provocative multilayered rock opera UniversalDice – “BIRTH, LOVE, HATE, DEATH”: Right up front, I want to say that I listen to (probably more than) a hundred or so “rock bands” a year who want a featured slot… it goes without saying that most of them never make it (except in their own minds, mayhaps). Gerry Dantone leads this high-energy rockin’ group (check the CD Baby page for the complete player list; it’s far too long to paste here) in a most excellent rock opera set that, in places, even surpasses the old-school bands their songs are modeled after. Please note that I said “modeled after”, too – they are their OWN band, not “wannabes”…
Gerry & his pals are even able to carry off that “psychedelic” sound that I was weaned on… just listen to the opener, “Welcome To The World“, and you’ll hear (in the immediate) what I’m talking about; they project that kind of “universal energy” we were all seeking back in those long-ago days – and they do it their own way; I particularly liked the integration of strings and vocals with the great guitar leads (think “THE WHO”)!
The “opera” feeling is best captured in the musical and vocal styles on the longest tune on the album, “Take Me Home“… the lyrics are especially notable, as they are easy to understand… simple, yet evoking strong feelings and emotions you may have forgotten you had. Absolutely loved the integration of instruments (particularly the guitars) on this piece, and found myself listening to it over and over again. One piece of advice – at least for your first sitting, make SURE you do it with your headphones ON – you’ll hear something different each time you listen to it.
I think the key thing about this great band is that their music and lyrics “provoke” you to think a little more deeply than you might on a regular basis… a most refreshing quality, and something that’s certainly needed in today’s highly-charged world… if you actually “listen” to songs like my personal favorite of the sixteen offered up, “I’m No Good For You“, you’ll quickly realize that life demands your attention, and that you need to think about your situation a bit, rather than just “rushing right in”… the guitar leads on this track just SOAR! I predict that this song will make it right up to the TOP of the charts – we’ll see if I’m right.
This is an astounding album that’s full of surprises, both lyrically and musically; I give them a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with a (perfect) “EQ” (energy quotient) rating of 5.00… that means, of course, this gets my “PICK” for “best rock-opera”! Keep your ears on this band, they will RISE! Get more information on the UniversalDice website (and tell them you read about them here, of course)! Rotcod Zzaj (author’s note: IF you decide to purchase this, please use the AMAZON link below to help with our Amazon Associates membership – thanks)
#provocative #multilayered #rock #opera
