Anteater

Review

Hybrid Child, from my point of view, is rather unusual for a progressive rock record, even by the nebulous, genre-hopping standards of the last decade. At times it sounds like someone's populist attempt to bring classic Yes and progressive metal influences into Avril Lavigne territory. At other times it feels like the other way around: an instrumentally-adept pop band who want to dive into more substantial territory in an era where everyone is content at gawking at Adele's album sales as some indicator of talent.

Whatever your interpretation, these guys have an identity that could propel them to larger audiences than your typical young prog group. At the album's best, such as the propulsive 'I Can't Take You With Me', 2007 American Idol finalist Leslie Hunt exercises quite a bit of range and flexibility behind the mic, particularly in the bridges. A clever time signature, sprinkled with some clever keyboard hooks, a nice thudding bass and some cello, demonstrates these guys at their best...and their best is really, really interesting to say the least.

'Termites', the weakest track on the album structurally, gives a bit of insight into the band's roots as an instrumental group along the lines of Planet X or Liquid Tension Experiment. It wheedles, wanks and even thrashes a bit with Leslie following suit. Not horrible by any means, and it's grown on me a lot since I first picked this record up a year or so ago, but it doesn't work as well as the other songs here.

'Mindscan', the big 20+ minute suite, is probably the strongest song overall if taken from start to finish. They pull every stop here, sprinkles the interludes with a lot of gorgeous piano and keyboard soundscaping, and the alien abduction story told throughout is entertaining -- almost like something Floyd might pull under different circumstances.

Keep in mind, ladies and gents, that District 97 are a very young band, barely out of college yet bursting forth with all sorts of ideas. That they managed to craft an album this good at all is quite extraordinary, and it really makes one look forward to their next LP, Trouble With Machines, which is due out very soon now.

8/10

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Trollheart

Thanks Ant: great review!

I agree "Termites" is the worst track on the album (as I said in my review) --- sort of like a prog rock band trying to do death metal, but failing completely. I am interested to see what the new one is like: any ideas when it might be due?

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Anteater

It's actually supposed to come out tomorrow.

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Howard the Duck

can I just do a short discussion?

actually i enjoy the first few "poppier" songs than the pretentious proggier stuff later on in this album

if the entire album was a mix of pop and prog like the first 3 songs, i'd give this a 10/10

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Trollheart

Hmm, that's certainly interesting. I personally feel that without "Mindscan" the album would be a big loss. But there you go: that's why opinions differ.

I have something I'd like to throw out to you all if you're interested. It's only an EP, three tracks but Christ I've been listening to it nonstop for the last few days, and show no signs of getting tired of it.



Also Eden --- Differences as light (EP) --- 2010

Tracklisting:

1. Seeing red
2. Oud en nieuw
3. Reality cheque
(i) Fool's gold
(ii) Dead reckoning
(iii) Rainbow's end

Anyone interested let me know and I'll PM the link to ya!

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Anteater

I was actually listening to that based on the Bite you posted, Troll. They actually released a pretty interesting record last year that I need to check out.

On another note, I have an album suggestion for the next round of reviews too, as I've been enjoying it immensely and am curious what others 'round these parts might think of it.

Squackett - A Life Within A Day (2012)

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Trollheart

Yeah I'd definitely be interested in that Ant, though it seems this club is not as populated or as contibuted to as I would have hoped. Hardly anybody's responded on HC and I feel few will take up my suggestion on AE. I'll definitely give that a listen though and let you know what I think of it.

On another, similar note, "Trouble with machines" is indeed now out, and if you want it for just over fifty cents, here's where ya go!
Trouble With Machines mp3 music download | megaboon.com

TH

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tojamm

Shall we listen to SQUACKETT and talk a little bit about it? Maybe there will be more people in a little while.

Trollheart

I'd really like people to give Also Eden a try first. I really can't get over how impressed I am by that album. I suppose we could do both: better than none, might kick a bit of life into this thread...

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tojamm

Okay, I will listen to Also Eden if i can, don't have the money to spare though.

I usually listen via spotify or wimp. I have already bought my albums for the month.

SQUACKETT is can listen to via wimp.