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RECORDING INFORMATION |
Produced and Engineered by Dave Kulju
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| COMMENTS & REVIEWS |
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MJBrady
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Published on: 9 Jun 2007
I came to hear Dave Kulju on his previous efforts with his band Electrum, (also reviewed here at Proggnosis), an instrumental trio that played music with a flare for the Rush vibe, with perhaps a more straight forward vibe, the band is a three piece, and I never really knew who was the main writer in Electrum, until I was able to not only hear this cd, but a couple of bassist - Gino Foti's solo cds. It's apparent that the Rush vibe is the ideal of Dave Kulju, who continues to proceed into the realm of all - instrumental progressive rock music on this, his first cd. Abstract Expression, a fitting title, is where Kulju demonstrates his writing talents, as well as his multi-instrumental skills. The credits list him as not only the songwriter and guitarist, but also bass, keys and sharing the drum kit duties with some other players as well.
As stated, this music is instrumental, yet not a guitar cd in the sense of what we have come to know guitar cds to be. I don't hear the guitar dominating the music, nor do I hear extensive soloing, or even the guitar as a voice in the melodic sense. Kulju writes for structure, in the same way vintage Rush did. It's about arrangements, moods, and movements, I am not convinced that Dave Kulju is of that kind of player to put his playing at the forefront of the music, but he is a good writer. Yes it's progressive, and it's rock as well. I never hear metallic sounds from either the guitar or drums, a bit more toned down than that, yet not fluffy or too mellow for those that like some energy to their music.
Each song is carefully constructed allowing many changes and swings in tempo, as well as mood. So no monotony to stifle the listening experience. I guess in hearing this cd, It's a lot like Electrum, except for whatever reason, I like the way this cd is written more than the Electrum stuff, it seems that it has a more concise sound, production and a tad more complexity. Kulju has a keen sense for finding nice moods and melodies to pair with his mechanized rhythms, which will not only remind you of Rush, but even some of the Police, Tiles and bands of that style. Where the guitar and bass can have that similar Rush feel, I really don't hear it in the drumming as much, no Neal Peart like mesmerizing playing, yet the drumming is not simplistic either, but tastefully done, and not overplayed.
Apparently Electrum is working on a new release, and if what Dave is doing on this cd is any indication, I think they are poised to release perhaps their best work to date. I always felt they were a band in the learning process since I first heard them, they had good ideas, yet were still developing as musicians and recording artists. This is most definitely the most mature and professional sound recording I have heard from the Electrum camp to date, and have found the cd to be quite an enjoyable discovery.
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| TRACKS |
CREDITS
(click to view performer credits) |
PROGGNOSIS SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
(click to view Release Page) |
- Internal Combustion (4:42)
- Don't Mind Me (4:35)
- Hieland Road (4:32)
- Pleiades (5:38)
- Depth of Autumn (5:57)
- Picnic at the Slag Heap (2:19)
- The Main Attraction (5:18)
- Somnium (15:16)
- The Water Discipline (4:59)
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Dave Kulju
Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Bass Guitar, Drum Kit, Guitar Synthesizer, Keyboards & Programming
Guest Musicians:
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ProGGnosis - Progressive Rock & Fusion
PO Box 27226
Golden Valley, MN 55427-0226
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