more noise

After a recent splurge of musical thievery I found myself up to my eardrums in tune-age, what a predicament! While this happens often it is not often that I find a cd that keeps me wanting more. Closure in Moscow's latest Cd, their first full length on Equal Vision is called "First Temple." It's hard to pinpoint a specific genre, but progressive rock comes to mind. Not the pretentious 70's prog for the sake of prog. Influences are easy to hear and the best way to describe this CD to fnas of the genre. The Mars Volta and Fall of Troy come to mind instantly. After a few tracks you can hear more, like Coheed and Cambria, a little Saosin, and just a sprinkling of some other more annoying screamo bands.

The great thing about "First Temple" is that it takes all those influences (and countless others Im sure) and creates something new and beautiful. Less maniacal and eccentric than the Mars Volta though at times the singer's voice is almost indistinguishable from Cedric's. This is either a good thing or a bad, depending on your opinion of TMV. The drums go from bombastic fantastic to controlled and jazzy in seconds, and the guitars are electrifying and elegant. Its great to be able to actually hear the bass getting its funk on, often just under the surface.

Maddening time signatures, unusual song structure and a whole hell of a lot of effects pedals keep things interesting. There's always a classic rock beat or riff just around the next measure, to give your brain a chance to catch up. Classy solos that hang just over the edge of the rabbit hole and some excellent piano break up the shredding on songs like "Afterbirth." It is without a doubt that the musicians are seriously talented, and thankfully they have a singer with range and depth to match.

Not your standard cup of tea, but one full of spices and hints of things you cant quite put your finger on. Its good, it's definitely worth the 10 bucks on iTunes, or at listening to the first track off First Temple. enjoy with an open mind and ears