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There was a
time when bands really cared about the quality of music they were
creating. Virtuoso musicians of the era were capable of playing anything they
desired, and a new genre emerged among the metal and glam bands: progressive
rock.
Yes,
Genesis, and King Crimson lead the prog-rock pack, and in the late 70's bands
like the Alan Parsons Group ruled the FM radio airwaves. Chicago's
Signing Einstein want nothing to do with today's punk or pop music
market. This three-piece outfit's new self-titled album is targeted
directly at the adult-oriented rock market.
Featuring
subtle vocals from Gina Gonzalez, Signing Einstein's music is very
smooth while retaining a complex melodic structure. Layered electronics,
whispers, and harmonies are all expertly combined, but sometimes all of this
texture removes too much of the edge and emotion. Still, standout tracks
such as the historically-themed opener, "Edward Teach," bear repeated
listening ("Dressed in black, six pistols cross his chest").
Listening to the album with headphones, it's easy to hear the details hidden
behind the guitars, bass, and drums.
"Hit
Me Like a Train" features a light beat, tight guitars, and a clever bass
line, but somehow manages to leave out any sense of urgency. There's no
way to compare songs like the mid-tempo rocker "Be That As It May" to
anything released over the last 10 years. Maybe this is a good thing - if
you never found an appreciation for modern rock and prefer a more commercial
sound.
Signing
Einstein have the chops to record any sort of record they wish. Next time
around, they might consider shedding some of the production gloss and let
themselves loose.
Doug Cornell
– Hit Session- October 2001