Djam Karet - Burning The Hard City ( 1991 )

Burning the Hard City" is one of the hottest and fiercest musical works ever in the history of prog rock, and definitely, a cornerstone in the development of Djam Karet's sound, mostly, their rockier side. The sounds displayed in the repertoire's riffs, atmospheres, leads, rhythms and moods could literally burn any hard city around. Even though their recording history was still in its early stages, you can tell that these guys have come to know each other pretty well, since they seem to think with one mind while preserving each individual input's integrity. Well, the general sound displayed all throughout this album is so loud and ballsy that it may seem hard to notice for the first listens, but if you pay a closer attention, you will feel it clearly. This albums is mostly a catalogue of musical intelligence worked out from the more aggressive side of the band's artistic ideology. 'At the Mountains of Madness' is a top-notch opener, built on the solid management of the main motifs and its further expansions. Alongside the two guitars' solos and riffs, which seem to echo the distant cries of lost souls in limbo, the rhythm duo of Oken Jr. and Osborne reveals itself as an immaculately cohesive unit. 'Province 19: The Visage of War' goes to more animalistic places, closely related to prog-metal to a degree, but also related to vintage psychedelia and experimental jazz- rock. The reiteration of the main motif and the addition of guitar textures as controlled solos serves as an efficient tension provider, a tension that only makes the motif's inherent darkness turn a bit darker yet. The rhythm section is, once again, the main responsible of variations and extra colors among the sonic storm created by the two guitars. I have read in some e-zines that this track is a bit too repetitive, but I find it effective and one of the most powerful tracks in the album... and in their history, as well. As a counterpart, 'Feast of Ashes' offers an exercise in languid, reflective moods, albeit not exempted of tension: only this time it appears in a more subtle fashion, like a hybrid between mid-70s PF and standardized space-rock. 'Grooming the Psychosis' brings a moderately joyful cadence based on jazz-rock nuances, until the hard rock thing takes main control from minute 4 ½ onwards, making things get more complex. Anyway, Osborne's deliveries help to keep the jazz factor remain as a more subtle remnant until the end of the track, in this way dialoguing effectively with his partner guitarists and helping the track not to drown in its own energy. 'Topanga Safari' does to more ethnic places, something like a funky-driven Ozric Tentacles augmented by the presence of Jeff Beck and Tony Levin - an effective mixture, indeed. 'Ten Days to the Sand' somehow recapitulates the overall progressive vibration of 'At the Mountains.' and the introspective aura of 'Feast of Ashes'. The namesake track is the very proper closure. Providing a mysterious Floyidian vibe for the first 7 minutes, frrom then on, things get more robust, leaning closer to the rougher parts of the aforesaid 'At the Mountains.' and 'Grooming the Psychosis', perhaps with a bit of late 70's Rush. The climax is built-up cleverly and confidently. Djam Karet have managed to give us prog- heads a couple of modern masterpieces of the genre. In my opinion, this is one of them, so I give "Burning the Hard City" the PA's perfect mark - 5 stars. DJAM KARET Burning The Hard City music reviews and MP3 ( Review from progarchives.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing 1. At The Mountains Of Madness (9:17)
2. Province 19: The Visage Of War (8:13)
3. Feast Of Ashes (10:46)
4. Grooming The Psychosis (11:57)
5. Topanga Safari (5:57)
6. Ten Days To The Sand (11:07)
7. Burning The Hard City (12:00)

Line-up / Musicians

- Gayle Ellett / electric 7-string and 6-string guitars, taped effects, keyboards, percussion
- Mike Henderson / electric twelve and six string guitars, effects, keyboards
- Chuck Oken, Jr. / drums, electronic, percussion, keyboards, synthesizer programming and sequencing
- Henry Osborne / electric bass, bottled bass, keyboards, percussion

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Djam Karet - The Ritual Continues ( 1987 )

"The Ritual Continues" contains the oldest songs available by DJAM KARET. Seven of the tracks are from live shows performed in February 1987 and two of the tracks are recorded in January 1982 under the band name HAPPY CANCER. Besides some voices here and there, the album is all-instrumental. The album became "#4 Album Of 1988" in Electronic Musician magazine. Strangely enough I wouldn't call it an electronic album. There are Ambient influences and reminiscences to TANGERINE DREAM on it, but there's also the typical DJAM KARET progressive guitar rock blended with reminiscences to KiING CRIMSON and PINK FLOYD. The highlight is "Technology and Industry" where some of the KING CRIMSON similarities are shown. This is an interesting release all-in-all, although it isn't one of DJAM KARET's best albums (Review from progarchives.com)

"Good, but non-essential". That's what defines best Djam Karet's music. They're gifted, they sure can play and jam, but there is definitely nothing new emerging from their evergrowing catalogue. Their first one is their best. With addition of early Happy Cancer's old material, "The Ritual Continues" multiplies its perspective and shows the path that the band will endlessely explore from one album to another. ECM alike ambient kind of exposition ("Revisiting A Nice Place: Falling Down 1993") next to overtly King Crismon influenced tracks ("Technology And Industry"), Djam Karet sounds instantly Djam Karet when they mix both on such prime songs as "Shamen's Descent", "Familiar Winds", "The Black River" or the title track. Honestly, if you can get this one, you'll find quickly that all of their other releases are unecessary.  (Review from progarchives.com)

Top progressive rock band from the states who are particularly adept at crossing ambient styles with rock.

