ProgGnosisApril 2004 by M J BradyEccentric
Orbit is a Massachusetts-based Progressive Rock band with drums, bass,
keys, and wind-synth. Our original material is all instrumental and has a
heavy focus on '70s keyboard sounds and our influences include classic
Prog bands like Emerson, Lake & Palmer and King Crimson, as well as
the sounds of classic sci-fi films.
ProGGnosis Comments & Reviews:
This
all-instrumental band is definitly a throwback to the sounds and style
of the earlier works of the progressive rock giants Emerson Lake and
Palmer. Keyboards are the main focus, as two members - Madeleine Noland /
Derek Roebuck are peforming on many vintage key sounds, set over the
rock styled bass playing of Bill Noland, who has a strong presence much
the way Chris Squire does on his Rickenbacker, and also of note is the
expressive drumming of Mark Cella, who also has borrowed in style from
the greats of progs past.
The band plays energetic music that
would remind progressive fans of some of the music heard on Tarkus,
there are no guitars, and the effect of utilizing the old sounds of
prog, really gives the music a throwback feel. As many progbands have
paid homage to the good ole days of prog, many have adapted the old with
the new, and really have taken full advantage of modern day
instrumentation, recording standards and most notably the vast array of
keyboard advancements available today. While the production standard is
good on this cd, the way the band has presented themselves almost gives
the illusion of a lost archival release from prog's storied past.
Apparently
these musicians not only studied their musicial skills enough to be
competent musicians, they also made an earnest effort to study the most
relished tones and sounds of what most folks would identify from the
great progressive rock albums of the past. Mellotrons, Moogs, organs,
Ric's, pianos, etc. Are all ever present from the beginning of this cd
to the very end, which is comprised of five lengthy songs. This is a fun
listen that almost leads you back into the world of bongs, flashbacks
and blacklight posters.
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