Artist:
Art of Simplicity
Title: Caught in this Iless Storm
Type: Album
Label: Burning Star Records
Progressive is a term I try not to use in classifying music, just as I try not to pigeonhole a band before I hear them for myself. Progressive creates such a myriad of improbability, in which direction or directions a band have explored or tried to express, and I for one, become a little confused. "The Art of Simplicity", as their title suggests, play music that balances between simplicity, where a non familiar listener can instantly enjoy, and "art" for the listener who searches for something deeper and more complex - sounds perfect!
Well guys, if this is simple, I'd hate to see you being difficult!
Art of Simplicity consists of the staple, rhythm section and vocals, but incorporate a violin, which tends to be as much a lead instrument as any other. Ideally, this sounded great to me, but the result is quite chaotic, and difficult to interpret! Clocking in at just under an hour, tracks range from 2 - 6+ minutes, and with long flowing instrumental passages, I feel lost in the midst of it all!
Without wanting to sound clich the words Dream and Theater come to mind, and electronic backgrounds hinting to earlier Threshold, and perhaps the tradition of Journey. Art of Simplicity is in itself, a collaboration of two Greek progressive/metal outfits, Fragile Vastness and Wastefall, who boast members of The National Opera, and since their inception on 2003, have received positive review of their debut demo, including demo of the month in Greek Hammer.
Individually, each one of these musicians sound uniquely talented, creative, and in their own light, shining bright! "A Search For Numb" makes me think of classic Faith No More, with punching bass melody, and strong, but emotional vocals, but the build up fails to reach the mark! "Looks From The Mirror" and the "The Last Lust" plod along the mid to slow pace, and I find myself looking at the track timer, waiting!
Having spent weeks with this record, I have found myself working with it, rather than listening to it. Without taking away from the brilliant musicianship on display, the songs fail to hook or catch I can't think of a chorus right now that grabbed me! If you love music that demands thought, dissection of individual passages and their instrumental parts, then this is for you! On the other hand, if you want instant hitting rock moments, then you might end up Lost in the Iless Storm!
Phil Wilson