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The Impulse Eclectic: Canyon Of Spiders

The Impulse Eclectic: Canyon Of Spiders

Progressive Rock/Metal
Rating: 3.5/5.0

Independent/Self-Promotion
www.myspace.com/theimpulseeclectic
Review: Craig Hartranft,  07.05.2009

The Impulse Eclectic is the solo project of Chicago-based musician and multi-instrumentalist Edward Nudd (Lunar Breakdown, Catamount). Canyon Of Spiders is his latest effort, an EP that lives up to his project's name. Fundamentally, the vibe goes to the heavy side of progressive rock making Canyon Of Spiders pseudo-metal. The emphasis is upon stylish chords and riffing, elaborate swings of mood and tempo, and a whole lot of 'I've got to get this out of my system' eclectic impulses.

As a multi-instrumentalist, Nudd weaves his instruments with Phil Spector 'wall-of-sound' abandon; this is very dense material. Altercation seems to emphasize chords and the rhythm section especially the drumming. The Abyss Once Illuminated is all progressive material on the metal-ish side with a charming mellow segue within. Sunspots is similar but with greater variation; it's heavy with some softer moments to aid its development. Yet, even with these high points, Canyon Of Spiders has an inherent redundancy and, for most people, will run together like traffic on a Chicago freeway during rush hour. Nothing really jumps out for you. Additionally, on Phantom Vibrations and Bloodlines, Nudd attempts lead vocals which is a huge mistake. Nudd is unaffecting and bland.

Unless you're truly into avant garde prog stuff, Edward Nudd's solo project The Impulse Eclectic will probably not affect you. It is, as the project's name suggests, both 'impulsive' and 'eclectic,' leaning heavily upon a dense sound and novel movements of tempo and mood. It's not for everybody, but it is different.

In Short

Unless you're truly into avant garde prog stuff, Edward Nudd's solo project The Impulse Eclectic will probably not affect you. It is, as the project's name suggests, both 'impulsive' and 'eclectic,' leaning heavily upon a dense sound and novel movements of tempo and mood. It's not for everybody, but it is different.

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