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Review:
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Intelligent music played by intelligent players for
an intelligent audience. What a novel idea! Prog has two
current leading candidates for 'darling' status, the multi-national
Corvus Stone and the fine US group 3rd Degree. Both really
push the boundaries of creativity and musical intelligence
but 3rd Degree is quickly drawing a massive cascade of critical
praise, an American progressive band that has both a message
(the last album "the Long Division" was about the huge political
divide in the USA), as well as technical know-how, featuring
some brilliant playing by all instrumentalists. They are
smart, profoundly introspective as well as world weary,
totally uninhibited in their at times snarling rhetoric.
Where so many prog bands concentrate on sci-fi, folk or
fantasy and a few on the human condition (Porcupine Tree,
S. Wilson, Fish) , we finally have a group that delves into
the darker sensibilities of current or impending issues
such as the Internet, privacy, artificial intelligence and
social disarray. Therefore, we have reflective material
that is looking at the future with a keen eye on reality
and omitting all the technological razzle dazzle we are
enslaved to love, obey and, of course, purchase.***
There is a wide variety of American influences, such
as a sense of Zappa-styled sarcasm, slight hints of humor
much like the Tubes, a little Todd Rundgren's Utopia, a
drizzle of Sparks and lots of classy arrangements. The songs
are all interconnected, like any valid concept album worthy
of its name, and not a second is wasted on droning atmospherics
or needless fluff (though I do like both in moderate and
creative amounts). Being a big bass guitar fan, I am immediately
drawn to Robert James Pashman's brooding rumble, anchoring
George Dodds' swiveling voice that can intone the oddest
emotions such as 'hope' on the thrilling second track "The
Gravity". Whistling synths and acoustic guitar meld together
like pearls in wine, boom-boom drumming rhythms and wailing
voice combine to push the envelope to lick stage and seal
the deal. Knock you right off your feet from the beginning!
A sensational toe dip into their musical pool.***
Twisting and turning into the immediate horizon and
the latest technological gadgetry, "This is the Future"
evokes a contrasting collision between chaos and sanity,
endless digital multi-tasking, focusing on nothing but texting
everywhere and everyone, torrential tidbits of bio-transistor
sentiments, a few Gbs here and a couple of Zip files there.
Hold on to the re charger and please, plug it in! Ohh that
felt sooooo good! So while the device juices back up to
full power, a gentle but reflective ballad comes in to soothe
the frayed and tattered nerves, appropriately titled "Life"!
***
'Aging is no longer a disease' intones the wily infomercial,
the ultimate intro to a nerd anthem par excellence, "The
Best and Brightest "conveys both rash cyber-imbecility and
an endless tribute to the latest 'device' of the industrial
boom, before 'we fall behind the Chinese' and get torpedoed,
albeit temporarily , by the latest Trojan techno condom
that leaks (Hello Julian and Edward). They used to be called
G-men once, now its C-men everywhere! Kraftwerk was 'korrekt'
with Computer Love, a few decades ago! Ach du!***
Zappa-esque sarcasm appears on the slickly titled 'Circuit
Court', where the divining judge is some virtual and well-pixeled
geek playing a delightful synthesizer and a Ziegler guitar
solo that has a definite Steely Dan meets the Tubes kind
of mood. Loads of harmony vocals and a roller-coaster delivery
makes this a real scorcher to be appreciated for its originality.
The epic, nearly 9 minute "Life at Any Cost" is a towering
masterpiece, musically, vocally and lyrically. Smooth as
silk, brooding yet exalted, with a slight sense of wasteland.
Loads of keyboards, guitars, solid bass and Aaron Nobel's
tectonic drumming really turn the lights on. The slick e-piano
does create a modern, urban sheen, the ideal foreplay for
a wicked instrumental section that showcases the talents
of each player. The twirling guitar solo and George's incredible
vocals are true specimens of genius, not to be outdone by
the rest of the crew who do this piece utter justice.***
"What it means to Be Human" is borderline weird, with
bizarroid vocals, plodding beats and an iron-fisted synthesizer
solo, something really out of worldly. George howls angrily,
high-pitched like Jeff Lynne of ELO on helium, shockingly
abstract yet accessible. This segues into the magnificent
"We Regret to Inform You", a subtle depiction of the 'who,
what, where and when' but no time for 'why'! Quarantine,
seclusion, apartheid, call it what you will! We have become
techno hermits, addicted to hallucinatory bytes and in sensual
intercourse with our matrix mouse. Lifecycle is just 'accept
or delete', Goodbye, father! Valhalla Bio Tech will now
take over your soul. Thank you for your business and have
a transcendent day!***
"More Life" is a sweeping finale, protecting your computer
and hence your existence. No active threats have been detected,
you may resume your download. The orchestral symphonics
are purposefully grandiose, 'life is meaning' but meaning
what, one might precisely ask? The final acoustic guitar
and synthesized rivulets are simply sublime.***
While so much prog is anchored in the past or the sci-fi
future, here is an ingenious band that looks only a few
years ahead, with a certain dread. Their craft is truly
intelligent and we should all be thankful to our modems
for accessing the 3rd Degree. A thrilling cover and slick
artwork complete the well-formatted folder.***
5 Google that, web surfers!***
(Thomas
Szirmay)
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