07 Nov 2015
ClassicRockRadio.co.uk NEW Music Review
Consider The Source: World War Trio (Parts II & III)
Released: 2015 TECHNE Records
By Gary "Uncle G" Brown
American Correspondent for ClassicRockRadio.co.uk
Twitter @GBrown0816
08 Nov 2015
So how long exactly should a writer who shares their experience about listening to various music projects, spend time engulfed in whatever the focus is going to be, before they start pounding away at the keyboard, expressing their opinion on the subject? My answer; "Accounts on what it is."
In the case of the newest studio offering from what I'll label a metal-prog band calling themselves, Consider The Source, the answer would be for myself, about a month. For some this is a horrible answer. Would mean the individual is studying whatever is being heard, which would alter the spontaneity of the gut reaction, in which some readers of such articles, would prefer to read.
On the other hand, the argument is there that it's hard to write a book about baseball, unless one played the game. Question is, how can one write about something, and not know the subject matter? So, not planning on it, I lived the last four weeks or so, with this album in my life. The newest Consider The Source TWO disc release of original music, recorded beautifully, and presented flawlessly, as the soundtrack / score to my existence in October / November 2015. Not entirely, for I took days off in between after devoting entire days to multi-plays with either disc one or the other, trying to comprehend what it was I been listening to. To help cleanse the palate, I have been digging on the Hollywood Vampires self titled / debut album. I also spent time composing my second ever song, To Score A Dream (by Gary "Uncle G" Brown), which can be presently found on several Internet websites. But for the most part, this past October, and now the beginning parts of November, where ever I went, so did the new Consider The Source World War Trio Part II & III double album. Even in the shower I'd listen to it, BLASTING this modern day rock n' roll instrumental masterpiece from my home stereo system. Something I'm sure my neighbors love. I can only imagine what the folks in the hood say as they walk back my residence. Good thing I'm aware of the local noise ordinances.
Consider The Source - World War Trio (Parts II & III)
Same thing happened to me when I received the first part of this instrumental three album masterpiece; Consider The Source: World War Trio (Part I) - Put Another Brick In That Bag (23:31). I ended up basically falling into it. If a serious music fan, you'll understand what I'm saying. When Mike Oldfield's Tubular Bells II came out, I played nothing but that for as long as I could stand it. With some Doors, and Eric Clapton mixed in here and there. After a while, one moves on. Whatever it is becomes a favorite, and for a musician, sometimes one can get influenced. And just so you fully get the picture, I'm an 'old school' album person. This means that when I pull that CD out to be played in the home entertainment system, that I listen to all of Pink Floyd's Dark Side Of The Moon, and not just the song; Money. That I enjoy in it's entirety, The Beatles Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band, and just don't play; Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.
Good News: Roger Waters is coming out with a new studio album.
Bad News: It's about dead children.
Someone give Mr. Waters a happy pill, PLEASE. Yet another reason to like Consider The Source's newest studio creation; World War Trio: Parts I, and NOW Parts II, and III. No lyrics. And as far as dead babies goes, Alice Cooper been there, and done that.
Uncle G's FAVS - Consider The Source: World War Trio (Parts II & III)
So we're on the same page, Consider The Source is a three man 'metal-prog' band , that hails from the United States. These guys (I was raised in New Jersey) leave other highly skilled professional musicians in total awe, on a regular basis. Wherever they play, or that their music could be heard. So this is not a band that favors only a few chords, and plays them over and over and over again. Nothing wrong if one digs the more simplistic sounds. Consider The Source are seasoned pro's. The world's just really getting to know about them now. Hopefully it is I who helped spread the word.
