FINNEUS GAUGE - ONE INCH OF THE FALL - 1999

I'm writing this review with "ecstasy" as I'm now feeling HIGH enjoying the terrific music composition of this band!!! Yeah .. It elevates my emotion. This album is damn great! First of all, it's hard for me to classify under which category their music is. Probably close to ALLAN HOLDSWORTH's or BILL BRUFORD's "Feels Good To Me" (especially the song that has female vocal) or NATIONAL HEALTH's or UK's first album. Of course, ECHOLYN kind of music is here as well. Definitely the music of this album is not the kind of GENESIS (any era) music or even YES. It has a very intense jazz components in it. It's complex, but it's enjoyable.

Musicianship? Perfect! All contribute really well in this album. The way bass guitar is played really stunning. Organ sound is dynamic and shuffling. Female vocal flows harmoniously over music passage with little high and low variation. I would say the vocal part tends to be flat but it suits the music perfectly. Lead guitar? Scott McGill plays it wonderfully!

The beauty of this album (another thing) is that the quality of all songs are almost the same, each song is great! So, if I comment on some tracks only, it does not mean that other track does not deserve for review. No no no no . not at all! Wanna proof yourself? Just purchase the CD! You would hardly regret man!

The opening track "Open Up the Fog Lines" set the atmosphere of the album. Almost all tracks are in the same vein as this track. "Early Sun" is relatively slow track as compared to majority of songs. It has strong jazz platform in its musical scene. If I am asked to pick the best track and only one that I can choose, definitely I will go for "Golden Pretzel". Why? It has a unique arrangement and melody. The way the singer sings is really rocking. The keyboard is stunning. It's a nice blend of rock and jazz, I think.

My CD has three additional tracks recorded live from their previous work. All are performed perfectly. Overall, I have no other reason to classify this work as masterpiece as all tracks are excellent and beautifully crafted. One final point, beware of purchasing this CD if you are not into the kind of ALLAN HOLDSWORTH, BILL BRUFORD, NATIONAL HEALTH, ECHOLYN kind of music. Gatot Widayanto - Indonesia.
http://www.progarchives.com