Podd: Cosmic Forces

Podd is an instrumental progressive rock band from New Jersey. They released their debut album in 2017 titled Cosmic Forces. The band was formed by guitarist Peter Olsen who is joined by Dejan Dejkoski (drums, percussion), Eric Olsen (keyboards) and Takashi Otsuka (bass guitar).

The band displays excellent musicianship throughout the lineup as the music takes on added complexities with more than the occasional virtuosic performance. Guitar and keyboards routinely combat each other in some pretty cool instrumental fireworks. This might sound like a complete noodlefest but that is certainly not the case. There are many more refined moments and even when the band gets their groove on the melodic nature of this music cannot be denied. Some of the mellower bits take their cue from ‘70s Camel and they also throw in some world influences and Eastern European motifs. Aside from the fast keyboard and synth riffs Olsen plays some wonderful organ as well, giving the music a decided ‘70s flair.

One of my favourite tracks is the dynamic “Starseed�, a riveting tune beginning with a relaxed and gentle sound before the band ramps it up with a progressive rock workout the band Yes might have come up with. Peter Olsen’s guitar work here reminds me of Steve Howe in both tone and structure.

Cosmic Forces is a really good album displaying the band’s considerable talent but with just enough catchiness to make these songs stick. I think progressive rock/fusion fans will find plenty here to sink their teeth into. By all means check them out.

Track Listing:
1. Beyond Beyond (3:48)
2. There And Back (4:59)
3. Primal Antenna (3:36)
4. Starseed (4:40)
5. The Spark (7:08)
6. Impact (6:50)
7. Ultimate Reality (7:23)
8. Abraxas (3:54)
9. Ziza Ori (3:17)
10. Transmission (5:49)

Added: May 16th 2018
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 1257
Language: english

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