Under The Sun - Schematism - On Stage With Under The Sun

Year of Release: 2005
Label: ProgRock Records
Catalog Number: PRR230
Format: CD
Total Time: 00:00:00

Evaluation:

What is it?

Recorded live in one take during NEARfest (North East Art Rock Festival), this recording is heralded as a "live on stage experience," meaning that the show was recorded, and is to be perceived, from the band's vantage point. Lustrous packaging provides snapshots of the band on stage and "producer's" liner notes document the various recording means used to provide this unique sonic perspective.

Analysis:

What it is:

Under The Sun deliver mid-tempo rhythm-driven songs, with stop-start unisons, swirling keyboard/organ textures and dense arrangements. Compositions focus heavily on minor key modulations that seldom stray far from territory mined by 70's prog stalwarts ? take one part Yes, half a teaspoon of Focus, blend with a little ELP, add a healthy dose of Rush, and you'll have an idea of UTS' instrumental bent?.

Unfortunately, the vocal delivery of chief composer and guitarist Chris Shryack falls short of the mark. He has a limited vocal range, and is at times out of tune, and his oft-atonal lines sound more like guitar riffs than vocal melodies. "The Time Being" is particularly egregious. As lead singer and sole guitarist, Shryack's rhythm playing, while competently executed, sounds stilted and terse, as though he was struggling under the dual responsibilities. His lead guitar work is derivative, and consists largely of hackneyed blues riffs delivered in a frenzied, scattershot manner (the tag solo in "Dream Catcher" is magnificently cringe-inducing)

Superb drumming, excellent bass-work, articulate, expansive keys and a truly pristine mix are not enough to counterbalance the vocal performance.

Rating: 6-/10 (the minus is for the gut-wrenching vocal glissandos on "The Time Being") (PW scale: 2.75/5)

Summary:

This is one live record that would have benefited from judicious "fixes in the mix" ? The "on-stage experience" is magnificently captured, but unfortunately the flawed vocal performance is also highlighted, making Schematism a difficult listen despite the rest of the band's admirable performance.

Tracklisting:
Tracer / Perfect World / Dreamcatcher / The Time Being / Reflections / This Golden Voyage / Souljourner / Breakwater / Henceforth Now And Forever

Musicians:
Kurt Barabas-bass, pedals, backing vocals
Matt Evidon-backing vocals, keys
Paul Shkut-drums
Chris Shryak-lead vocals, guitar


Discography:
Under The Sun (2000)
Schematism - On Stage With Under The Sun (2005)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: June 14th 2005
Reviewer: Jan-Mikael Erakare
Score:
Artist website: www.underthesunmusic.com
Hits: 2901
Language: english