1. Who is the band? What is their history? What motivates them?
“The band, created by guitarist Mirek Gil, should be known already by fans of Collage and Satellite. Not only was Mirek a founding member and main song writer of Collage, but he played with Satellite as well (on their debut album). For his new band he recruited former Satellite bassist Przemas Zawadzki (bass guitar), Tomek Rozycki (vocals, guitars), Adam Milosz (keyboards), Wlodek Tafel (drums) and Satomi (violin). Six people, each with a different musical sensitivity. How does it work? Mirek, Tomek, Przemas... for them music is passion and joy of creation. Adam, Satomi and Tafel... for them it’s all about education, notes, classical music. It seems strange but they do understand each other very well. Nobody defined the overruling style and concept. They do what they feel is right…” (http://www.myspace.com/believeartrock, 2009).
2. Why did they make this album? What was the passion or message that forced them to produce what they have? Or, simply what was their motivation for the themes they chose for this album?
Their latest album.
3. What message are they delivering through their lyrics and music?
1. The Years - Solid opener. Great guitar with flute and bass. “How could you look and see no way”. The beginning of an album theme to try to save a relationship.
2. Tales from Under the Tree - Solo guitar opens this before the drums, screams; violin and other effects break through. “Please be good. The world is bad.” Then the launching guitars supported by bass and drums. Cool rhythm. Good vocals but not enough lyrics. Good music though. The flute is wonderful.
3. Mother - Hackett – like guitar opens this one with flute and drum accompaniment. “When I made the mistake of my life. Will you stand, will you stand by me.”
4. And All the Roads - Slowly plucked guitar strings, then the building violin backed progression. “And all the roads that head to fame just let you down.” “Listen again or find your own way.” Maybe a determination to set their own course and make music that is different than the rest of the current, or stream of modern prog. “I want to make you breath.” Fantastic violin and guitars creating their own unique sound. Wonderful mid – section instrumental with violins, strings and acoustic guitar. One of the best songs on the album. ”Live again until you are going to see is it too late.”
5. Darkness - Acoustic guitar, then the violin opens this song as the flute pipes in and then the heavy guitar and drum. Very dark, but cool opening. “Sun shines over dark souls the same.”
6. Problems Rise - Cool synthesized bell sounds before the power guitar and drums begin. Pain and sorrow for love lost. “Love you make, love you just break. Piece of cake.”
7. AA - Nice acoustic guitar and vocals to open this song. Good harmonies with violin backing as the song progresses. Very deep passionate singing. “I wish you, I wish you to stay.” The violin and strings really add power to this piece.
8. This Bread is Mine - The title track and it starts off with cool growling and building guitar and that Jimmy Page kinda violin bow across the guitar sound before the violin rips through. “This bread is mine. How can you expect a bite. No love will get me higher. This bread is all I have.”
9. This is Life - Violin opens this up before the guitar and drums come in to support. “The sun is rising, light that shines on this beautiful sea.” “This is life.” “A beautiful life.” “It’s a wonderful way to be.” The violin throughout this album is wonderful. Really sets this band apart, along with the flute sounds. The most positive song on the album and my favorite.
10. Mine - Guitar and deep strings open this one. The break up of a relationship. Sad song. “I feel the pressure.” ”You can decide.” “Our life together.” “Waste of our time.” The music is very dynamic and interesting, even if the lyrics leave you wanting better.
11. Silence - Great acoustic guitar intro. “Give me a chance if you can. “Cause once you quit we’re dead.” A final pleading to try to save a relationship. Strong passionate singing along with acoustic guitar and some of the most powerful lyrics on the album.
4. Does this music improve, change, or add to the genre? What does the listener receive from listening to the music?
Very different and original sound in a genre which is in desperate need of some real innovation. However, the lyrics need more work. The music is wonderful and so crystal clear and brilliant. Very good recording and mixing. It sounds fantastic.
5. Does it have longevity? Is it something a fan will like to play again and again?
Yes, it is different enough that you will probably choose this over some of the other latest releases in the genre.
Rating:7/10 – The music is well delivered and recorded. Very clear and powerful music. They are one step away from launching well. They need someone to help build strong lyrics to support this different, but powerful sounding music. Different sounding vocals clearly giving the band a clear fresh sound. Great mix of sound and quiet. Good capture of the Yin/Yang.
Reviewed by Prof on October 17th, 2009
