The Underground Railroad - The Origin Of Consciousness
	Released: 2005 Label: Long Dark Music Cat. No.: LDCD04 Total Time: 59:02
	Reviewed by: Eric Porter, November 2005 The second release from The Underground Railroad, The Origin Of Consciousness exhibits the band's unique melding of symphonic progressive, with a strong jazz influence in soloing and song structure.  Guitarist Bill Pohl is a very impressive player, with Holdsworth influenced lead work, and quirky rhythmic chording.  Kurt Rongey is equally skilled on keyboards, using a lot of piano, and his synth solos offer a nice balance and compliment to Pohl's guitar.  Don't forget about the rhythm section of John Livingston (drums) and Matt Hembree (bass), as they put together the tricky time signatures and accents that make the music flow.  These guys can just flat out play, which is what attracts me to their music. Each song contains various helpings of symphonic keyboards, jazz fusion soloing, and mellow atmospheric touches.  The vocals fail to match the quality of the music, but are passable and certainly don't distract the listener.  It takes a few spins (as it did for me) for the music to sink in, but it makes you appreciate how good these guys really are.  Outside of a few moments that get a bit overindulgent, you are treated to superb musicianship offering bite and balance, another winner from The Underground Railroad. More about The Origin Of Consciousness: Track Listing: Julian Ur (7:45) / Julian I (2:38) / Love is a Vagabond (10:43) / Halo (8:21) / The Canal at Sunset (4:18) / Metaphor (2:57) / Creeper - The Doorman Pt 2 (13:30) / Julian II (9:00) Musicians: Bill Pohl - guitar, bass pedals, vocals John Livingston - drums Matt Hembree - bass Kurt Rongey - keyboards, vocals Contact: Website: www.theundergroundrailroad.net Note: will open new browser window Discography Through And Through (2000) The Origin Of Conciousness (2005)
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