Search - Underground Railroad :: Through & Through

Progressive and avantgardistic

Sven B. Schreiber | Fürth (Bayern) | 01/15/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know that review readers always want to have comparisons to other bands they know, but in this case, it's quite difficult, because this band has its very own distinctive style. A crossbreed of Spock's Beard, Echolyn, and Henry Cow is probably closest. The music is very complex and polyphonic, with massive synth arrangements. It frequently disintegrates rhythmically and harmonically, giving it a somewhat avantgardistic flavour. Most of the music is written by guitarist Bill Pohl and keyboarder Kurt Rongey, who have already published some prog rock on the italian "Mellow Records" label."

Shows Great Potential

P. McKenna | Atlanta GA | 10/11/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I had the experience of seeing these songs played live at NEAR Fest in 2001.



Let me say first, these guys are more than capable players/composers who have a refreshing disregard for commercial concerns, staying true to their muse. They also have amazing ears for texture, mood and orchestration.



The Strong Points: Their instrumental ability, especially Kurt Rongey's lush symphonic keyboards and Bill Pohl's Holdsworth-inflected guitar work (with one big difference, he doesn't feel the need to spew out constant streams of 64th notes at Warp 8). They play very tight and really listen to each other. I love the unpredictable and mysterious chord progressions and melodies. How to describe them? Think choice bits of early Genesis, Happy The Man, Gentle Giant, a bit of Allan Holdsworth and Canterbury prog thrown in. A very dense, heady brew



The Weak Points: The lyrics seem pointlessly esoteric just to be esoteric. Kurt Rongey is one fine keyboardist/composer but vocalizing is NOT his forte'. Quite honestly, if the band went completely instrumental altogether it would work in their favor. Another pet peeve is the rather needless proliferation of gratuitous synth bleepings and what not, sometimes the music just needs to breathe and have open space.



If the band just took those last couple criticisms to heart and worked with them they would be one very potent instrumental band with lots of surprises and delights for any listener."

Very Good!

John T. Willis | Spokane, WA | 04/15/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an awesome debut album for this genra. Their guitar sound is unique, as is their song structure, which is rare these days.This is not the simplistic prog of supergroups like Spocks Beard, with their long, yet almost predictable, songs. These guys are innovative and new. There's a fresh air about the music. It's so good to hear something new, well written, and well played!Good Job Guys! Looking forward to the next album!"