very once and a while a very special CD comes across this reviewers desk. To say that Stride - "Music Machine" is that CD would be an understatement. Music Machine is by far one of the best releases to hit the underground music scene in a long, long time. Full of progressive elements and influences that span generations of recorded music. One can hear the intricate melodies of bands like Dream Theater or Symphony X throughout all the compositions. Melodic sensibilities are showcased with an intertwining of sheer musical virtuosity.
Music Machine is an intense, melodic mix of progressive heaven. The four members of Stride gel like a tight woven fabric to produce intelligent, complex music that should rival today's best progressive offerings. All of the compositions put forth on Music Machine strive to take the listener to a unique destination combining influences from prog, metal, neo-classical, fusion and shred.
From the get-go Music Machine offers up some very technical, yet always melodic, well thought out compositions. All tracks feature exceptional musicianship delivered with passion and sensitivity. Guitarist Joel Gregoire and Keyboard virtuoso Rick Flores deliver some intricate guitar/keyboard interplay while Matt Kenzler (Drums) and Marcus Johnson (Bass) pound out a powerhouse of a rhythm section.
Highlights of the CD include:
"Borrowed Time" - strong melody, great guitar runs. A progressive smorg of keyboard / guitar mayhem.
"Travesty" - an introspective tune with loads of feel factor. A great keyboard intro sets this song up for some superb melodic soloing.
"Eargasm" - a fusion / prog masterpiece. Dream Theater meets George Lynch meets Symphony X. A showcase for the whole band. Tight delivery with virtuoso performances. Gregoire and Flores shred it up!
Music Machine far exceeds expectation, bordering on brilliant. Anyone who is a fan of quality progressive music will find this release irresistible.
very once and a while a very special CD comes across this reviewers desk. To say that Stride - "Music Machine" is that CD would be an understatement. Music Machine is by far one of the best releases to hit the underground music scene in a long, long time. Full of progressive elements and influences that span generations of recorded music. One can hear the intricate melodies of bands like Dream Theater or Symphony X throughout all the compositions. Melodic sensibilities are showcased with an intertwining of sheer musical virtuosity.
Music Machine is an intense, melodic mix of progressive heaven. The four members of Stride gel like a tight woven fabric to produce intelligent, complex music that should rival today's best progressive offerings. All of the compositions put forth on Music Machine strive to take the listener to a unique destination combining influences from prog, metal, neo-classical, fusion and shred. 