| CD REVIEW Six Gallery |
 |
|
Band : Six Gallery This now Columbus residing quintet was originally formed in the small University city of Athens, Ohio as an instrumental Progressive Post-Rock quartet during Summer 2005. In only 2 years, they released 2 EPs, changed drummers, and played around a 100 shows. Although their music was always well-received, the band had always wanted to have a singer, and in mid 2008 they started looking out more seriously for one. Eventually, singer/ guitarist Daniel J. Francis was added to the foursome of lead guitarist Will Vokak, guitarist/ keyboardist Ben Schreiber, bassist Alex Wenhardt, and drummer Benji Miller. Immediately, the band dropped all its instrumental pieces for what they were, and started writing material to fit a vocalist. Breakthrough In Modern Art was originally released by the band in June 2009, and went on to attract the attention of independent labels, radio promoters, and booking agents alike…resulting in the band playing alongside already established acts such as Maps And Atlases, The Heartland, La Dispute, The Ataris, Andrew WK, Kevin Devine, The New Amsterdams and Mouth Of The Architect. As far as labels are concerned, it was the recently new German Superball Music which eventually won the quinted over to sign with ‘em in December 2009. Stylistically speaking, the new SG has often been compared to the likes of Minus The Bear, Maps And Atlases, and Audiogramme, but Wokak’s finger-tapping guitar play definitely gives them a quite separate identity! Overall, the album has a somewhat…I was gonna say “sedate”, but “calm” is more in its place (as the first has a somewhat negative connotation, wouldn’t you agree?)…which gives the album a touch of darkness, but the band also has a lot short rather explosive moments. What emphasizes the calmer and dark side of the album, is Francis’ vocal style…somewhat whiny, his vocals smeer a feeling of melodramatics over the songs that is simply delectable. Still, it ain’t all doom and gloom the band brings here! Granted, the first-time listener will be taken in by the overall melodies first, and the more experienced among us might get a glimpse of the underplaying complexities halfway through. Once past that point, the listener will find a surprisingly cheerful playfulness in the music which is in somewhat of a contrast with the overall feel of it. Sounds wacky, but that how I see things and call ‘em! Although now mainly a songs band, there’s still two short instrumentals on the album, the first titles “Fish Milk”, and an untitled and acoustic guitar (I’m certain it’s a solo) hidden track closing the album after a short silence (keep your ears pealed for that one)! I feel compelled to give one negative comment though: in view of the finger-tapping playing technique being found on each and every track, the unexperienced listener may find a certain repetition to the songs, leading to him/her “having heard enough” after only one session! My response: persevere, dear reader…allow your mind to open up for the underlying niceties, so you can enjoy the complexity of the music as well as its obvious melodies. Do that, and who knows…just like me you might add Breakthroughs In Modern Art (aptly found title, by the way) to your list of favourite albums! Regretfully, there is (at the moment I checked) only the one track off the album posted at myspace.com/sixgallery, but apparently the band changes their music player occasionally. Perhaps there’s more to be found at (www.) superballmusic.com? 98/100 Tony. |