Enchant, Redemption, and Zero Hour. Any other boardites thinking about making this trip? I just might take some vacation time and fly there for this. Enchant have been a favorite of mine since I was 16 years old (back in 1996!). In a way you could save I've "grown up" with Enchant. They, along with Dream Theater, were my first "progressive" bands I got into along with Rush and Yes.
And Zero Hour I have been enamored with since 2000. And if anyone wants to AIM me at siberiankh I can send you an older hour long audio interview I have with Jason and Troy from my college radio days. It's actually a pretty good interview.
I also figured I'd post these reviews of Enchant I've written over the years to give some of you an idea of what they sound like. And all this review posting makes me wonder -- what is taking these boys so long to pen their next album?
Enchant
San Francisco based Enchant are one of the many progressive rock bands that openly dismiss their progressive rock status. After all, progressive isnt exactly the coolest label to be given when hoping for a radio hit (yet lately the band doesnt even seem to be trying for one!). Regardless, they dish out tasty melodies, catchy vocal hooks with Ted Leonards soaring melodic voice, heartfelt lyrics, and passionate guitar solos courtesy of Doug Ott who hits the perfect note every single time. Their first three albums are among the finest progressive rock Ive ever heard. From 1998 to now, however, Enchant have morphed into a dryer more mature and seasoned rock unit, integrating modest aspects of industrial and alternative. Their more modern sound doesnt bother me on Break (1998), but their 00s albums are a smidge bland compared to earlier works.
A Blueprint of the World (1994)
Score: A
Enchant's debut is utterly shocking. Taking note from progressive rock legends Rush, Enchants songs are never convoluted or overly difficult to interpret just heartfelt and beautiful. While each song is moderately complex, its the uplifting melodies and lyrics that make Blueprint stand out. The Thirst, "Oasis", "Night Time Sky", and Enchanted are the lasting classics driving melodies, complex chording, and intense percussion by Paul Craddick (who is also an amazing songwriter). Enchant made a name for themselves on many different levels with this album. With tasty melodies and lyrics, fans of Rush and Marillion should immediately check these guys out! A / 95
Wounded (1997)
Score: A+
Just when I thought this band couldn't possibly get any better, they release Wounded an album with a more personal approach, bringing deeper more meaningful songs. Some of the best lyrics of any album in my collection are on here, as well as my favorite guitar solo ("Pure"), and one of my all-time-favorite songs: "Hostile World." with that pimpin bass and a powerful chorus. For some reason, this albums nine masterful songs strike a chord with me on a very personal level: both lyrically and melodically. I highly suggest you listen this album for yourself, however, as emotions are entirely subjective. But in my view, progressive music doesnt get much better than this. A+ / 97
Time Lost (EP - 1997)
Score: A-
This album was originally meant to be released as an EP containing extras from the Wounded sessions, but Enchant couldn't stop at a simple EP. They decided to put a few cleaned up originals from before their debut as well. Many consider this to be Enchant's greatest work; the Wounded extras are amazing, especially "Blind Sided" and New Moon. But to these ears, Enchant's superior works are still on Wounded. The guitar riff to Blind Sided has the same riff as Stone Temple Pilots hit song Flies in the Vasoline. Im especially glad the band included "Interact": a ten minute epic Douglas Ott wrote before Blueprint. That epic has some of the best melodies Enchant have ever written; Im baffled as to why it wasnt included on their debut! Of all the EPs in my collection, Time Lost is undoubtedly my favorite. Ironically, this EP is superior to anything they have written since. A- / 92
Break (1998)
Score: B
Far from a sequel to Wounded, this is the first Enchant album with an entirely original sound. By this, I mean a more guitar driven modern rock sound with a melodic sense that can no longer be compared to Rush or Marillion. While I certainly respect their courage in doing this, the result is a bit disappointing compared to earlier albums. The new sound is less melodic and complex with a few flat-out weak songs. Yet there is a powerful atmosphere and feeling to Break, with colorful songs like Surrounded, bringing a uniquealmost surrealfeeling not found on previous albums. Unfortunately, Break starts with their weaker songs like the open chorded bland title track and inferior (for Enchant standards) King. But it ends with the classics In the Dark, My Gavel Hand and "The Cross" which are among the best songs to come out of post-Time Lost Enchant. If my review peaks your interest, look for a version with the acoustic/keyboard driven bonus track Once a Week one of the band finest songs. B / 86
Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 (2000)
Score: B
