If you like Rush, Myriad will conquer you as well almost instantly. Sometimes it’s a thin line between copies, imitators and creative, genuine artist and this New York based trio it’s somewhere between. “Specter, Fate & Fable” it’s so Rush that it’s obvious for anybody, but still it’s not the same, the band gathering influences also from other progressive Rock acts such as Kansas, ELP, Yes, Jethro Tull, King Crimson, UK, Camel, Genesis, Pink Floyd, King’s X, Flower Kings, Spock’s Beard, etc. But the main and dominant influence is definitively Rush. On the other hand, it’s at least hard to be the equals of Lifeson, Lee and Peart…
Also, there was a pretty obscure, but reached to cult status Australian progressive rock duo also under the same name: Myriad, and even more recently, there is a band named The Myriad from Seattle, so, the band name is not so inspired as well and although they have web site, MySpace and Facebook profile, it’s pretty difficult to locate and identify them. And by the way, the site looks and taste pretty old-fashioned and kind of amateurish… Just like their videos – unfortunately. Like it or not, in a consumer’s world, the wrapping matters more then it’s normally should.
But then again, “Specter, Fate & Fable” it’s a quite enjoyable “food for ears”, eventually for soul. And have a decent cover. 🙂
If the album generally it’s under the sign and sound, concept signature of Rush, there are few exception, differences as well. “Beyond This Realm: Pt. 2” have some quite Heavy Metal, more specifically, Iron Maiden inspired passages as well; “Eva” is a classic taste like drum solo, pretty rare act nowadays; “The Eternal Spring” is an over 17 minutes journey where Rush and King Crimson tastes are merged together smoothly, some pretty intense, Heavy Metal taste like moments and some chill, psychedelic spiced passages are building-up an exciting epic song.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4csused9M8&w=545&h=307]
In my opinion the heart of this band it’s the last joined Pat Bascunan, the drummer/percussionist from Chile, ex member of the band called Sombras Purpuras, which was one of the most prominent musical groups in Chile in the 1990’s, Bascunan initiated his musical career in the 1980’s after graduating with six years of intense course study in Interpretation Percussion Performance from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. He’s groove and colorful drumming performances sells more then half of the record.
Ed Moehring who is the leader and founder of the band and responsible for the guitar and vocal parts, as many guitarist, sometimes over-play his instrument and crowding the songs, although he’s guitar performance is fluid and joyful while he’s voice is nice, fits right in, but not special enough to stand out. Ed Moehring started playing the guitar at the age of 12. All throughout his school years, he would study with several instructors, both guitar and vocal. While attending Queens College, he would study both computer science and music (the latter being from the acclaimed Aaron Copeland School of Music), receiving a bachelors degree in the former. His most notable work was with the band Tragic Fantasy.
Brian Cohen maybe is not a Geddy Lee, and definitively not a Les Claypool, but he’s bass riffs are solid. Cohen started playing the guitar at the age of 12, but soon switched over to bass. He continues to both learn and pick up a lot to this day. His most recent experience was with a band called Other Worlds.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kqj8T-OebU&w=545&h=307]
“Specter, Fate & Fable” seems to be the bands sophomore album, follow up of their 2004’s effort “Natural Elements”. We’ve got 9 tracks, a beautiful journey in the world that was originally revealed by Rush, but Myriad definitively founded several yet undiscovered treasures as well.
Mandatory for Rush fans, but generally, for true Progressive Rock listeners and fans. Myriad with some more effort to find it’s own voice might be one really good band.
Tracklist:
01. Beyond This Realm: Pt. 1
02. Beyond This Realm: Pt. 2
03. Beyond This Realm: Pt. 3
04. Always I Know
05. Eva
06. 33 to the Surface
07. Special K
08. The Eternal Spring
09. Tomorrow the Sun
Myriad – Official Site
Myriad @ MySpace
Myriad @ Facebook
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3Hw9H1Ihm4&w=545&h=307]