Known for being a classic rock writer, I would compare Consider The Source with a youthful Emerson, Lake, and Palmer. No shit! This band is 'that' good! Replace the legendary keyboardist Keith Emerson, with Consider The Source's guitarist; Gabriel Marin. The same devotion to the craft / high energy as Mr. Emerson exhibited throughout his legendary career, is there. Also, Consider The Source's John Ferrara and Jeff Mann, is a good match for ELP's Greg Lake, and Carl Palmer. Add a case of … (product placement) … '5 Hour Energy'. Sounds better than if I said something like; on illegal steroids. Besides, that shit don't last a lifetime, like the music of Consider The Source's, should. Point is the music they make, a lot of it is high energy stuff. The band's guitarist could out shred anyone out there playing metal-prog. He's in the same field as John Petrucci from Dream Theater. Thinking ahead, I hope Consider The Source stays on solid ground as their popularity soars. Loads of potential, in which this newest studio endeavor clearly demonstrates.
So, what are my favorite tracks or moments from Consider The Sources 'World War Trio Parts II & III release? Not forgetting Part I as an intro / set up to this very ambitious project, and would equate the whole entire suite as I would a classically structured piece of music.
Saying that, it's on record already with me saying that I dug World War Trio (Part I). Same thing here. It's that's easy. If wanting to read a short review you can stop here. I'm pleased as punch with not only Part I, but Parts II & III as well. Please remember to somehow support the band; buy their music, products, etc.. Drive home safely. Now for those wanting more detail, read on.
Again, Consider The Source - World War Trio (Part I, II, & III) is all instrumental (a tad spoken work). Well over two hours of outstanding rock n' roll.
So, let's say I was going to see the band live. I haven't yet and I seriously want to. Their live performance said to be akin to the old Nektar shows, whereas the light show (John Olsen - Lighting Design) is treated equal in presentation, as is the music.
To make this writing exercise even more interesting, let's say we have time restraints. Story will go ... just my luck that Consider The Source is only allowed to play ninety minutes on this particular evening, the FIRST time I will have seen them play. Can't play the entire suite, World War Trio (Parts I, II, & III) in it's entirety, like I was so hoping to see. Drats! So here's my hour and a half set list, and what I'd want to see the band perform.
I'd start the show with a performance of all of World War Trio - Part I. Gives me a little over an hour left. Shit! I really dig the first song off Part II called, Aquarians. Gives one a good idea as to what the band is like. Various influences, styles, and changing time signatures. This is after all a modern metal-prog twenty first century rock band. Back to the intro of Part II called Aquarians, it rocks like a mother-f*cker! Demonstrates imagination out the ass. Playing by all three members is simply outstanding. Double shit! If I pick this I got roughly fifty nine minutes left. Bonus point, over a set of speakers that could handle it, played aloud, Aquarians also makes for great grinding music! Know what I mean? This song is definitely included in my suggested 90 minute set list.
I so luv the theremin in the next song, Many Words Of Disapproval. Has a lush kind of vibe to it. As does the next tune, entitled; The Dubious Honor. A lot of precise playing for those who dig it. Rush fans should really get off on this band. As should Yes fans. This whole recording, World War Trio (Parts I, II, & III) is very much 'written in the spirit' of Yes' 1972 double concept album, Tales From Topographic Oceans. Says that on their website. I agree! Check it out. You have quite a bit of time, and it needs to be filled with music that not only does one get into playing, but that their listeners will play, again and again. Both bands achieved that goal in my mind. Back to the third track on disc one of World War Trio Part II, The Dubious Honor smokes in areas. I enjoy a harder rocking beat. Different tempos, and plenty to keep the brain focused on.
Next is another pick; One Hundred Thousand Fools. Leaves me about 55 minutes. All the members performing always stand out. After a while it can go unsaid. For some reason I hear Steve Howe in track four, of disc one. The song One Hundred Thousand Fools, has the honor of being the first song I pressed the repeat button on first listen. Gabriel Marin's playing; Steve Howe meets Jimmy Page after drinking five cups of trendy / hipster high priced dark roast house blend coffee. A wonderful track!
The next two songs keep the flow going. The listener has by now if liking instrumental rock, climbed onto the Consider The Source bandwagon. Is online looking at their catalog, and doing some retail catching up. I understand the reaction.
The numbers now being talked about; track five; Up To, But Not To Exceed … Whoa / and track six; You Are Obsolete. I'll add track five to the set list. I still have forty seven minutes. My set list so far is major kick ass! When given lemons, make lemonade. I want the best ninety minute set list possible.
