TONY LEVIN, JOHN PETRUCCI, MIKE PORTNOY, JORDAN RUDESS |
| The Liquid Tension Experiment
is an album by Tony Levin on Bass, Stick and NS Electric
Upright bass, John Petrucci on Guitars, Mike Portnoy on Drums Jordan Rudess on Keyboards. The tracks are : 1. Paradigm Shift (8:54) 2. Osmosis (3:26) 3. Kindred Spirits (6:29) 4. The Stretch (2:00) 5. Freedom Of Speech (9:19) 6. Chris And Kevin's Excellent Adventure (2:21) 7. State Of Grace (5:01) 8. Universal Mind (7:53) 9-13. Three Minute Warning (28:31) The opening track is 'Paradigm Shift', which is a stunning guitar orientated track that comes in like a steam train. It's fast, it's heavy,and has lots of intricate guitar patterns. There's a really heavy bass coming from Tony, and the drum rhythms from Mike are superb.There are many changes in direction, tempo and mood. Later into the track Jordan's keyboards come into the lime light and there's some stunning guitar from John. There's a slight Eastern influence towards the end of the track. Next is 'Osmosis', which is a complete opposite to the first track. It's melodic, subtle and conveys a lot of emotion. The drums are superb, the bass is pure bliss and the keyboards are wonderful. The third track is 'Kindred Spirit's', which starts with a heavy guitar riff, followed quickly with a heavy bass line, Mike comes in with a good solid drum sound and Jordan then comes in with some great rockin' keyboards. John plays some intricate guitar which is quite breathtaking. Jordan and John both create a lot of emotion within the track with their stunning keyboards and guitar work. The next track is 'The Stretch', which is a jazz-funk track. Great bass line from Tony, Jordan's keyboards are superb and Mike drums are a joy to listen too. 'Freedom Of Speech', starts with Jordan creating a lot of feeling. John's guitar on this track reminds me quite a bit of Joe Satriani. Well, that is until Jordan takes over with some stunning piano/keyboard work. John then come back with a heavy guitar riff, Jordan plays a sort solo and then returns with some more piano. Then there's an interplay between John and Jordan. Great stuff!! Track six is 'Chris And Kevin's Excellent Adventure'. It's now Mike's turn to show off his great skill which he does with ease. Tony plays some great bass. Towards the end someone is whistling a melody, sounds like they were just having fun!! The next track is 'State Of grace', another track that conveys a lot of emotion. Great guitar from John and Jordan's piano just gives it that extra depth. 'Universal Mind', is quite a fast, heavy track, but does have a good strong melody throughout. There's lots of stunning guitar and keyboards. Nice changes in direction, mood and tempo. Towards the middle of the track Tony comes in with some superb bass lines. Tracks 9-13 is 'Three Minute Warning', this is a 28 minute track that has just been put into 5 sections. 'Three Minute Warning' is actually a jam between Tony, John. Mike and Jordan and therfore it has a very loose feel to it. As you would expect there are many changes in direction, mood and tempo. There's some stunning guitar, Soaring rhythm's and breathtaking solo's from John. Jordan's keyboards are as sensational as ever with some excellent solo's too. Tony plays some amazing bass and Mike is forever changing his drum rhythms, sometimes playing like a charging bull, but sounds like he's having fun. One thing you have to remember when you listen to this last track is that it is a jam and nothing was discussed or thought out beforehand. It's just four guys just enjoying themselves. No edits. No overdubs. The four of them were so enthralled in what they wrer doing the tape ran out and it's just lucky that Mike had his DAT tape running too. Overall, well what can I say. I think that it's a brilliant album and it's one I would recommend to all Metal, Progmetal, Dream Theater, Joe Satriani fans and lovers of good music. Having read the inner notes on the sleeve and knowing that this album was recorded in less thn a week, I think it's amazing that the four of them have produced an album of this quality. All I want now is for them to do a tour and come to th UK. How about it Guys!!! The CD is released by Magna Carta. 208 E. 51st St. #1820 New York, New York 10022 For more information visit the Magna Carta Website : http://www.magnacarta.net Jordan's Website : http://www.mediusvision.com/~jordan Tony Levin Website : http://www.papabear.com/tlev.htm/ |