Juggling is slightly inferior to Break, yet still a solid Enchant release with an undeniably original sound (sans the keyboard riff to Pain the Picture Rushs Xanadu anyone?). Its loaded with a variety of guitar effects, rich vibrant songs mixing solid hooks and moving acoustics, and immaculate production. In fact, the bass, guitar, keyboards, drums, and Teds voice couldnt have been mixed more perfectly. Paint the Picture, Rough Draft, What to Say, and Juggling Knives are the albums star tracks mainly because they are pretty much the only songs with powerful vocal melodies. What to Say is about a man saying goodbye to his wife and child on his deathbed, and the melodies to it couldnt be any more powerful making this a truly remarkable song. The weaker tracks like Bite My Tongue, Elyse (about Teds newborn daughter), and much of Broken Wave are mostly bland filler truly awful songs. Opposite of Break, Juggling starts off great but loses moment quickly. In fact, after hearing the sixth song (Juggling Knives,) I usually loose interest in this album with exception to the very end of Traces a powerful piano outro carried by Teds passionate vocals. Recommended to fans of progressive music looking for something truly unique. B / 85
Blink of an Eye (2002)
Score: C+
Ill come right out and say it. After giving Blink of an Eye some serious attention, I wont be looking forward to the next Enchant album with any enthusiasm. And no, I dont blame the departure of Craddick (replaced by Sean Flannigan of Dalis Dilemma) for this, as I could see the direction this band was heading on their previous album. Of the nine songs (and one bonus track available on the limited edition) on this album, only Under Firewith its quirky guitar/bass riff and plush chorusand parts of various other tunes stand out as anything special. Indeed, there is a sprinkling of fantastic melodies on this album the fiery solo section to Seeds of Hate, chorus and keyboard crescendo to Flat Line, and syncopated keyboard riff to Invisible come to mind. But the pieces just dont come together right. Monday is arguably Enchants worst song, with lyrics as bland and uninspiring as its chorus. Other filler tracks include My Everafter and most of Invisible and Despicable. Dry vocal melodies bring down most of these songs, yet Ultimate Giftthe song with the good vocal linebeats it to death. Lyrically, this album deals with heartbreak, love, and self-doubt, with a surprising lack of any profound lines which are commonly found on previous albums. Perhaps Im being a tad unfair in my review. But while I respect Enchant for further exploring their unique sound, I dont find it nearly as melodic, complex, or profound as their earlier works. Better luck next time C+ / 79
Tug of War (2003)
Score: B+
When rumor spread of a new Enchant album slated for a summer 2003 release on Inside Out, Im sure I wasnt the only one thinking: another Enchant album, so soon? The groups previous release, Blink of an Eye (2002), was a fairly substantial disappointment (at least to me), but I still held hopes Enchant might bring back the captivating magic from the Blueprint/Wounded era albums gently flaking away. And to my delight, the spark is back despite the band paralleling the course of Blink of an Eye. The music is immaculately composed and more epic (six to seven minute tracks) with a stronger emphasis on keyboards (courtesy of new keyboardist William Jenkins?) and bass. All the parts meld together beautifully, supported with reinvigorated, bold inspiring lyrics. The opener, Sinking Sand, complete with understandably bitter words toward a family member of Teds, a soaring guitar lead and piano beautifully arranged (especially the last two minutes where the bass kicks in), gives me chills every time I hear it. Another touching track is the piano driven epic Comatose (about a man disaffected with the world) reminding me somewhat of Distractions from Wounded (1997). Other favorites include See No Evilwhich recalls the ethereal Juggling 9 era Enchant material, but much manages to keep my attention much better, and Hold the Wind (with a gorgeous instrumental section keyboard simulated symphonic/woods, like world music meets progressive rock). Instrumentally and lyrically, I was most drawn to Queen of the Informed where not only do they boldly reemerge as instrumental duelists worthy of the Yes/Dream Theater/Kansas ilk (in the creative sense) but pen lyrics (courtesy of my man Ted) mocking the absurdity of close-minded radical environmental activists. I only wish Ted would have directly confronted the anti-war protesters (the inspiration for these lyrics) like he had admitted as his inspiration in the limited edition versions liner notes. The vocal melodies are still a touch dry in spots (Teds fetish for holding note after every melody gets monotonous please expand the melodic pallet back to what it was!) and the power chord flury backed by shouted choruses (first introduced to us on Break 1998) is one of the more modern appendages of the Enchant sound some gangrene might inspire a cure for. Regardless, this is the best Enchant album Ive heard since Time Lost. Keepm comin boys! B+ / 88
And Zero Hour I have been enamored with since 2000. And if anyone wants to AIM me at siberiankh I can send you an older hour long audio interview I have with Jason and Troy from my college radio days. It's actually a pretty good interview.
