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TCP: The Way

10t Records has been quietly making a name for themselves the last few years as one of the up and coming progressive rock labels, concentrating more on quality releases rather than signing any band they can get their hands on. Their latest discovery is TCP, a trio comprised of three musicians from the East Coast: Henry Tarnecky - vocals (Pennsylvania), Blake Tobias - keyboards/ bass (New York), and Jack Wright - guitars/ drums (Maryland). Their debut The Way is a satisfying slice of classic 70's prog sounds with a modern touch, the band creating dark soundscapes, catchy melodies, and leaving plenty of room for tasty guitar and keyboard explorations.

At nearly 75 minutes long, there's a lot to take in here, but the ride is well worth it. Opening cut "You Can Never Know" is a memorable & catchy number, layers of keyboards drenching the uptempo arrangements, Tarnecky's vocals drawing you right into the alluring melodies. "I'm Me" sees the band taking on a early Marillion/Genesis vibe, waves of Mellotron, Gabriel/Fish styled vocals, and plenty of aggressive guitar work filling in the mix. At just over 8-minutes long, the band throws in plenty of curveballs here, even dropping in some stellar acoustic moments after the heavier middle section. Gorgeous piano, Mellotron, and liquid guitar lines lead in the quirky "Mankind", another Gabriel-era Genesis flavored piece, this one about what the future might hold for the human race, and according to the band it might not be pretty. Plenty of keyboard and guitar solos as well on this one for all the vintage prog fans to sink their teeth into. The band bursts into an almost Dream Theater-ish stomp on the beefy "Heavy Billy", a ripping instrumental that lets the band show off their musical muscles, and tone things down for the pastoral "Sheep", a Mellotron drenched gem that has the 70's plastered all over it. "He's Like You" is a dark, almost prog-metal styled piece, which leads into the symphonic instrumental "Road to 2012", a track with some well arranged keyboard textures and tasty guitar melodies. More dark & almost chilling prog can be found on the haunting "Hypatia", Tarnecky again conjuring up images of Peter Gabriel amidst the waves of ominous Mellotron, and the dynamic pairing of his voice and the mighty Mellotron once show up on the CDs longest epic "She", a near 11-minute gem filled with drama and powerful musical passages, as well as chilling lyrics. The title track just might be the only semi weak song here, this one more in the standard neo-prog format that we hear so much of these days, though the jangly guitar riffs mixed with Mellotron make for a nice effect, The closing instrumental "Liberate Me" pairs some complex Gentle Giant inspired passages with melodic, symphonic, progressive fusion, for a great ending to the CD.

This is thoroughly enjoyable stuff here, TCP paying homage to their heroes from the 70's yet creating a CD that can be listened to and enjoyed for its modern sensibilities. Mellotron lovers dig in deep, as there's plenty of sumptuous sounds to be heard here, alongside a plethora of other keyboard tapestries, stellar guitar work, and tight grooves. The Way is, quite simply, way cool.


Track Listing

  1. You Can Never Know
  2. I'm Me
  3. Mankind
  4. Heavy Billy
  5. Sheep
  6. He's Like You
  7. Road to 2012
  8. Hypatia
  9. She
  10. The Way
  11. Liberate Me

Added: March 23rd 2011
Reviewer: Pete Pardo
Score:
Related Link: 10t Records
Hits: 5406
Language: english

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» SoT Staff Roundtable Reviews:

TCP: The Way
Posted by Mark Johnson, SoT Staff Writer on 2011-03-23 14:24:24
My Score:

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 mellotron, (Sheep), Gary Carciello, lead guitar, (Mankind), rhythm guitar, (She), Ange DiGeronimo, drums, (I'm Me, Liberate Me), Glenn Liljeblad, lead guitar, (Sheep), Tom Shiben on bass, (You Can Never Know and Heavy Billy), Reid Tobias, bass (Sheep), and Desiree Stisi, backing vocals, (Mankind).

This is a dynamic and challenging debut album, both musically and lyrically. The deep lyrics and profound subjects are unusual for a band's debut and that is what sets this band apart from the many modern classic prog 'sound – a - likes'. This band is after your temporal lobe with dramatic and mind stimulating music, like it used to be performed, and they are not afraid to admit it. The even have their own logo and 'philosophy', the "logo is symbolic of a world dichotomy - the forces of division between those who work towards general advancement and those who perpetuate conflict via power and control. It seems reasonable to assume most people agree this dichotomy exists. The word temporal has dual meanings: temporary in nature, and having to do with world affairs".

If you want something more from your music and you have some time to spend enjoying it, this is just the kind of band and music you have been waiting to find. This is an excellent debut and they have also followed up with a dynamic and wonderful sophomore album.

