BANTAM TO BEHEMOTH

An outstanding surprise of dense instrumental complexity and tireless creativitiy, all wrapped up in a classic prog vaneer. Bantam to Behemoth cranks out energetic and eccentric prog-rock from start to finish with an almost peerless combination of playing chops and love of the genre.

This largely instrumental album combines elements of many iconic prog sounds of yore, mixed up in and energized with a jazzy intensity which positively roars with esoteric class. I'll be honest: many people will find Bantam to Behemoth noisy, directionless, and unmemorable; however, this album is masterfully performed prog-rock, never approaching the chaos of the avant garde. Rather, Birds and Buildings seems to be simultaneously paying homage to-- and expanding on ideas pioneered during the progressive rock's heyday. The intensity rivals that of King Crimson's Starless and Red days; the symphonic passages hearken back to Gensis best work; the proliferation and excellence of the sax work brings Van Der Graff Generator to mind... the list goes on. But the cool thing about Bantam to Behemoth is the enthusiasm which the players use this inspiration to create a sonic assult of such density that it can, at times, overwhelm the listener (in a satisfying way).

This isn't to say that the album is all noise, all the time-- quite the opposite. The dynamics are excellent throughout, as is the songwriting. At times frantic, at others understated, the variety here will take the listener on a journey. There are moments where the sound swells to something truly enormus, such as the driving "Yucatan 65" with its latin grooves and fat bass sound; others will leave the listener feeling mellow and relaxed. The star of the show though, is the band's virtuousity. Their tight playing and creativity really shines; one could listen to only a single instrument with each listen and be impressed, and the varied instrumentation makes all of them together sound especially unique.

If you're a fan of fusion or a powerful symphonic prog sound then do not hesitate checking this one out! It's sure to alienate friends who enjoy the mainstream and lighten the hearts of all who love the the prog spirit!

Songwriting: 5 Instrumental Performances: 5 Lyrics/Vocals: NA (while present vocals play an insignificant role in the overall effect) Style/Emotion/Replay: 4