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YIN AND YANG
Ashland are a four piece band from Seattle comprising of Chad McMurray on bass and vocals, Kevin Brooks and Wayne Tapia on Guitars, and Dean Katona on Drums.
'Yin and Yang' is the band's second EP release and it consists of six tracks playing at just over thirty minutes. In broad terms the band fit into the progressive category, but having pretty much dispensed with keyboards in favour of a second guitarist their sound has a harder rock feel to it. From the outset I was struck with the similarity of vocal tone between Chad McMurray and Geddy Lee. Indeed, at times, the band do sound like Rush from a musical point of view but, at the same time, the songs still manage to retain a style that is distinctly their own.
The opening track 'Window of Time' begins with some eerie effects and a short, slightly nightmarish, dialog before a series of guitar riffs start the song moving properly.
The sound throughout is fairly heavy with the guitar work punctuated by driving bass lines and good supportive percussion work. Lyrically the song has dark overtones, akin to Black Sabbath, which fit in very well with the musical atmosphere. This is followed by 'No Easy Way', which has a much less oppressive opening. With rolling drums and some fairly gentle guitar work, before once again being caught up and carried along by a powerful punchy bass line, this song contains some really nice harmonies provided by backing vocals.
'Take Me There' opens confidently and is one of the stronger tracks on the CD. The vocals lead the melody against a backdrop of some more excellent bass work from Chad McMurray. Both guitarists really
come into their own, as they are given more scope to explore, and there is a good lead guitar break midway through the track. The overall sound, supported throughout by Dean's powerful percussion work, is very
rich and full.
My favourite track of all is 'My Sky' which deals with the question of whether or not we are alone in the universe.
It starts with a spoken vocal line saying "Do you ever have the suspicion that you have been abducted by aliens?", before plunging headlong into a stream of fast moving guitar riffs and dancing bass lines. The similarities between this track and Rush are quite clear and, without wishing to do the band any disservice, for me this is the best Rush song that Rush never wrote! It's a great song. The lyrics are thought provoking, and the instrumental section before the final chorus really sings out and retains a style and character that is distinctly it's own.
'Old Time Religion' is another track that allows some more instrumental excursions from the guitarists. The track is well executed and the sound has a slight air of discord to it which give it a nice edge.
The final tack 'Ashes in the Ocean' starts with a gentle hazy guitar sound that gradually builds up to a fuller sound, further atmosphere is added by the inclusion of tubular bell effects. The style is very much in keeping with the rest of the CD and the song bubbles along enthusiastically towards a really inspiring instrumental section towards the end of the song.
If you want to hear Ashland for yourself visit their web site from our Links page. Should you wish to order the CD you can get a copy though MP3.com and, at a cost of only 6 US dollars, this really is excellent
value for money!
Currently Ashland are working on their first full length CD, 'Real Time', which is due for release in December. I, for one, cannot wait to hear it!
Simon 24th October 1999
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