"You Can Never Know…" is a great title, full of surprises, so stay alert! Henry will help you half way through. Tom Shiben's bass opening is so cool and original. "Try to remember that you're not the only one stuck on this planet my son". The drums rhythms from Jack Wright are cool and original. That flute like effect is placed perfectly on the track. "Seek the solution, soul evolution, until you do, you won't". Beautiful dreamy guitars, intermixed with some Rush – like moments and those wonderful keys. "You can never really know, how this life will go…save your rockin' soul". A fantastic opener, get ready for another great album.

I'd like to call "I'm Me" and "Mankind", the "Human Suite". They are full of brilliant lyrics that will rivet you to the theme and feeling of the sound being delivered. "What kind of human can I be?" The keyboards, synths and lead guitar spin their web of magic enthralling the listener with deep prog sounds that will help turn on the thinking cap. "Behold the truth can set you free. To dream, believe, reach, deep, to see, that we can lift ourselves". After some Fish – like echoing vocals from Henry, we get more awesome bass, keys…and…oh yeh and some great drums from Ange DiGeronimo. Then that beautiful acoustic guitar and drums take us to the conclusion and Henry's closing lyrics, "Believe me, receive me, for who I am!"

Beautiful running piano and strings open the second masterpiece in this themed set, "Mankind". "You're the weight on this world mankind", Henry pleads. The strings, lead guitar and that constantly comforting piano drive on through the soundscape. Desiree joins in with Henry and lights up the proceedings, then it's off on a piano and a keyboard extravaganza that just rocks. Then it slows down to a Turn of a Friendly Card – like melody before Henry and Desiree close with, "In your darkness the sun wants to shine. Let the light in your souls be defined…There can be a better time". An epic combination of songs.

Time for some fun with an instrumental extravaganza, "Heavy Billy", full of heavy bass and keys before we dive deep into another epic. The epic opening of synths on this one will prepare you for an onslaught of devastating keyboards and drums. "Are you still there?", I just had to do that!

Every prog album should have an epic, and "Sheep" is the one for this debut. The "baa, baa" sounds will take you right back to the Pink Floyd classic. But that's where the similarities end. This one brings a pipe organ/harpsichord – like sound to the table. And man does it sound cool! Remember TV Caesar from Procol Harum, mix a little of that theme, with PF's classic. The guitar solos stun. Glenn Arpino's magical mellotron keys and that blistering lead electric will rock your socks off. The lyrics…well…that's just another reason why it's an epic, "We will do everything. Just lay back don't think. It's ok, sleep, counting sheep will do". "Show me what you've been reading. What's your brain food today? Just try to be that black sheep gone astray". This band already has a number of great moments.

All the great lyricists of our time we're able to transform the listener and also at the same time relate to their circumstances. That's why "He's Like You", is such a good song. "He's the modern man who lost his calling. When the year began he felt like steel". Henry seizes on the current state of economic despair and delivers a monster track. The music is wonderful, but this is a Henry Tarnecky's vocal showcase. The feelings are captured so perfectly and those screaming synths, lead guitars and pounding drums capture every moment. "To forget the past he hides the pain. If the god in man can spark a feeling, in a blinding flash his life could change".

"Road to 2012" is another excellent instrumental extravaganza full of deep and punctuating piano and synths. The finality of the feeling in the keys is translated well. But there are many glimmers of effervescence. Those string – like keys dance while the drums pound away their rhythm. The lead electric is awesome.

If the second and third songs can be the called the "Human Suite", then this is a look at an amazing human, "Hypatia", with accompanying song, "She" to follow. It is worth a review of the literature to read about Hypatia, a Greek mathematician and scholar from Ancient Egypt. Her story is one of overcoming barriers to female achievement. TCP brings her spirit to life well on this salute, full of inspired lyrics. The starlight dreaming sequence at the beginning is wonderful. Then the slow drums and keys bring back Alexandria's wonder as the guitars play in the foreground. Henry tells the story surrounded by uplifting synths and keys. Chains and gates lock as dungeon noises fill the air to close this track….

…while lavish synths and slow electric guitar quietly open the story's conclusion, with the track, "She". Henry opens the song with "Chains can not hold me", as the story begins to unfold to beautiful synths and wonderful guitar. This is an epic 10:29 tribute to Hypatia's memory full of great music.

"The Way" is another of the best songs on the album. Filled with more great lyrics and those cool deep bass slides. Pounding drums and bass build the rhythm as Henry opens, "Winds of worry blowing strong. The nights are cold the hours long. The news reports are dark and blue". We're all feeling it. But Henry's uplifting vocals take us away, "Are we, are we really on the quest for light to shine upon…us? Feel the peace of deep commune". That flute like sound is back and dances as the drums and synths surround. "If you get where opal light shines the brightest, wait for me there". Brilliant lyrics and music support the power of the feeling in this song so well. That echoing guitar piece brings back memories of the Chameleons UK.

The closer and another deep bass opening for the instrumental "Liberate Me". More great piano and guitar to close this shining debut.

