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Not just outside the box, but denying the existence of boxes.
Covering music from the fringes since 1993.

Reviews

Atavism of Twilight — Atavism of Twilight
(Syn-Phonic SYNCD 17, 1992, CD)

Atavism of Twilight Cover art

[reviewing advance cassette - ed.]

Known best for opening at Djam Karet's most recent show, this is yet another band from the Los Angeles area making progressive music. An instrumental five piece consisting of flute, guitar, keys, bass, and drums, this is the best new band I've heard since Änglagård. An amalgam of fusion and symphonic styles, they draw from bands such as Camel, Jethro Tull, Focus, Kenso, Mirthrandir, and many, many others, yet their sound and style is quite unique. Perhaps they are closer to Kenso than any of the other bands listed above, but this cassette contains more fervor than any of the Kenso releases. Non-stop action, they combine sophisticated writing skill with knock-out, firey playing. The compositions are upbeat at times, yet even the pleasant-sounding pieces have dark overtones. Atavism consists of ever-changing motifs and leads, avoiding the "repetition trap" that all too many instrumental bands fall into. Each musician is considerably skilled and all contribute to lead and rhythm parts. The drums, flute and guitar are particularly busy. Unlike many bands that play complex music, Atavism of Twilight never becomes too esoteric or academic. They remain listenable, and have a universal appeal. I think most prog-heads will like this tape, and I recommend it very highly. I can't wait for the CD - this is brilliant material.

by Mike Borella, Published 1994-02-01

One might check Exposé #3 for Mike Borella’s review of the cassette edition of this debut by Southern California five-piece Atavism of Twilight. Of course that was before the outstanding mastering job by Bob Katz — now you can actually hear the detail and clarity that was buried in the hiss. Enough of the gushing about the great sound, what’s this band all about anyway? Four extended compositions of instrumental symphonic fusion, this is an ever-changing tapestry of complex rock, twisting and turning and mapping all the surfaces, inside and out. The band sports keys, guitar, bass, drums, and flute, driving hard when they want to (which is most of the time), or easing off for some keyboard / flute or flute / guitar interplay. Definitely some classic Crimson influence here, especially in the guitar of Evan Guest, possibly some late-70s Rush as well, plus other classic progressives, but all of this is generally overshadowed by the perpetually shifting over-the-top compositions that seem to exist in a constant state of evolution. This is definitely mind-candy of the highest order for the cerebrally inclined.

by Peter Thelen, Published 1998-07-01

Filed under: New releases, Issue 2, 1992 releases

Related artist(s): Atavism of Twilight

 

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