Quandary, Ready To Fail 9 1/2 /10

Monday, 23 August 2010 Quandary, Ready To Fail 9 1/2 /10

Every now and then, a young band comes along that leaves you in no doubt you are listening to something really special. Quandary from Australia has definately left me feeling that way.

The maturity for such a young debut is mind blowing indeed. The strong Dream Theater influence is there for all to hear, although I can also hear The Beatles, Frost and IQ. The musicianship is of the highest quality and Sam Vallen on Guitar is the highlight for me. Petrucci and Vai are the names that come to mind in hearing his style. Geoff Irish on drums is also amazing...to be honest all 4 are brilliant.

I read somewhere that this was 4 years in the making and i'm not surprised. They have strived for perfection and achieved same. I think the listener will hear" Scenes From A Memory" period DT and 3 amazing instrumentals that wouldn't be out of place on any DT album. I know I am making plenty of references to DT but, hey...this is as high a praise one can give to a band. The vocals are solid without being great and the vocal harmonies are excellent. The last track is my personal favourite "Stepping Stones" clocking in at 20 plus minutes. This song has great melodies and long musical passages which I personally love.

I don't think Quandary have a label yet but I have no doubt in my mind it will be just a matter of time before they do and not only a label but having high billing in festivals all round the world. I think its up to them to see how far they want to take this project as I think it would be a crime for them to deprive us, "the prog listener",what could seriousy be the next big thing in prog!!

MARK BASTON

site of the band: http://quandaryband.com/

Band Members:

Dave Couper -Bass+Vocals

Gareth Hogan -Keys+Vocals

Geoff Irish -Drums+Vocals

Sam Vallen -Guitar +Vocals

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