent. So impressive. It gets pretty intense before 3 1/2 minutes then it changes completely to end it. "No Interference" sounds so good for the first minute. Drums and bass are steady as the guitar makes some noise. Then they change it up again. The guitar is screaming before 5 1/2 minutes. I like the drums and bass 2 1/2 minutes in on the next track "Circulatory System Overhaul". Nice sound 5 minutes in. It settles down late.

"Let You Fall" is by far the longest track at almost 11 minutes. It's kind of ominous with those deep bass lines. Guitar joins in followed eventually by the drums. "Orbiting" is fairly laid back. Deep bass 1 1/2 minutes in. The tempo starts to pick up a minute later. It settles before 4 minutes. It kicks in heavier than ever 5 minutes in. "Nutritional Facelift" is a barn burner early but it settles down. Blistering guitar 2 1/2 minutes in then it kicks back in. "Slumlord" is the other top two track for me. A great rhythm to open is contrasted with a different soundscape throughout. A nice heavy sound comes in before 3 minutes. "We Lead The Way" has this great sound as the guitar plays over top. "Physical Desolation" is very laid back. "Four, Five, Six Minutes Late" is the short closing track. A free for all ! Sort of...ok not really. Good song though.

I like this but it's not essential by any means.