SHAZAM

This Los Angeles band is also known on the West Coast as Caress of Steel, the Ultimate Tribute to Rush, and yes, the similarities twixt the two are evident even in the band layout. Jarrod Cox, the bassist, is the vocals, keys, and MIDI pedals. Michael Johnson is drums and percussion. Brian Montrey is guitars. They have a consistent format in all their songs, strong and catchy melody hooks, and that upfront guitar wall of sound. The drumshots in sync with power chords and basslines is very Rush. Free-flowing rhythms, intelligent, insightful lyrics, and ample changeups keep all the songs interesting. When Jarrod Cox uses a higher range on vocals, he very closely approaches the Geddy Lee banshee call. "Falling Apart" and "Love Medicine" really shine as the nearest-Rush songs. Montrey's rolling flat-picking, up and down his power chords, is very Alex Lifeson. "Mosaic of Scars" has a Led Zeppelin-ish ballad feel with Rush vocals. Montrey does not go for flash or monster screamin' solos, but his fretwork is formidable. He tends more to Metallica riffs and wah-wah lead breaks then Lifeson. Drums are Peart-y in most respects. This band is tight and together with no wasted moments.

This nine-song debut of Afterlife original material definitely puts them on the map in the progressive rock realm. Rush fans could use the Afterlife in their collection. ~ John W. Patterson, Rovi