TCP: Fantastic Dreamer

The Temporal Chaos Project is a relatively new band, (formed in early 2008), from the Northeastern US. The band is made up of the "collaborative spirits" of progressive rockers, Henry Tarnecky, vocals and keyboards, Blake Tobias, keyboards and bass; and Jack Wright, guitars and drums. Special guests include Glenn Arpino on keyboards and piano, Tom Shiben on bass, and Nicole Tarnecky on vocals.

This album is just incredible. Please don't miss the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this band. Someday you can say you knew them when…"Vision" is reason enough to buy this album, but "In the Movie of You", "Ambiance…", "Fading…", and the title track are worthy contenders. There are no low points on this album, which is getting harder and harder to find in music. This band has the muscle on guitars and drums balanced perfectly with that incredible piano and keyboard work. Salutes, back to the better days of prog, while at the same time charting a course for the future with original music. There is nothing missing here.

I was sent this album by the band's label, 10T Records, so thanks to them for bringing the band to my attention. I have since bought their first album The Way, and will be reviewing that one soon.

Heavy bass and drums open "Schizoid & Guntrip" before Henry Tarnecky's Peter Gabrielesque, but unique voice, brings the fears of Harry Guntrip to life, "What do you see? Hiding in a bush behind that tree?" That blistering Black Sabbath like guitar run mixes perfectly with a fast running, "Hocus Pocus" like melody. The matching of the two effects is just magic. A very quick and unique opener. So different than the rest of the album. But a great standout on its own.

The sound of the film reel rolling, then that magnificent piano, which will be featured well throughout this album, highlighted for the first time on "In the Movie of You", my second favorite song on the album. Bringing back all those memories of the abuses of the film culture and industry detailed in many of the great classics of prog. But this is TCP's original take on the theme and their music adds a new twist. The soaring eerie guitars and keys mixed well with drums punctuate the mood perfectly. Henry's vocals bring back those Fish vocal interludes, especially when he sings, "Succumb to beg, steal or borrow, get your studio picture to play…Don't cry, (cut, cut), your eyes, call make up". The blazing guitars and keys that follow are some of the best exchanges on the album. "Vivling hear me now, I don't want to lose you to someone else somehow". That wonderful piano instrumental at 6:26 is just incredible, bringing back memories of the level of playing from Volker Söhl's of Sylvan. Eight minutes of prog power.

The issue of fan devotion is addressed in "Devotee". Bells and chimes, then echoing guitar, open another fantastic piano run. "I'm not gonna tell you what to do. You can always have my heart. Cause you've had it from the start". The bass is crunchy, and the keys shine through. The "live it up" moments bring back more memories of Fish, but they are transformed by those string – like synths and the rhythm of the keys. The guitar solos are excellent. The drums do a great job of keeping the pace. "Faith will take your hand, lead you cross the sea…devotee".

Deep synths and string sounds fill the soundscape as "Ambiance of the Active Mind", another of the best songs on the album takes off. The guitar solos that mingle with the enveloping synths are fantastic. Just as you're lulled into a subconscious state, the pitches on those guitars is raised higher and the power lifts the entire soundscape. Soft keys fill the room as Henry sings, "Save yourself, it's not impossible to break out".

"Fantastic Dreamer, the title song, opens with violin – string sounds before blasting off with bass, lead electric, keys and drums roaring full force. "Fantastic dreamer, show me what it takes to awake and survive". The acoustic and lead guitars take off on a flight of power along with that striking piano, punctuating the rhythm, along with the deep bass. Simply magic. No wonder this is the title song. It is a showcase for everyone's talents. That acoustic solo mixed with the launching electric lead with the keys tightly knit between is excellent. This band is playing like a band that has been playing forever. Fish - era Marillion vocals from Henry that captivate and drive the message home. That piercing lead electric and then Henry's best Fish - like vocal, "Father can you help me…now and at the end?"

Beautiful electric guitar and those awesome keys open "Releasing". The melody sounds familiar, but I can't place it. "Maybe someday grace will come", then a magnificent acoustic guitar, as the electric lead joins in, just beautiful. Then the synths take center stage and along with the drums just blow your mind. Definitely some of the best guitar on the album. "Unlock the seventh seal through which I must go".

Shimmering cymbals like lightning, and piano open "Fading in the Rain", another of my favorite songs on the album. That building momentum of all the instruments is topped off with the crème of a piano assault similar to 'the Lamb'. What a way to start! "Isn't every day a moving day?" Brings back a little of the power of Roger Hodgson's "It's Raining Again". Nicole Tarnecky's backing vocals add just the right soft touch to the sound. "Don't stop defiant. Follow your heart as you seek".

"Upon Further Review" is another favorite song on an album which feels more and more like a greatest hits album by now. There are no misses here. That acoustic guitar opens this song so full of life and promise. The harpsichord - like keys follow in pursuit. "This is a chance. This is a way so lovely. Get rid of the past and such". Sounds like some serious spring cleaning of 'baggage'. The keys and synth playing is wonderful on the instrumental section. They are well supported by the acoustic guitar which weaves its way through. "Upon further review I think its love".

What every great band needs is an epic song that helps elevate them beyond the vast crowd of artists out there struggling for attention. "Vision" is that song for TCP. I think this one will someday be celebrated like the great prog epics of our time. It has all the elements. The over 13 minute epic is blessed with the best and most inspirational lyrics on the album. "Be all that you can be for how long will this wonder last? We were once just children with a heart so young, and our thoughts were simple, let the spirit run. But you can still believe and go beyond." The original and riveting guitar work is masterful. The piano and keyboard work…well…you just gotta hear it to really understand. The album artwork for this song really brings the message into clear focus. Helen Keller's quote is perfectly encapsulated on the inside disc cover, "The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight but no vision". Everything you could want in an epic closer. So far my favorite song of the year. "See deep within your dreams and one day you'll be living them".

Track Listing

1. Schizoid & Guntrip
2. In the Movie of You
3. Devotee
4. Ambiance of the Active Mind
5. Fantastic Dreamer
6. Releasing
7. Fading in the Rain
8. Upon Further Review
9. Vision

Added: May 3rd 2011
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 5809
Language: english

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