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Stick Men: Deep

Melodic/Progressive Rock

4.5/5.0

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Stick Men Records
by Craig Hartranft,  04.13.2013

Fans of the Chapman Stick and touch guitar will be pleased with Deep, the latest release from Stick Men. Tony levin, Pat Mastelotto, and Markus Reuter are what some might call 'musician's musicians.' They're respected not only for their technique, but also for the innovation and creativity they bring to every project.

Stick Men:: sticks in hand.

This trio certainly brings all those characteristics to this recording. Unlike the previous album, which was mostly improvisation, Deep offers well structured arrangements of, mostly instrumental, melodic progressive rock. Levin adds some speaking to only one track, Crack the Sky, a rather haunting and ethereal piece. While you can expect the Stick Men's ingenuity throughout this album, several songs are more curious than the others because the title is reflective of the music within, or perhaps vice versa.

For instance, Concussion has some big hammering drum from Mastelotto at the start and finish of the song. The closer, and lengthy piece, Whale Watch has a dramatic feel of expectation as would have upon a boat waiting for the first sign of a humpback rising from the ocean. Finally, Nude Ascending Staircase could create some suggestive or provocative images in your mind with it's playful, flirty, style. It could also be musical interpretation of Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 by French painter Marcel Duchamp. Again, Deep is rather creative and interesting material, and easily recommended for both professional musician and the lover of good instrumental prog rock.

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

Displaying an abundance of skill and creativity, Stick Men Tony levin, Pat Mastelotto, and Markus Reuter deliver some classy melodic progressive rock.

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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 ]