inematik is the new recording featuring Neal Smith, original Alice Cooper drummer. On this recording, Neal plays mostly hand drums and percussion, with just a touch of cymbals and drums. The entire recording is extremely well done, with instruments defined and spread about the stereo field. The opening track, "Nude Ellie" is a middle eastern type track that has a trance like rhythm, a little vocals, and is accented with sparse tambourine. Nice and open sounding. "Grace Beach" picks it up a notch, with Neal providing a moving groove with hand drums providing a pounding rhythm. I would have liked the song to be a little longer, since Neal seems to be enjoying himself quite a bit on this song. "1000 Miles Away" opens with hand drums and shakers, with a nice lead harmonica following right behind. This is one of my favorite songs on the CD, and I feel would make a nice addition to a movie soundtrack. Track 4, "Temple Mental" a short, angry sounding song with quick hi hat accents, along with hand drums and percussion well placed in the mix. The song "African Clay" displays guitarist Robert Mitchell excellent musicianship at his instrument. A light touch of vocal chants bring a nice addition to the song, along with a changing of rhythms within the song.
"Wandering Will" really grooves along, with hand drums providing the kick and groove. The harder edged guitar, which fits very nicely, gives the song a more rocking sound.
Peter Catucci supplies the steady bass on "Awake" that allows both Neal and Robert to play sparely throughout this track. Touches of wah wah and delays give this song a nice feel, and well placed instruments in the mix texture the music nicely.
"Reckon Eves" brings hand drums, shakers, and other percussion and sound effects to the table. The vocals on this one bring a different touch to the CD. More of a spoken vocal line that give the song a darker side. Nice dynamics throughout.
The slow, steady pounding of the drums on "Even in Sleep" is all that's needed to give the song its feel. Layers of guitar and effects make this track a Pink Floydish type song.
"Sand Script" is the call out to the natives. This is the one where the band jells the best. The song begins with Neal playing a clave rhythm on hand drums. The band soon joins in with guitar, bass, and vocals. From there, light cymbals, and then an off-beat drum beat by Neal. The entire band band gives a little extra on this one. A great song to end the CD with. This recording is a different side of Neal's playing that I wasn't familiar with. A nice use of hand drums and percussion throughout the cd supplies the groove and accents for his fellow bandmates. Cinematik is a good addition to one's CD collection. It features good musicianship among all the band with good songs, and a very well recorded and mixed CD.
inematik is the new recording featuring Neal Smith, original Alice Cooper drummer. On this recording, Neal plays mostly hand drums and percussion, with just a touch of cymbals and drums. The entire recording is extremely well done, with instruments defined and spread about the stereo field. The opening track, "Nude Ellie" is a middle eastern type track that has a trance like rhythm, a little vocals, and is accented with sparse tambourine. Nice and open sounding. "Grace Beach" picks it up a notch, with Neal providing a moving groove with hand drums providing a pounding rhythm. I would have liked the song to be a little longer, since Neal seems to be enjoying himself quite a bit on this song. "1000 Miles Away" opens with hand drums and shakers, with a nice lead harmonica following right behind. This is one of my favorite songs on the CD, and I feel would make a nice addition to a movie soundtrack. Track 4, "Temple Mental" a short, angry sounding song with quick hi hat accents, along with hand drums and percussion well placed in the mix. The song "African Clay" displays guitarist Robert Mitchell excellent musicianship at his instrument. A light touch of vocal chants bring a nice addition to the song, along with a changing of rhythms within the song. 