Jaw Dropper
pblauw | Holland, MI USA | 03/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This guy can't be from around these parts. Beyond the average technique, and bland melodies which are all too abundant to the "New Age" musical genre, Rob Eberhard Young has broken the mold and performed the compositions on "Consistent Variation" with no pretense. It's evident in the first 10 notes, or roughly the first quarter second of the first cut, "Wandering Minds", that this is not your father's "New Age" performer. Not only are the lightning fast notes executed with precision, and power, but one quickly realizes that this music isn't about mindless speed. There is actually something more going on here. Could it be creative composition? I know it's hard to believe, especially when talking about an essentially solo guitar project, but this music doesn't simply go from boring riff to more boring riff. The circular compositions of lesser acoustic composers never come into play for Young. Instead he seems to always be a step ahead of the listener. Rob Eberhard Young doesn't seem to know how to take the easy way out. Instead, he seems to be on a quest to not only challenge himself as a player/composer, but challenge the listener to take the ride with him. This is not to say that these compositions are only for the educated guitar snob. Once you get past the initial onslaught, you'll go back to the work as a whole and realize that he puts as much of his soul and joy into the punchy and rythmic "Windsong" as he does the thoughtful and quiet "Jeremy".In closing, all I can say is there is no reason this guy should still be in the musical shadows. If the same music industry wanks that brought you the likes of Yanni and John Tesch put the same amount of backing behind someone like Young, perhaps they could save a musical genre. I'm not holding my breath, but in the meantime, crank it up. Play it loud enough, and you'll almost be able to hear Rob smile."
Track Listings (9) - Disc #1
