Band on the Rise:Escher Bach

Eascherbach, a band that is definitly doing some preacticing.

Progressive rock enthusiasts need look no further than rising stars Escherbach to know that the genre is alive and well. With regular gigs in the area and a recently released CD entitled “Cycles”, the local power trio is starting to make a name for them selves while carving out a unique sonic identity. This radically well-rehearsed group takes classic hard rock energy without the angsty clichés of modern corporate rock and blends it with a unique ADD approach to instrumental composition. Their music hot-wires melodic textures, driving power chords, lightning fast tempo changes, wild dynamics, and accomplished musicianship for a sonic joy ride to riffville.

The band is composed of Neil Carmichael(guitar), Sean Norris(drums), and Minkis(Bass). All three members of the band shine in their own way and like any good power trio there is no real weak link here. They have a very cohesive chemistry that allows for improvised psychedelic tangents, jarring changes, and exploding musical motifs to all turn on a dime. Like most prog rock bands they occasionally get bogged down in overly indulgent not quite clever musical tricks and gimmicks that leave the listener asking why. Still the truly epic moments and songs when they catch on fire are something to behold. Their recent gig at McCormick’s rocked in a thunderously tight way with a real creative intensity I have not seen around here in an original band since the early days of Umphrey’s McGee.

While Escherbach is clearly a band to keep an eye on, they still have a way to go to live up to their potential. Many of their songs have a tight and cohesive feel, yet others feel more slapped together. Their somewhat unrefined first CD was already eclipsed by the mojo they displayed at the recent live gig. With so much talent it will be interesting to watch as this band’s compositional approach develops. Hopefully they will glean those eternal musical truths that less is more and that musicianship should serve songs, as opposed to songs serving musicianship. If they can integrate these concepts into what is already more than entertaining music, Escherbach may just be the next big band from Michiana.