Previous | Next 

CURRENTLY IN MUSIC
An interesting listen, but lacking substance

Clay Bergen

“To the Sky”
strangely dim. Twisted Oak Productions Inc., 1998.

When I received this album, I was really excited to hear it. The first song on the six-song EP is as close to the secular group Yes as I have ever heard in Christendom. Its syncopated rhythms and intricate guitar works weave a great musical tapestry.

What follows, however, is strangely dim. There are moments when the listener gets some neat musical insights, but then it fades. The production values and recording technique are confusing at times. I couldn’t decide if they intended it to sound like a jam album or a studio production.

In the end, interesting lyrics and great musical ideas become muddy, resulting in a less-than-satisfactory listen. However, I do not hate the album. Strangely dim explores some interesting musical territory. Many of their influences are instantly apparent to anyone familiar with 70s pop art rock (Yes, Alan Parsons Project, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Emerson Lake and Palmer). It’s interesting to hear a 90s tenor of that same sound. Time and maturity will focus that sound into their own crisp, clear themes that, for this album at least, make all too brief appearances.

An interesting listen, but sadly lacking substance.

Clay Bergen lives in Big River, Sask.

Previous | Next 

Last modified May 4, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
Masthead and usage information.