SCOTT ALLEN PROJECT – Escape Velocity

The Scott Allen Project has released three full length albums since 2006.  The band’s latest release is an EP.  The band’s bio explains that it reflects the current trend of album format being less central and their desire to try something new.  The music is described as their most progressive and diverse to date.

“Hitting The Wall” and “Wrecked” both benefit from featuring Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater/Sons of Apollo on keyboards.  The former staggers forth with sludgy guitar laced with pinch harmonics.  Eventually guitar solos are interjected and begin alternating with old school organ bursts similar to Steppenwolf’s Goldy McJohn.  The latter pushes the complexity level up to Progressive levels with frequent tempo changes, innovative percussion and keyboard fills.  These songs don’t create an expectation that vocals should be inserted at any time.

Other songs such as “The Tosser”, “Headed Due North” and “Taking The A Train” follow a more standard song structure where the lack of vocal accompaniment is more tangible.  The first two share Joe Satriani’s frantic fret board style and the big riffs of 80s style arena anthems. The third sets itself apart with a bit of funk.  ”Sunset” removes vocal expectation entirely by soloing constantly.  A leisurely acoustic guitar and rhythm section supplies the canvas and the lead guitar’s brush never leaves it.  Fortunately the paint runs out before the song paints itself into a corner.

Escape Velocity delivers as advertised on diversity and Progressive elements.  Each song has a distinct style and they’re an enjoyable listen from start to finish.  While individual songs may be derivative of genres and individual artists, there’s little stylistic repetition.  Maintaining a listener’s attention without any vocal connection is challenging, but the Scott Allen Project makes it happen.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

TRACKLIST (Highlights: 1, 4, 6, 7)

1. Hitting The Wall
2. The Tosser
3. Headed Due North
4. Wrecked
5. Sunset
6. Taking The A Train
7. Fantasy (Aldo Nova cover)

LINEUP

Scott Allen – All Guitars
Brian Kinney – Bass
Tom Frost – Drums