I also figured I'd post these reviews of Enchant I've written over the years to give some of you an idea of what they sound like. And all this review posting makes me wonder -- what is taking these boys so long to pen their next album?
Enchant
San Francisco based Enchant are one of the many progressive rock bands that openly dismiss their progressive rock status. After all, progressive isnt exactly the coolest label to be given when hoping for a radio hit (yet lately the band doesnt even seem to be trying for one!). Regardless, they dish out tasty melodies, catchy vocal hooks with Ted Leonards soaring melodic voice, heartfelt lyrics, and passionate guitar solos courtesy of Doug Ott who hits the perfect note every single time. Their first three albums are among the finest progressive rock Ive ever heard. From 1998 to now, however, Enchant have morphed into a dryer more mature and seasoned rock unit, integrating modest aspects of industrial and alternative. Their more modern sound doesnt bother me on Break (1998), but their 00s albums are a smidge bland compared to earlier works.
A Blueprint of the World (1994)
Score: A
Enchant's debut is utterly shocking. Taking note from progressive rock legends Rush, Enchants songs are never convoluted or overly difficult to interpret just heartfelt and beautiful. While each song is moderately complex, its the uplifting melodies and lyrics that make Blueprint stand out. The Thirst, "Oasis", "Night Time Sky", and Enchanted are the lasting classics driving melodies, complex chording, and intense percussion by Paul Craddick (who is also an amazing songwriter). Enchant made a name for themselves on many different levels with this album. With tasty melodies and lyrics, fans of Rush and Marillion should immediately check these guys out! A / 95
Wounded (1997)
Score: A+
Just when I thought this band couldn't possibly get any better, they release Wounded an album with a more personal approach, bringing deeper more meaningful songs. Some of the best lyrics of any album in my collection are on here, as well as my favorite guitar solo ("Pure"), and one of my all-time-favorite songs: "Hostile World." with that pimpin bass and a powerful chorus. For some reason, this albums nine masterful songs strike a chord with me on a very personal level: both lyrically and melodically. I highly suggest you listen this album for yourself, however, as emotions are entirely subjective. But in my view, progressive music doesnt get much better than this. A+ / 97
Time Lost (EP - 1997)
Score: A-
This album was originally meant to be released as an EP containing extras from the Wounded sessions, but Enchant couldn't stop at a simple EP. They decided to put a few cleaned up originals from before their debut as well. Many consider this to be Enchant's greatest work; the Wounded extras are amazing, especially "Blind Sided" and New Moon. But to these ears, Enchant's superior works are still on Wounded. The guitar riff to Blind Sided has the same riff as Stone Temple Pilots hit song Flies in the Vasoline. Im especially glad the band included "Interact": a ten minute epic Douglas Ott wrote before Blueprint. That epic has some of the best melodies Enchant have ever written; Im baffled as to why it wasnt included on their debut! Of all the EPs in my collection, Time Lost is undoubtedly my favorite. Ironically, this EP is superior to anything they have written since. A- / 92
Break (1998)
Score: B
