| Band
Members: |
Steve Katsikas / vocals, keyboards
|
Rik Bigai / bass guitar |
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Diego Pocovi / drums & percussion
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Roy Strattman / electric & acoustic
guitars |
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Bill Ayasse / violin on track 7
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Claudia Sarmiento / Cuatro on track
5 |
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| Track
Listing: |
1.)- The Ballad of Eddie Wanderlust
(7:37) |
2.)-Higher (9:40) |
| |
3.)-Weariness Rides (6:27) |
4.)-The Prisoner (10:38) |
| |
5.)- Home (6:44) |
6.)- On and On (5:35)
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7.)- Mirror of Life
(5:31) |
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| The
Review |
Little Atlas is a quartet whom hail from the Miami, Florida
region. According to the band's website and band leader, vocalist
and keyboardist, Steve Katsikas, the group is an extension
of his work with his previous acts Waxing Poetic and an earlier
incarnation of the band that didn't quite reach expected musical
goals. The revised edition of group came to the attention
of Rosfest coordinators in 2004 resulting in their first real
national splash and a whole new batch of admirers. This recording
is actually the quartet's second disc but the first with this
revamped line-up featuring seven tracks jointly composed by
the ensemble. The group occupies a variation on tried and
true influences from Styx and Kansas to modern prog rockers
such as Enchant. Group interplay is especially hot on pieces
such as the opening cut "The Ballad of Eddie Wanderlust" and
the delicate introduction to the follow-up piece, "Higher".
Overall it's Katiska's keyboard arrangements and the balanced
mix that gives the band real impetus across the disc. Probably
the real barn burning track is "The Prisoner" which relies
on an open bar chord introduction (much in the vein of classic
Rush) to deliver a hard rocking base that later delves into
some classic moog synthesizer soloing. The live video performance
of "On and On" is also included as a bonus track to show just
exactly how well the band can deliver the goods live. The
band is keyed up for a late October gig opening for the Flower
Kings which is certain to build on their cult following. For
more information and live gigs refer to the band'swebsite:
www.littleatlas.com
Jeff Melton
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