Neapolitan
Orchestra, a 3 piece band from nearby Eaton, OH, describes themselves as "progressive rock explorers". Their latest release (October '96) is called "Almost Syrup" and contains 7 songs of the mostly instrumental variety that total out at nearly 51 minutes in length. 51 minutes of tight musical arrangements and surprisingly nice production.
Band members are Tony Peters on guitar and vocals, Ben Burton on percussion, keys, and vocals, and Chris Matthews on bass and vocals. Now don't let the fact that everyone is listed as contributing vocals fool you. Only 2 cuts on the disc even HAVE any words! So if you're looking for deep lyrical ponderings, keep looking.
But if you are into chilling out and hearing some rocked out mood music, check out their stuff. Burton really stands out on drums and percussion, very tasty fills and nice finesse touches, though there is the occasional cymbal hit in the production that comes off a bit loud. Even so, the percussion here is pretty impressive.
Bassist Matthews keeps a steady and cool groove going. It is a cool part of the Nea Orch's disc that you can close your eyes and focus on one instrument and dig on it. The bass has a nice fat sound, and Matthews has nice finger technique.
The guitar work gets pretty spaced out, and the tone and effects are nice. Tony Peters shows an ability that is sometimes lacking in guitarists: he knows how not to overplay. His chops set the basic mood and allow your brain to drift off into the music and feel. They have some cool stereo panning going with it, and with the tastefully added keyboards, it comes off nicely.
The disc was recorded at Cro Magnon studios in Dayton, and all writing, arranging, and production was done by the band. This CD doesn't sound like a local release. The mix is strong on the drums, and the stereo field was nicely done. The disc has a good flow as far as song order and feel.
When the songs with vocals come on, you're kind of taken by surprise. Don't know if you want more vocals or none at all. But the vox are in line with the rest of the feel. It's just that part of you feels that if the Nea Orch had a great lyricist and singer, they would be unstoppable!
All in all, this disc is recommended, especially for those of you who listen to "music for musicians". Any band that can come up with a project of this caliber on a local/regional level is doing something right. These guys are excellent players with a good ear for arrangements and variety.
