Parallel Or 90 Degrees - "More Exotic Ways To Die" (Cyclops Records 2002, CYCL 114)
From Aural Innovations #21 (October 2002)
This is one damn impressive CD. Not just the new music but I have never seen a band give you more for your money. Not only do you get the bands new material but you get a one hour compilation of the bands back catalog, a complete LP from 1989, an 8 minute video, a performance of Dark Side of the Moon and well... that is it. The extra stuff is all MP3 but of very high quality. There is a lot of other information about the loose concept behind the new CD and background on the band. All bands should be so bold and ambitious to put together such a deal. Ok... what about the CD. The band play progressive rock but with a modern feel. The CDs first 6 tracks are the More Exotic ways to Die (embalmed in Acid, impaled on railing, etc...) and an excellent suite of songs. "Impaled on Railing" has a galloping bass line and powerful midsection. The band feature two synthesizer players, bass, drums and guitar and vocals. There are a lot of cool keyboards and synth sounds in the mix. "A Man in Thin Air" reminds me of some of the heavier Porcupine Tree tracks. The Heavy metal "Guillotine Approach" is an excellent song with a great bass line, swirling synths and a nice double tracked guitar solo. "Drum One" is a short all instrumental piece that has some techno like repetitive bass and drums. The song called "The One" that sounds like Tangerine Dream needs no further introduction. "A Body in Free Drift" is a 9 minute live track. "The Dream" follows and is an experimental piece by the guitar player, mixing heavy guitars and spaced out stuff. "Petroleum Addicts" closes the CD and is a long heavy track with elements of Porcupine Tree, King Crimson and Marillion. Definitely a band to check out!
For more information you can visit the Parallel Or 90 Degrees web site at: http://www.po90.com.
Reviewed by Scott Heller