This Progressive album is the work of a single person, Paul Antonio Ortiz, who operates under the name of Chimp Spanner. Stylistically, we are invited to visualise a work in which Dream Theater meets Toto, the arrangements are by Vangelis, the production by Devin Townsend, the rhythm section comes from Meshuggah’s Frederik Thorendal and the lead guitarist is Steve Vai. I’d also add the technical guitar skills and imagination of Pagan Mind’s Jorn Viggo Lofstad to this mix.
Indeed the celestial and rich sound from “Galaxy Rise” onwards could be straight off Pagan Mind’s “Enigmatic Calling”. It’s vocal-free technical and heavy Prog which is high in calories and not to be taken lightly. At the same time it has a dreamy quality and occasionally pauses for reflection, but mostly it’s groove-laden and fast moving. Later in the album “Under One Sky” brings us back to the same level of technical and groovy Prog. The key is in the technique and the timing.
At one level, this is sophisticated muzak but it’s also one of those pieces where the guitars are speaking and telling a story. While “Superoragation” oozes emotive strains which are full of expression, “The Mirror” and “Harvey Wallbanger” have more the tone of a film score. The former is dark and quiet. The fast and grooving “Harvey Wallbanger” is more action-packed Prog, full of drama and a sense of danger. “Ghosts of the Golden City” is short but very powerful and atmospheric. Mystery prevails as the track starts in sad, lingering fashion and gives the impression that the exotic city in question is enveloped in fog. This leads into the more upbeat “Far from Home” which displays a sense of purpose and imperious authority as the drum dictates the march, while the guitars talk as usual. A trilogy called “Terminus” follows, in which the hard hitting guitars and modern Progressive Metal style is dominant. Terminus I has a modern industrial feel to it, or is it the sound of whales? Either way, it turns heavy and sinister, providing a new twist. By contrast the final track “All Good Things” is quiet and ambient, sounding in its way like the theme music to the TV series “Life”.
While I was reviewing “At the Dream’s Edge”, a friend was telling me about something he heard on Planet Rock which resembles it. It will be interesting to see how Chimp Spanner’s live performances will turn out later this year. On the face of it, the intensity of it may deprive it of excitement, but on the other hand Mr Ortiz knows how to make his guitars talk and create interesting moods. While it may or may not make for a good stage show, what is clear is that “At the Dream’s Edge” is a well-produced work and a pleasant listen.
http://www.myspace.com/chimpspanner
http://www.basickrecords.com
