Trioscapes – an experimental jazz fusion/progressive rock group featuring three soulful white guys, Dan Briggs (BTBAM) on bass guitar, Walter Fancourt (Casual Curious, Brand New Life) on the tenor saxophone and flute and Matt Lynch (Eyris) on the drums and keys, pull off one of the most fun albums to listen to. I’m not one to get down and groove to some saxophone playing, but this was really good. I mean I pressed play and I was enjoying myself, but not only that, I turned my boss into a fan instantly and the first song wasn’t even done playing yet. The album does feature a lot of noodling and tons of notes, but each note seems necessary. I know this phrase/term gets used a lot but this album truly does feel natural and organic with the musicians and their instruments. There is no singing, just 40 minutes of solid rock and jazz fused together. You get into it, you have fun with it and the different horns and other instruments makes “Separate Realities” very interesting to listen to.
Even with no guitar on the album (Well, one part sounds like it may be a guitar but it could just be a weird bass guitar pedal effect), I got into this music and even began headbanging at times. The groove really sucks you in and you enjoy the experience that Trioscapes gives you. It’s so bizarre that in a world of technical death metal and constant growling that a guy like me can pop this album in and understand exactly what they are going for and absolutely enjoy it. It’s also very impressive how they make these instruments sound. The bass guitar has so many different sounds on the album and Walter can make that sax wail, I mean he can really make that horn scream like a pig getting thrown into a wood chipper. From xylophones to bass guitar, piano to flutes….everything on “Separate Realities” is just done over the top and very enjoyable. I adore this album for two reasons. 1: It’s a nice change up to typical rock and roll these days. 2: It’s got such an array of talent and musical instruments that it is fun to listen to time after time. Hell even the long ass 11:27 title track isn’t even a turn off.
My favorite song on the album though is the third track, “Curse of the Ninth“. From that opening bass riff to the trippy electronic outro, the song just captivated me. After the album was finished I immediately went back and listened to this track again. The flute really stuck with me too, who would have thought that a guy who enjoys deathcore breakdowns could also enjoy some fine flute playing???!!! Not me, I couldn’t have predicted that at all! Yet, I couldn’t get enough of the unique playing on this track alone. It’s a super hero sci-fi anthem, I felt like I was flying through space while listening to this track.
There isn’t one bad song on the album. Trioscapes did a phenomenal job on this release and it’s one hell of a debut album, that’s for sure. Be sure to check them out. It’s an absolute must for anyone who enjoys and respects music. Not your usual Metal Blade release, that’s for sure. Still a very solid, well thought out album none the less.