Man on Fire: Chrysalis

Man On Fire's sophomore effort, The Undefined Design (2003) featuring special guest David Ragsdale (Kansas, Smashing Pumpkins) on violin, helped lift this band into the spotlight of the progressive world. The band is centered around the keyboards and vocals of producer Jeff Hodges. The band includes Eric Sands on fretless bass and guitar; imagery and lyrics from Steve Carroll; Elise Testone on guest vocals; Quentin Ravenel on drums; Jenny Hugh on violin; and Cameron Harder Handel, on trumpet.

Everything about this album is unique and interesting. Testone needs a permanent place in this band to provide that extra change in direction a female lead would give the band. They really do a great job of weaving 80s pop and rock with today's progressive rhythms.

'Repeat It' opens with cool bass and keys full of drama. Then Hodges' vocals bring forth Steve Carroll's lyrics, full of imagery from the chaotic news fed world of the present. The drums are excellent in helping to surround the sound with pinpoint emotion. The mood of the guitars and bass do a good job of creating a world obsessed by violence and destruction.

'In a Sense' opens with piano and keyboard effects before Testone's vocal effects and then Hodges takes over the lead vocals, with Testone accompanying to provide balance. This track is full of funky rhythms intertwined with progressive elements, giving this band its unique sounding signature. The violin adds another layer of dimension to the sound as the drums pick up pace and the bass, guitar and keys sketch a unique rhythm and sound.

Keyboards open 'A (Post – Apocalyptic) Bedtime Story' triumphantly. Then Hodges, "Time slips away; it's just shades of gray". This song has an 80s rock ballad feel to it and with Hodges and Testone combining on vocals you are taken back to some of the great duets of that era. Hodges sounds so much like Daniel MacMaster, from the band Bonham on this track. The trumpet provides the new inspiration necessary to make this unique. The bass and guitar work is excellent.

Piano like keys open the four part dramatic epic, 'Chrysalis – Part 1 – In Between the Lines', before some guitar is added and Hodges takes over on vocals. Trumpet, pulsing drums, keys, bass, and guitar take off and build rhythm and sound. Testone returns to provide backing vocals. The cool trumpet solos give this a nice jazz mixed sound and add elegance to the overall soundscape.

'Chrysalis - Part 2 – The Pundits' is full of more piano and bass, with lead guitar taking to the stage to fill out more of the soundscape.

'Chrysalis - Part 3 – The Muse Returns' is full of even more heavy lead guitar, drums, bass, and cool key effects. It's an instrumental piece, and is highlighted by majestic keys which take the sound higher.

'Chrysalis - Part 4 – Free to Fall' brings even more mystical keys and heavy lead guitar mixed with bass and drums. Hodges is back on vocals, "Gotta find my way around...the chrysalis of you." Testone's supporting vocals are excellent.

'The Projectionist' opens slowly with percussion and keys, before bass and then lead electric guitars cut in. This time Hodges is near screaming on vocals, "The wheel keeps turning." The lead electric solos supported by haunting keys is just magnificent and an album highlight for sure. Testone's haunting, echoing vocals only add to the cool effect.

'Tear Gas' is full of cool keys and an upbeat rhythm filled with guitar and Hodges providing a varied vocal sound. Testone's vocals add so much to the sound, but her backing presence is not enough. She needs to be up front for a song or two. The trumpet adds more inspiration as the bass weaves crystal clear through it.

'Higher than Mountains' brings back more of that 80s feel with keys, guitar, bass, and drums. The experimental guitar and keyboard work is exceptional on this track.

'Gravity' is full of wonderful piano like keys and synthesized effects. The guitar and bass mixed with drums build rhythm as Testone finally gets brought to the front of the stage to provide true female lead vocals and the change is fantastic!

Bonus – 'Gravity – instrumental'

Track Listing:

1. 'Repeat It'
2. 'In a Sense'
3. 'A (Post – Apocalyptic) Bedtime Story'
4. 'Chrysalis – Part 1 – In Between the Lines'
5. 'Chrysalis - Part 2 – The Pundits'
6. 'Chrysalis - Part 3 – The Muse Returns'
7. 'Chrysalis - Part 4 – Free to Fall'
8. 'The Projectionist'
9. 'Tear Gas'
10. 'Higher than Mountains'
11. 'Gravity'
12. Bonus – 'Gravity – instrumental'

Added: September 15th 2011
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: Band Website
Hits: 4237
Language: english

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