E MOTIVE

e Motive biography
Formerly known as LOVE AND DEATH, a late 80's band known for their moody, gothic style, E MOTIVE was reborn in '98 as a five-piece prog fusion band lead by Frank McGlynn, an impressive keyboard player, and vocalist/guitarist Jay Tausig (D'ARCANA, LUNAR SEA, SOLID SPACE). As far as comparisons go, the band itself has created an anagram for their most important influences: YES, KING CRIMSON, MOZART, DREAM THEATER, MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, Miles DAVIS, ELP (you could also add The NICE, VDGG, MIRTHRANDIR, GENTLE GIANT, LIFT and PENTWATER). They have released one album and then decided to go all instrumental, having to ditch lead vocalist Tausig in the process.

The production on their eponymous album isn't perfect but the material shows originality and maturity as well as excellent musicianship and song writing, featuring some fine tunes with a great sense of feel and urgency. The predominant Hammond organ, echoing the 70's giants, will remind you of ELP and classic Canterbury bands while the synths clearly suggest YES and GENTLE GIANT. The album features a happy blend of styles ranging from standard symphonic prog to experimental jazz, classical themes (imagine some Mozart played with drums, jazzy guitar and synths) and some surprisingly well-structured improvisation (these guys love to jam and it shows).

YES fans yearning for something a little meatier, perhaps more fusion-like, or MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA fans who wished they had an ace vocalist will certainly enjoy this band. Fresh, enjoyable, varied and highly recommended.

: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :