Man On Fire - The Undefined Design

Year of Release: 2003
Label: ProgRock Records
Catalog Number:
Format: CD
Total Time: 53:11:00

The Undefined Design is the second release by this US duo, that introduces us to Jeff Hodges on vocals and keyboards, and Eric Sands on basses and guitars. These two guys are helped by three drummers, who share the work, and by David Ragsdale on violin

The review of this record isn?t very complicated: the music is prog oriented towards more modern sounds and it?s a rocker, too. It can be noted that there are some influences of Rush, but I haven?t noticed any other particular influence. Previously I spoke much of their modern sound; this is true also because there is much use of samples and programming in the catchier pieces. In the more melodic ones, Ragsdale?s almost magic violin appears, and he does a very good job. But the particularity that has been impressed in my mind is the fretless bass used by Eric Sands, the true highlight of the disc.

Instead, I don?t like Hodges? voice, too monotonous, unable to change the tone along the whole length of the album.

The production is good, even if The Undefined Design isn?t a successful record in all its parts.

Tracklisting:
Awake (i) Prayer In The Moonlight (5:21) / (ii)Bitter Tears Burning (3:40) / (iii) Ascension (2:10) / Seven Thunders Wide (4:07) / Where Is The Light? (4:57) / Entertaining Angels (3:41) / Great Divide (5:07) / Insides Of The Circle (4:36) / Clouds In The Sun (5:19) / Wasted Time (5:52) / Two Views (4:25) / Just Out Of Reach (5:56)

Musicians:
Jeff Hodges - vocals, keyboards, samples, loops
Eric Sands - fretless and fretted bass, guitars
Steve Carroll - lyrics, esoterics

Special Guests:

David Ragsdale - violin (5, 9, 12)
David Smith - drums (1 ,2, 3, 4, 7)
Jimmy Mouton - drums (5, 6, 8, 9, 12)
Adam Stoker - drums (10)
Trish Howell - backing vocals (2)

Discography:
Man On Fire (1998)
The Undefined Design (2003)
Habitat (2005)

Genre: Canterbury

Origin US

Added: August 10th 2003
Reviewer: Davide Guidone
Score:
Artist website: www.manonfire.net
Hits: 2329
Language: english