By: M.J. Brady
his aptly named album starts out with a very Middle-Eastern influenced song, with Sanskrit lyrics and all. Brand X, is the definetive genre breaking band that melded as much fusion into their sound as elements of progressive rock, bringing the best of each to create a style all of their own. The band can best be described as a combination of Return to Forever meets Zappa with some Ozrics mix in for atmosphere. I know using a contemporary band like the Ozrics is not fair, as Brand X has been around much longer, but keep in mind it's just for a current reference. Some will be very surprised to hear Phil Collins' drumming on this album, as he was better known as the new voice in Genesis, and later a pop icon of sorts. He shows mastery of the kit bringing a jazzy feel to the oddly structured songs, he also has a flare for quick handed fills and polyrhythmic accompaniment. Percy Jones has got to be one of the most obvious voices on bass, his liquid like sound brought forth from his Wal bass, sets the tone for every song, it's a daring and bold technique that very few would even try in the context of this sophisticated music, but he is more than up to the task, and is an irreplacable part of this band. The other notorious member is John Goodsall, he is the hybrid guitarist. he brought a speedy, dexterousity to the band, his sizzling , frenetic solos and arrangements are very unique, although one might pick up a hint of DiMeola in his style, he has a voice all his own. Percussionist Morris Pert is also not to be overlooked as an integral part of the Brand X sound, he doesn't utilize the typecast techniques or influences long associated with percussionists, you will hear no latin, african, or world fusion in his approach, he is a rare player of percussion, putting his own trademark on each tune, and giving the songs great "Head space". Robin Lumleys' keyboards are both textural and unearthly, he also is a great soloist in the style of Corea, Hammer, et al. His talents are also very important to the sound of this multi-dimensional band. In retrospect, this CD/LP shows the band at it's best, providing an example of virtuoso players setting egos aside to create well construcuted, technically challenging music that still today sounds fresh and inventive.
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Vol. 16, No. 6: Apr.-May 2012
