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SpiralArms: Freedom

(Melodic) Hard/Heavy Rock

4.5/5.0

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SPV/Steamhammer Records
by Craig Hartranft
09.25.2013

Formed in 2004 by longtime friends from high school, vocalist Tim Narducci (Systematic) and guitarist Craig Locicero (Forbidden), SpiralArms could be the best original band to rise out of San Francisco area in quite some time. Freedom is their sophomore effort, an album of organic and melodic heavy, bit blues infected, rock.

SpiralArms: look out for the train!

For lack a better word (or words), SpiralArms's sound might be called modern retro heavy rock. The band has a firm foundation in the d-tuned of modern hard rock and that of yesteryear like Sabbath. Both Dealer and Hold Me to the Sky sound like something that could have burst from the Seventies; the former a bit bluesy and psychedelic, the latter Grand Funk meets Led Zeppelin thumping.

For more rock groove, Dropping Like Flies and Drugs & Alcohol move with a swifter pace with equally swift and sharp guitar solos. Something of the more organic and earthy character comes with two quieter pieces, Lover's Leap and Freedom. The first is propelled by acoustic guitar and minimal drums; the latter, singer Tim Narducci's melodic vocal line riding over minimalist guitar, piano and drums before it builds to a crescendo as the piano gives way to some old school organ tremolo.

One of the cool things about a SpiralArms' song is the use of keyboard, specifically piano. It can range from sparkling, as in the breakdown of Dropping Like Flies, or haunting as in the background of Blackmoon Morning. Another great thing about the music Narducci's excellent vocals: quite versatile, from smooth to passionate to full on rock. All in all, SpiralArms's Freedom is some of the best American melodic heavy rock out there today.

Spiral Arms - Dropping Like Flies

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

SpiralArms's Freedom is some of the best American melodic heavy rock out there today loaded with groove, blues, and some cool piano, too.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]