CD Reviews

Dream Theater Systematic Chaos Roadrunner Records / 2007 ♥♥♥♥½	Dubbed by many as “the progressive rock band of our generation,” Dream Theater’s ninth studio album proves that we’re still in good hands. One hallmark of a great progressive-rock band is the tendency to evolve by constantly extending the sphere of influences. The fifth track, “Repentence,” brings Norwegian black metal on board with an Opeth influence, as they create a gloomy, atmospheric soundscape. An electronic influence can be heard on “Prophets of War’”; combining whacky keyboard tones, a throbbing bass line, and a dark mood, a unique creature comes to life almost fit for a rave. The “Dark Eternal Night” is their weak attempt at death metal, resulting in a modern, failed homage to Metallica. The lack of keyboard wizard, Jordan Rudess, is another blow for this album, showing off his Julliard-nurtured talent in soft accompaniments and the occasional solo. The rest of the album will satisfy DT fans and progressive fans alike with their identifiable sound: odd rhythms, intricate song structures, breathtaking melodies, exhilarating guitar/ keyboard solos, and a knack for epic orchestration. Nick MacMahon, staff
Papa Mambo Crooked Cha Uncontrollable Records 2007 ♥♥♥♥	Drawing from Winnipeg’s enormous jazz talent pool, Papa Mambo features some of the best jazz musicians that our city has to offer. Their latest project, Crooked Cha, has something for everyone; balancing experimental jazz intellect, accessible jazz and infectious Latin styling, percussionist band-leader, Rodrigo Munoz, unifies the diverse group of songs together with his smoking rhythms. He beats his congas and bongos with energetic precision like a shaman entering a trance, adjusting the groove to suit the song. The opening track, Blue Barron, kicks off with some of Munoz’s most electrifying drumming, while displaying the exceptional compositional skills of trombonist/pianist Jeff Presslaff. Dave Lawton (trumpet and fugelhorn) and Ken Gold (saxophones) complete the horn section, providing tight, dynamic melodies and complex harmony throughout the album. “Crooked Cha” and “Convidame’ force listeners to loosen their hips and commence salsa dancing, as lead vocalist Hyalmar Gonzales belts out catchy Spanish lyrics. The two songs, however, feel somewhat out of place on an album that succeeds in meshing many styles. Nick MacMahon, staffin
The National Boxer Beggars Banquet 2007 ♥♥♥♥	Casual indie-rock fans: you may have missed the National and this summer’s smash hit, Boxer. If this is the case, please go out and obtain it immediately and listen to it exactly three times. Congratulations — you’re now caught up. Brooklyn, N.Y.’s the National have been around for four CDs but only began to pick up critical acclaim with 2005’s Alligator (a superior/inferior, more passionate/less refined album). Boxer is poised to put them near the top of many a year-end top 10, a distinction as warranted as the self-comparisons to F. Scott Fitzgerald. In fact, the imperatively bleak soundscape is the perfect backdrop to an album that almost demands an essay on 21st century North American society. It’s the most pretentious CD I’ve heard in a long time, and the most rightfully so; dense, intense, full of throbbing beats and lyrics it’s hard to resist quoting; it’s intellectually infectious. Make sure to get your three listens in! Tessa Vanderhart, staff