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Shamen's Descent (7:17)
2. Tangerine Rabbit Jam (4:07)
3. Familiar Winds (6:29)
4. The Black River (6:42)
5. Technology And Industry (5:00)
6. The Ritual Continues (8:34)
7. Fractured (4:42)
8. Night Scenes (5:37)
9. Revisiting A Nice Place: Falling Down 1993 (16:56)

Total Time: 65:24

Line-up / Musicians

- Gayle Ellett / guitar, guitar synth, percussion(1,3-7,9)
- Andy Frankel / drums, vibes (2,8), African percussion (7)
- John Glass / electric guitar (2,8)
- Mike Henderson / six and twelve guitars, drums, percussion
- Henry J. Osborne / bass, percussion

Zip Tang - Feed Our Heads (2010)

This is the third and the most recent album by a band which surely is now among the better US eclectic prog bands.

The album starts innocently enough with the jazz, saxophone and Frank Zappa influenced pastisj I'm On My Own. A really great song. From there and out, the album branches out in all direction. None of them light hearted and easy accessible. This is by no means an easy listening album. This album touches base with a lot of genres. From avant-garde via eclectic prog to jazz and pop/rock. Along the way, Zip Tang says hello to The Beatles, Beach Boys, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Frank Zappa, Soft Machine (first album), Red Hot Chili Peppers, Gentle Giant, Pink Floyd and the post rock scene. I am sure I have missed out on a lot of bus stops along the way. But although very varied, the music is never disjointed. There is a clear and defined idea running through the whole album.

The instrumentation is both the usual tangents, guitars, bass, vocals and drums. But they have also added some woodwinds to the sound. The sound changes between electric and half-acoustic. The instruments are clearly spaced out and not the victim of a wall of sound. Thankfully, the sound quality is superbly crystal clear and contemporary.

I stated the first song was an uplifting song. The mood changes though halfway the album and the mood becomes darker at the final two Pink Floyd like songs. Which means neither the first song or the final two songs should determine if you want to part with your money on this album.

A purchase or not also depends on the quality of the product. It is my opinion after sweating blood during ten listening sessions, and wishing that I could spend even more time on this album before reviewing it, that this is a true great album. There is no real killer tracks here. Neither is there any really uninteresting parts here either. This album has so many twists and turns that it drags the listener in and really keeps him/her until the final tone. This is truly a progressive rock album. That is in my view a good enough reason to give it four stars...... although not a strong four stars, but still four stars. ( Review from progarchives.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing 
1. I'm On My Own (4:43)
2. Fine Reds (7:28)
3. Enough About You (7:50)
4. I Found A Dream (4:49)
5. Girl Behind The Glass (2:14)
6. Lost Without You (3:30)
7. I'll Put It Right (3:19)
8. Ojai (5:55)
9. Central Park (3:20)
10. Spooky Jam (5:34)

Total Time: 48:42

Line-up / Musicians
- Fred Faller / drums, percussion
- Perry Merritt / guitars, backing vocals
- Marcus Padgett / lead vocals, keys, woodwind
- Rick Wolfe / bass, mandolin, backing vocals

guest musicians:
- Ea Phillipa / lead & backing vocals
- Dave Jelinek / trumpet

Zip Tang - "Central Park"

Zip Tang - "Spooky Jam"

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Zip Tang - Luminiferous Ether (2007)

Very talented band from the states who's music is more in the jazz/rock fusion mould, but also has more progressive qualities akin to Zappa and King Crimson and even touches of zeuhl here and there. There's top notch musicianship throughout with also some vocals.

The lengthy reworking of 'Tarkus' is particularly outstanding.

 A fine debut album and certainly a band to look out for!!

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Tower Of Tuna (5:39)
2. Missed The Beginning (5:16)
3. Nothing Here (6:11)
4. Doctor Plush (9:59)
5. Like We Did Before (5:03)
6. Beta (5:48)
7. Searching For Treasure (4:25)
8. With A Twist (3:47)
9. Tarkus (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) (18:11)

Line-up / Musicians

- Perry Merritt / guitar, vocals
- Rick Wolfe / bass, vocals
- Marcus Padgett / keyboards, saxophone, vocals
- Fred Faller / drums

ZIP TANG - Tarkus (Eruption) Guitar & Sax

Zip Tang - "Tower Of Tuna" at House Of Blues, Chicago

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Atlantis - Philharmonic (1974)

For only a duo this cleveland based outfit from the USA created a great full sounding one off progressive rock album. There's hints of King Crimson, with the mellotron and at other times a little Atomic Rooster and Deep Purple with the hammond organ and guitar riffs. There's also a hint of "Caravan" too.

Check out the wonderful "Fly The Night" being slightly folksy with great hooks. Also "Atlas" which is like a more progressive "Black Sabbath ". Excellent!

This is mostly a real gem to come from the USA. A splendid mix of songs and instrumentals.

ATLANTIS PHILHARMONIC music, discography, MP3, videos and reviews

ATLANTIS PHILHARMONIC Atlantis Philharmonic music reviews and MP3

Atlantis Philharmonic - Death Man - 1974 ( Cleveland,Ohio )