BEQ: The Common Denominator

BEQ is an all-instrumental fusion band with a balanced mix of guitar and keyboards, and the band is song-based. Plenty of soloing takes place, but the music is structured enough to give the listener a solid home base. “Heavy Duty� contains some Holdsworth-influenced lead playing (which you’ll hear throughout), and the electric piano always provides the perfect backing for solo flights, a sound combination I never tire of hearing. Then that trumpet kicks in, lending a tonal quality that provides a freshness to the proceedings, having three lead instruments works in the band's favor. I get a Snarky Puppy vibe on “Sushi Girls� and “Felony�, with the stabbing keyboards and overall laid back funky vibe.

The front end of the album rocks a bit harder, as the second half has more of an experimental approach in addition to a mellower feel. The angular guitar leads in “Opus� work for me, and the addition of the trumpet adds that unique flavor. Guitarist Andreas Bokros is responsible for the writing, and his guitar playing fits the bill perfectly. Those intrigued by the trumpet should check out “The Common Denominator (Part 1), it really gets to shine here. A dance groove graces the beginning of “Easy Going�; a pumping bass line catches your attention along with the funky rhythm guitar. The guitar and keyboard dueling in this one is terrific, and as you get to the mid-point, the guitar explodes. The band indicates on their website that they are inspired by the classic fusion of the 70s and 80s, but strive for a contemporary sound. I’d say they’ve achieved their goal, as it is difficult to find comparisons, but they’ve recorded a great sounding fusion album for 2025.

Track List:
1. Heavy Duty
2. Cows Right?
3. Sushi Girls
4. Felony
5. Opus
6. The Common Denominator (Pt 1)
7. Easy Going
8. Lost Moments
9. The Common Denominator (Pt 2)
10. Messiaenesque

Added: February 9th 2025
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Band @ YouTube
Hits: 415
Language: english

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