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by Craig Hartranft, 05.24.2013
To my surprise, or lapse of memory, Tolerance is not the first melodic progressive rock from Venezuela that I've reviewed over the years. There's also been Mojo Pojo and Echoes, probably more progressive metal, both very good bands. From Caracas, the capital city, welcome Tolerance, another very talented prog rock band and their first album, When Time Stops.
When I say talented, I mean to say that, reviewing their respective backgrounds, each member has a vast amount of education and experience to bring to the table. They put their skills to good use creating engaging, not necessarily over technical, progressive rock. Sure, the songs offer different time signatures and shifting tempos. But there's also a pursuit of cohesiveness in melody.
Good examples of this motif abound, but representative are Lutin, with a touch of Middle Eastern flair; Different Skies, where persistent heaviness and polyrhythms give to an expansive ending with a rock groove and fiery guitar solo; or the wonderfully engaging and pleasing classic prog of The Greatest Plan. Maybe to through the listener of kilter, Tolerance offers bouncy, sort of funky, groove of Blind Spot (listen below). Then there's Beware of the Birds which reminds of the best jazz rock fusion. Meeting the Path may be the only song that less prog and more guitar driven rock, but the element still remains.
Gathering together several immensely talented musicians can have two results: at best, some great, accessible and engaging, music; at the worst, something entirely eclectic or too technical only they understand. With Tolerance you get the former. Prog music fans will be entertained, prog peers and snobs will be impressed. When Time Stops is very recommended to both.
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TweetTolerance's When Time Stops finds some very talented musicians creating accessible, engaging and entertaining melodic progressive rock. Good stuff.
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