Katarzyna NINa Górnisiewicz | Detailed or mini-review submissions: song, EP/album | Suggest an artist

---

Rozich and Brailsford - String Theory (song review) |Paranormacore, The Beginning, 2012|

If you think you've heard everything related to progressive music and listened to full discographies of such classic bands like ELP, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Rush, Yes and newer acts like Dream Theatre or Opeth, but at the same time you're not familiar with the name Rozich and Brailsford, then there's no reason to claim you've heard anything at all.

Not passion, but fury marks this instrumental song called "String Theory" which comes from the newest yet untitled album recorded by American musicians Rozich and Brailsford. It's a perfect track which can be compared to the most famous progressive music compositions, however it's directed to those of you who are not afraid to enjoy the heavier side of things.

At first, try to imagine a plasma ball with rays flashing in sync to noisy guitar riffs (similar to those best known from Robert Fripp's playing). Next, an avalanche of bass and drums are kept in the moods of progressive metal dominating this composition. After a while, the guitar riffs return and sound more controlled, replacing the drum and bass parts throughout the entire track. You can also hear synths typical for progressive rock music, which sometimes soothe these roaring sound cannonades.

The middle of the song sounds solid with all of the instruments collaborating together and accenting one another, however there are still dominating guitar riffs that take over the song. The dynamic of the bass lines can be compared to galloping horses, guitar riffs sound like lighting tearing through the night sky and drum beats like thunder while melodic synths sound like passages to rain. The spine of the composition is a cooperative rhythm section that keeps control far and away from chaos.

The end of "String Theory" it's a true duel between the musicians. The guitar player fires at the bass player when he rapidly replies, while the drum beat attacks them both from out of nowhere.
This musical fight is based on 'faster and stronger' rules because it may seem that the winner is the one who uses the moments of advantage best.
There is an intensity of emotions which marks this part of the composition that may also illustrate war, revenge, earthquakes, eruptions, tornadoes or sex. To understand it on a level of metaphysics – a perfect picture of the four elements – Air, Earth, Fire and Water with all their destructive characteristics and potential for damage.

Finally, a winning duo on the battleground is all that's left – Mike Rozich (guitar) and Gavin Brailsford (bass). The musicians met in 1981, though they've kept collaborating together on a distance for the past few years. Guitar techniques and shredding meet powerful passion and talent to make a meaningful composition. Both Rozich and Brailsford have great knowledge about progressive music, however you may catch the fact that they smuggled a few hybrid riffs better known from fusion rock, jazz and even math metal. Additionally, Mike played a seven string guitar in this song.

Regardless of the fact that Mike and Gavin's riffs speak for themselves, it'd be fantastic if they began shouting louder about their music, systematized the bands on-line identity and concentrated on a few meaningful social networks only. This method will collect the largest number of users and would help them find out more about Rozich and Brailsford along with sharing news about their music. Believe it or not, there's amazing music to recommend!

(Katarzyna 'NINa' Górnisiewicz, Fabryka Magazine, February 15th, 2012. Proofreading: Scott M. Owens)

---

Last.FM | YouTube
Buy on CDBaby | Bandcamp | Amazon | iTunes