CROSSFIRE

Crossfire, Turkish semi prog thrash metal band, was formed by guitarist Kaya Sevinc in 1999. It took them 3 years to finally form their original line up and unique sound. Ever since they have been one of the most popular bands in the Turkish Heavy Metal scene. Crossfire honed their sound by combining power and thrash metal with the classical metal approach. Their "Decisions of Hate" (2002) demo was an underground favorite that lead them to hit the road for a massive tour including 2003 Metal Bash Festival in Hamburg, Germany... more

BRYAN BELLER (Steve Vai, Mike Keneally, Dethklok)

Bryan Beller has maintained a frenetic, multi-faceted career as a bassist, composer, writer and clinician for over fourteen years. On his own, Beller released his debut solo album, the jazz/rock-flavored VIEW, in late 2003. His second album "Thanks In Advance", a deeply personal narrative set to advanced jazz/rock compositional confidence, came out a few weeks ago. more

New Grass Revival / On The Boulevard

New Grass Revival are one of the pioneers of progressive bluegrass. Formed in 1971 by Sam Bush (mandolin/vocals), Curtis Burch (guitar), Ebo Walker (bass) and Courtney Johnson (banjo), they immediately got the attention from the industry both in a good and bad way. First of all, they were often told that their music was not bluegrass, and they knew it wasn’t “bluegrass” in its traditional sense, and it wasn’t what they were trying to achieve anyways. They were blending rock, soul and blues rhythms with the traditional bluegrass music. They were not wearing suites, but instead they had a more casual style along with long hair... more

NO MACHINE / A Terrible Thing

“The idea behind the name ‘No Machine’ is the idea behind the band: a real ‘live’ band, with straightforward, expressive, ‘human’ songs”. So goes the most telling statement in their press release for their debut A Terrible Thing. London’s No Machine comes off as a no nonsense, mature, progressive pop rock group of high caliber. After even the first listen, the most obvious thing that stands out is the songwriting. Although the band is great, which it needs to be to pull this whole thing off, this band is exceptionally gifted in the writing department. A Terrible Thing showcases 11 solid songs which fall nicely into both the modern progressive and intelligent pop camps.

Vocalist Al Rivers humbly commands each tune as a melodious and vulnerable everyman. While his voice is not polished and pretty, the attempt to be so would surely be a distraction. But here, to say not polished is not to say not pleasing. Rivers’ approach begins with knowing melody and then using his amiable tone he pulls the listener in by demanding that they allow his voice to speak for them. It works well.

The combination of Al Rivers’ unusual melodies and the creative, moody phrasing of the guitars and keyboards (including the organ and piano) give No Machine its unique artistic brand. There are listeners who like a bit of straight forward pop once in a while, but those of us who would never dream of turning to the Top 40 for something to listen to would starve without a band such as No Machine. This band gives those of us who want something special a pop format, but they kindly turn it on its head before handing it over for our enjoyment.

Each song on the cd is a well thought-out course in a musically fulfilling meal. Although the writing lends to each song the ability to stand on its own, the listening is much better when one hears the entire cd straight through. Hooks and catchy rhythms abound, over which Al Rivers’ melodies bounce and pull the listener in. But this never infringes on the music’s ability to be seriously paid attention to.

The bulk of the tracks on A Terrible Thing are upbeat and urgent. Highlights would have to be “I Get Down” with its frenetic and (dare I say?) danceable groove, “Tell Me”-a moody stroll, “Elevator” an adagio filled with longing, and “The Races”-a tune which demands the listener’s attention with its drama and vocal urgency.

Overall, an outstanding band and an exceptional debut.

NELSON LEE