THE TRAGEDY OF LEAPS AND BOUNDS

Welcome to one of the most exciting band of the last decade. Chaos Code returns with the follow up to their sensational debut and it's about time this little-known band gets some attention. I urge the rockers in this place to check this band out. Leader and guitar god Cliff Phelps has new people in tow but the results are just as spectacular. Track after track of ominous, thinking man's hard prog-rock with the perfect balance of moods, moving from soft and moody flute/acoustic interludes and back to tense yet controlled scorch-rock. This is primarily guitar-oriented instrumental music which uses vocals and keyboards as tasteful but infrequent icing on the cake, which is how it should be.

There are some really long tracks that give Phelps a chance to develop musical themes and he does not dissapoint. Mini epics they are and remind me of what Rush used to be like when they created tracks like Xanadu or Natural Science. Don't get me wrong, Chaos Code is not a Rush clone, they are not a clone of anyone. This band has its own sound and while that may take a few spins to "get" you will be rewarded for your patience. The production is again nicely low key and organic rather than harsh or sterile.

On their first CD I complained a bit about the drums and here they are much improved. The keyboard player is accomplished although in a few spots I thought his sound was a bit cheezy, not his playing mind you, just the sound of the keys. Luckily this is only in spots so it is easily overlooked. The bass is solid and jamming. But againit is Phelps' guitar that is the central nervous system of Chaos Code: his playing is melodic, measured, and tasteful in places, then thunderous and wailing in others. If you are a fan of hard rock guitar you are simply going to have to hear Cliff Phelps. As I mentioned on the first review he understand that speed means nothing if the composition isn't something we care about in the first place. When I listen to Tragedy, I'm paying close attention because the material demands it.

Another fabulous release by this great new band.

www.chaoscode.org