TCP: The Way
Posted by Denis Brunelle, SoT Staff Writer on 2009-06-15 17:43:01
My Score:

TCP is some kind of Genesis/Marillion clone. The vocals are a mixture of Fish/Peter Gabriel with an early David Bowie touch, when the higher notes are present. This is somewhat goofy and slightly queer, while ruining the mood of what they are trying to create. In most cases, progressive music of modern times would be better off without a "singer".

Fortunately, the music is more pleasant to listen to, and three of the compositions are instrumentals. I found The Way lasting too long. A chunk of 30 minutes could have been removed to give a better result, since some of the compositions lack consistency at times. The good news is that this disc also has its moments, where your can hear interesting progressive music with atmosphere and a bit of a darker side. Hammond organ, mellotron, acoustic twelve strings, plus a bit of samplings & clean arpeggios are welcome delicacies, as always. The Way is more on the mellow side, with a somewhat diluted formula. Oh, they even had the nerves to include a Pink Floyd-ish tune subtly called: "Sheep"…

Still, a few compositions are worth mentioning such as: "You Can Never Know", "Heavy Billy" and "He's Like You".

TCP: The Way
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2009-05-06 20:48:29
My Score:

Another new band has hit the airwaves hoping to make an impact. The debut album from east coast band TCP entitled The Way should make waves in the eyes of progressive rock fans. Their style pays homage to 70s greats like Genesis, but they are not copycats by any means. They incorporate modern sounds in their old style approach that sounds absolutely fantastic to these ears. With a running time over seventy minutes the songs are long enough to explore different musical themes and textures allowing the players to fully utilize their potential. The dynamics of the music is impressive with harder sections almost venturing into progressive metal territory, but mostly staying in the confines of rock while the mellower acoustic interludes add a great deal of variety here ensuring boredom never sets in.

The album begins with the jangly rhythms of "You Can Never Know", boasting muted sounding synths and a great little 60s influenced guitar riff. The quiet section is heavily orchestrated and Tarrnecky's vocals remind me of David Bowie, as they do for much of the disc. For me, that is a huge plus as so often vocals are not up to snuff. Not so here. There is also a ripping guitar solo that puts the final touches on a great album opener. Acoustic guitar starts off "I'm Me" with more excellent synths and a crunchier part that tips a hat to Dream Theater. Again, the vocals have a Bowie feel and at times the music does as well. There is so much contrast in these songs making them a real joy to listen to. "Mankind" starts with lovely piano and has excellent drums throughout. The dramatic nature of the music, especially the guitar work, remind me of Everon. The heavier chords of "Heavy Billy" push towards progressive metal with keyboards and electric guitar playing off one another and synths weaving throughout. The organ sounds of "Sheep" adds a dramatic flair to the proceedings and heavier rhythms and a cool guitar solo help to flesh out the sound.

I could go on but I will stop there. There are no weak songs here making for a very consistent effort which is even more impressive when one considers this is TCP's first album. If you appreciate 70s progressive rock albeit with a modern twist I urge you to seek out The Way. You will not be disappointed.

TCP: The Way
Posted by Dean Pedley, SoT Staff Writer on 2009-05-06 05:51:03
My Score:

Promising debut album from this US prog trio who have their core membership expanded by a variety of supporting musicians. A lengthy release at more than 70 minutes across the eleven tracks you will experience a healthy blend of old and new progressive tendencies with names such as Gentle Giant, Genesis, Marillion, IQ and David Bowie all coming to mind. Lead vocalist Henry Tarnecky has a gentle, understated and fragile quality that certainly has some of the traits associated with 70's era Bowie and this shapes the bands overall sound.

Opener 'You Can Never Know' could be considered an unusual choice to lead the album, taking in several changes of tempo and without a defined hook but it makes for a quirky start. Deft keyboard flourishes provided by Blake Tobias are a feature of the art rock styled 'Mankind' that leads nicely into the muscular instrumental 'Heavy Billy' written by Jack Wright who offers up some choppy riffs. 'Sheep' is arguably the centrepiece of the album where it all really comes together and, leaving aside the obvious Floyd connotations, this is a Mellotron enriched epic that also has some renaissance styled acoustics that allow the song to flow beautifully well. Fans of Gabriel era Genesis will delight in Tarnecky's vocals on this one. I've only highlighted a few songs here but this really comes highly recommended with some clever and creative arrangements that make this a hugely entertaining listen and TCP have made an excellent start to their recording career


» Reader Comments:

TCP: The Way
Posted by Michael Pennington on 2009-04-30 18:58:12
My Score:

I can't believe that the Genesis discussion boards aren't buzzing about TCP and "The Way." These guys have taken the Gabriel era Genesis sound and given us a CD that drips with the sensibilities and flavor of that classic period of the band without going in for the overt clone attempts of other bands (like Citizen Cain or The Watch for instance).

TCP have their own sound, but Gabriel and the 70's version of Genesis are an obvious creative muse, especially on lead vocalist Tarnecky whose phrasing and timbre are clearly inspired by the former Genesis front man. But best of all, the material and musicianship are top drawer! Highly recommended!




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