Marco Mattei - Out Of Control (Third Star Records)

 

At first glance, this album looked like typical prog album.  Great imaginary cover, a fishing boat sailing above a farm field.  Great concept.  It instantly makes you want to check out what’s inside. 

The music itself is very multi-dimensional. Not necessary a prog album as advertised above, but a very musical record, with some progressive elements.  It depends which song you focus on. 

The only common denominator here is guitarist Marco Mattei, who is obviously present on ever tracks.  The songs include many guest and basically a different cast on each song.  While the instrumental side of the album is very stylistic, it’s the vocals that give each song a distinct personality.  Each song features a different voice, and often a different approach to vocals.  It gives the album a lot of variation and makes it much more difficult to pin down.  And if that wasn’t enough there are a few instrumental tracks.

There are some interesting guests on the album.  Paul Mastelotto and Tony Levin of King Crimson fate both made appearances separately.  Jerry Marotta also appears on few tracks.  There are several vocalists, taking on different songs.  This writer’s favorite was definitely Richard Farrell on a track called “Void.”  It is also my favorite song off the album. 

Marco Mattei’s guitar player is superb!  Not only is he a great player who likes to take chances, but a talented writer with a lot of potential.  Throughout the record, Mattei plays around with different sounds, string instruments, and effects.  Mattei delivers an album filled with a lot of feel and color.  His soloing in “Gone” is outstanding.

“Out of Control” is a record with multiple moods.  It’s a really well though out and put together set of songs.  Marco Mattei has a special way of touching the listener with his music.

Mark Kadzielawa

To The Universe (Moon Phase Publishing/Floating White Lotus)

I’ve spent many weeks listening to this album.  With each listen new angle would open up.  The process kept my interest, and I continued to listen and explore.  So, how can the few weeks of listening be translated into words?

To The Universe is a creation by vocalist Steffie Moonlady, and multi-instrumentalist, Dennis Haklar.  The two of them are responsible for every sound on this album.  The music is very calm, but it goes through one’s conscience rather effectively.

The light ambient sounds are done with great imagination, and can at easy transport the listener into a very different mental setting.  The album has a very gentle approach, and Steffie Moonlady’s vocalizations are very calming and somewhat ritualistic.  It’s a very relaxing record that can ease your senses, and at times even put you to sleep. 

To The Universe is continuously achieving here is the ability to get the listener to slow down whatever they are doing.  Perhaps that is the big idea.  Pause your fast life, relax, and be one with the universe. 

The album has a very light feel, but even with that, there are some very dark moments.  They create a very special mood and dress it with instruments and voices.  While not everyone will be excited about To The Universe, the listeners who will discover this band will certainly feel rewarded for their efforts.

Mark Kadzielawa