Next are numbers; Tooth, and You Are Obsolete. Again, the flow of music coming from this disc is simply incredible. I mentioned Gabriel a couple / few times by now. Two other gentlemen in the band; John Ferrara (bass) and Jeff Mann (drums_percussion). Their work leaves one in awe as much as Gabriel's. That's why the comparison to ELP. Same intensity, and same precision playing.
I pick the next song called, Brother Nature. Beautiful song. This is a very cool acoustic piece. For those keeping score, I now have about forty three minutes left till I reach my max of ninety.
A very mellow piece called, 40% Gentelman, 60% Scholar. Kind of bluesy. John Bonham like drumming, with the bass sounding like it could be John Paul Jones at times. So a little Led Zeppelin sounding to me. A perfect number to end disc one, Part II with. I can fall into the whole song. Minus another seven and twenty-five seconds … I have about thirty-six minutes to suggest for what I think will be an excellent representation of the entire piece; World War Trio (Parts I, II & III). At least to me. When we all go to concerts, most of us we have hopes and wishes at a set list. Greatest hits, favorite songs and deep cuts. Back on track, I now covered disc one (Part II). Let's see how I finish this.
Disc Three (Part III) starts off brilliantly. Excellent first two tracks; A Monument To Compromise (Faux Clarinet) / Ninjanuity.
The next three tracks I want to add to my set list. Tracks 3, 4, and five; So Say We All (Parts I, 2, & 3). Is well worth the sixteen minutes needed to make it happen. I have twenty-seven minutes on my side.
Track six, More Than You'll Never Know, has a peaceful / middle eastern vibe to it. Almost eight minutes long. And the time goes by quickly. It's an enjoyable tune. I imagine it at night. Watching the guys perform this while sitting around a campfire. Nearly naked women dancing seductively. The smell of cannabis in the air coming from the next campsite next to us. Wish I was Captain Picard from Star Trek's Next Generation. I would for sure; Make it so.
Track Seven is a fucking monster and deserves to be seen played live. Period! I'll willingly and gladly subtract seven minutes for; I'll Fight For The Imp. Leaves me twenty minutes.
'White People's Problems, is the next track. The word 'spacey' comes to mind. Perhaps it's the headphones and having drank too much sangria? The outcome … add this eight minute composition to my set list. Twelve minutes to go.
The second to last song on this very ambitious project is titled; Tsim Sha Tsui. A feel good tune that includes a one-string Vietnamese instrument called the Dan Bau. Way good enough for a pick, but if I do I can't fit in the closing track.
The closing number, has to remain the closing number. Like the end of Part I, another ballad to close the disc, and the entire suite. Entitled; You Are Disappearing. Song length is; 6 minutes and 23 seconds. This is my LAST pick! I DID IT! Am too lazy to do the math, but I'm guessing I came in between the 85 and 90 minute mark. And what a performance that would be. Second only to seeing Consider The Source, play the whole thing; Parts I, II, & III.
Uncle G Rating
Using a one to five star rating system, whereas one star means it's truly horrible, to five stars meaning it's truly sensational, Uncle G gives Consider The Source - World War Trio (Parts II & III) … 5 STARS! If these guys never did anything else musically in their lives, they would have this to be proud of. For those into the progressive bands of yesterday, here's a band from the twenty first century that's worth checking out.
For more information on Consider The Source, please consult their official website:
www.ConsiderTheSourceMusic.com
*Bonus Uncle G Video*
What U R about 2 C, is actual footage of Gary "Uncle G" Brown's drive into Houston Texas, heading east on Hwy I-10 on Saturday morning in October of 2015. The song U hear in the background is from Consider The Source - World War Trio (Part Two) - This Dubious Honor. Actual footage of Uncle G listening to / preparing his thoughts on said subject matter. GREAT driving music btw!
Remember ... this video was made by a real professional music reviewer for a classic rock 24/7 Internet station out of Liverpool England - Don't try this yourself. Keep the roads a safe place for us all to share / drive.
Consider The Source Publicity done by
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