Review : Bangtower - Casting Shadows :: New Music Review :: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock

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Bangtower: Casting Shadows

Progressive Rock/Fusion

5.0/5.0

Declassified Records
www.bangtower.com
www.declassifiedrecords.com
By Craig Hartranft, 11.28.2010

With anticipation stirring up the back channels of the industry, the prog monster trio that is Bangtower debuts Casting Shadows. Bangtower combines the formidable elements of fretless bass maestro Percy Jones (Brand X, et al), Grammy award-winning producer, engineer, and guitarist Neil Citron, and teacher and seasoned session drummer Walter Garces, currently playing with psychedelic gurus The Electric Prunes. For all, their curricula vitae is daunting and worthy of pause and envy of any aspiring musician. Much the same could be said of this collaboration Casting Shadows. Words like innovation, inspiration and even genius come to mind.

If you recall the rock fusion of Brand X (and I would strongly encourage you to get their first three studio albums), then Bangtower could be Brand X on some sturdy steroids. While equally diverse and sometimes eclectic in composition, Casting Shadows has a heavier feel across the board. Intentional or not, a song like BBA turns on a hard rock groove informed by burning improvisation. Later, Let Em Drown seems subtle, especially from Jones' bass moves, but Citron grinds and shrieks at times. If you recall his participation on Quiet Riot's 2006 Rehab, you may hear some of that hard rock flair in Ballad of Wealth, but Casting Shadows is hardly 80's hair and glam album. But when Citron rips it up on Groove Snake, you will acknowledge his raw guitar power. Equally compelling on this track is drummer Garces' steady, sometimes recklessly divergent style.

If anything, Jones, Citron, and Garces sound remarkably compatible: like musical blood brothers separated at birth, only predestined to be united for a work like this. Diverse styles and experiences merge with mysterious camaraderie to make Casting Shadows a delightful and intriguing piece. Give Man in the Middle a single listen, where jazz, rock, some subtle psychedelia blend with quizzical and effortless candor, and you'll get my meaning.

There's a wealth of meaning and learning, inspiration and entertainment, within Bangtower's Casting Shadows, enough to challenge both listener and inspiring musician. Superb, and quite recommended!

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