While, undoubtably, all in the band are in top form on the new album, justice requires special mention of that new guy, that rhythmatist, that stickmeister, that burgeoning master of the skins, that groovester that navigates odd-time changes as nimbly as a monkey in a forest ... namely, my successor, "Flanders" (as his friends call him).
I think Sean did a fantastic job on "Blink," and I'm very pleased to see that, from the get-go, he's establishing very much his own "voice" and approach to Enchant's music. I find his interpretations of the songs, and percussive arrangements generally, very refreshing, inspiring, and creative.
To my ears, he's got a very solid "pocket"/groove, which he spices up with subtle and tasteful "flurries" here and there (nice hi-hat stuff in the opening bars of "Under Fire," as well as in the solo section of -- I think it is -- "Seeds of Hate"). Overall, there's a really nice "flow" to his parts and transitions. The tom-tom pattern that opens "Monday," as well as the breakdown bit in "Flatline," are fantastic -- great feel and sense of power, a lot of control without being at all stiff. There are a few lightning-like parts he sneaks in in a couple of places, too -- mixing things up between the snare and double-bass, for example, or zooming down the toms in quick succession -- that show there's a lot of technique held in reserve, waiting for the right moment to leap out and take things to a higher level of intensity.
For those inclined to micro-compare the old and new, consider that it's likely that the old guy won't be too happy to hear that you're glad he's been replaced, and the new guy won't be too happy to hear that you wish the old guy was still there! So, hopefully people's observations will be both honest *and* judicious. I'll tell you one thing: now I will count Flanders as one of my "influences."
Well done, Sean.
