Crossover Prog
Germany
ALIAS EYE are a five-piece German outfit who self-produced a 3-track EP in 2000, catching the attention of DVS Records who signed them for a first official album a year later. The band's core line-up is Phillip Griffiths on vocals (son of Martin Griffiths of BEGGAR'S OPERA, who sounds just like him), Vytas Lemke on keyboards, Matthias Richter on electric and acoustic guitars, Frank Fischer on bass and Ludwig Benedek on drums. Among their influences, they name the BEATLES, PINK FLOYD, JETHRO TULL, SPOCK'S BEARD, DREAM THEATER and even a few classics (BACH and BEETHOVEN). Consequently, their music is much varied and ranges from rock, pop and funk to jazz and classical.
The EP "Beyond the Mirror" is mostly keyboard (piano) oriented and something of a blend of AOR and modern prog. A fine effort but not nearly as effective as their first official cd "Field of Names", which also features 4 guest musicians. This one boasts an amazingly clear, dynamic production and a professionalism that immediately impresses the listener. The musicianship is tight and technically faultless, yet it is the catchy melodies that really stand out. However, their third release "Different Point of You" (also featuring guest musicians) is the one that truly bears the name 'progressive'. Just about every track on it is totally different, yet the listener recognizes a typical ALIAS EYE sound throughout. Layered keyboards, lush vocal harmonies, some killer sax, bluesy guitar solos, groovy jazzy piano pieces (reminiscent of Donald Fagan), rhythmic rock songs, even a prog metal solo: all these and more combine into a veritable Disneyland of contemporary styles. It does walk a fine line between pop and prog but it never sounds cheap or commercial.
This material has such a wide appeal that I would recommend it to any music lover remotely into blues, jazz and (of course) prog. Fans of the more adventurous, free-form eccentricities, however, may find it interesting although not challenging enough.
Lise (Hibou), CANADA
ALBUMS:
2001 - FIELD OF NAMES
Musicians
- Philip Griffiths / vocals
- Vytas Lemke / keyboards
- Matthias Richter / electric & acoustic guitars
- Frank Fischer / bass
- Ludwig Benedek / drums
Guest Musicians:
- Martin Griffiths (of BEGGAR's OPERA fame)/ vocals on 9
- Timo Wagner / saxophone on 9
- Christian Schimanski / additional acoustic guitars & main backing vocals
- Werner Stephan / additional backing vocals
1. Field Of Names (4:52)
2. Premortal Dance (5:13)
3. Wasteland (5:26)
4. Just Another Tragic Song (6:17)
5. Driven (7:49)
6. River Running (6:21)
7. Hybrid (4:04)
8. Mystery (3:32)
9. The Readiness Is All (5:19)
10. An End In Itself (5:11)
Total Time: 50:10
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