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

Reviews

Contrarian — Minor Complexities
(CTB-1037, 2007, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 2008-01-01

Minor Complexities Cover art While one can't fault this for its flawless execution, outstanding vocals or the excellent and thoughtful lyrics, it certainly doesn't cover any new ground stylistically beyond that well worn path previously traveled by bands like Dream Theater, Fates Warning, and such. Contrarian is writer/multi-instrumentalist Timothy Boney — who plays all the instruments except drums, vocalist Joseph Leming (who has a hand in most of the compositions also), and drummer Michael White, joined by occasional guests on violin and cello. While the dozen cuts on Minor Complexities certainly don't push the metal stylings as hard as they do the prog (save Leming's vocal delivery, which is textbook prog-metal), all but a couple lean toward the aggressive side of the progressive rock sound. They ply this territory studiously well, with all the definitive moves of the best of the best, and pristine production to match. This is certainly a trio of highly skilled musicians who could probably do something really innovative if they ever got out of the box they've restricted themselves to. Not knocking this, and I'm sure there are many who will totally dig what they do; it's just that it all sounds like things I've heard way too many times before.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 35, 2007 releases

Related artist(s): Contrarian

 

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