Far from a sequel to Wounded, this is the first Enchant album with an entirely original sound. By this, I mean a more guitar driven modern rock sound with a melodic sense that can no longer be compared to Rush or Marillion. While I certainly respect their courage in doing this, the result is a bit disappointing compared to earlier albums. The new sound is less melodic and complex with a few flat-out weak songs. Yet there is a powerful atmosphere and feeling to Break, with colorful songs like Surrounded, bringing a uniquealmost surrealfeeling not found on previous albums. Unfortunately, Break starts with their weaker songs like the open chorded bland title track and inferior (for Enchant standards) King. But it ends with the classics In the Dark, My Gavel Hand and "The Cross" which are among the best songs to come out of post-Time Lost Enchant. If my review peaks your interest, look for a version with the acoustic/keyboard driven bonus track Once a Week one of the band finest songs. B / 86
Juggling 9 or Dropping 10 (2000)
Score: B
Juggling is slightly inferior to Break, yet still a solid Enchant release with an undeniably original sound (sans the keyboard riff to Pain the Picture Rushs Xanadu anyone?). Its loaded with a variety of guitar effects, rich vibrant songs mixing solid hooks and moving acoustics, and immaculate production. In fact, the bass, guitar, keyboards, drums, and Teds voice couldnt have been mixed more perfectly. Paint the Picture, Rough Draft, What to Say, and Juggling Knives are the albums star tracks mainly because they are pretty much the only songs with powerful vocal melodies. What to Say is about a man saying goodbye to his wife and child on his deathbed, and the melodies to it couldnt be any more powerful making this a truly remarkable song. The weaker tracks like Bite My Tongue, Elyse (about Teds newborn daughter), and much of Broken Wave are mostly bland filler truly awful songs. Opposite of Break, Juggling starts off great but loses moment quickly. In fact, after hearing the sixth song (Juggling Knives,) I usually loose interest in this album with exception to the very end of Traces a powerful piano outro carried by Teds passionate vocals. Recommended to fans of progressive music looking for something truly unique. B / 85
Blink of an Eye (2002)
Score: C+
Ill come right out and say it. After giving Blink of an Eye some serious attention, I wont be looking forward to the next Enchant album with any enthusiasm. And no, I dont blame the departure of Craddick (replaced by Sean Flannigan of Dalis Dilemma) for this, as I could see the direction this band was heading on their previous album. Of the nine songs (and one bonus track available on the limited edition) on this album, only Under Firewith its quirky guitar/bass riff and plush chorusand parts of various other tunes stand out as anything special. Indeed, there is a sprinkling of fantastic melodies on this album the fiery solo section to Seeds of Hate, chorus and keyboard crescendo to Flat Line, and syncopated keyboard riff to Invisible come to mind. But the pieces just dont come together right. Monday is arguably Enchants worst song, with lyrics as bland and uninspiring as its chorus. Other filler tracks include My Everafter and most of Invisible and Despicable. Dry vocal melodies bring down most of these songs, yet Ultimate Giftthe song with the good vocal linebeats it to death. Lyrically, this album deals with heartbreak, love, and self-doubt, with a surprising lack of any profound lines which are commonly found on previous albums. Perhaps Im being a tad unfair in my review. But while I respect Enchant for further exploring their unique sound, I dont find it nearly as melodic, complex, or profound as their earlier works. Better luck next time C+ / 79
Tug of War (2003)
Score: B+
When rumor spread of a new Enchant album slated for a summer 2003 release on Inside Out, Im sure I wasnt the only one thinking: another Enchant album, so soon? The groups previous release, Blink of an Eye (2002), was a fairly substantial disappointment (at least to me), but I still held hopes Enchant might bring back the captivating magic from the Blueprint/Wounded era albums gently flaking away. And to my delight, the spark is back despite the band paralleling the course of Blink of an Eye. The music is immaculately composed and more epic (six to seven minute tracks) with a stronger emphasis on keyboards (courtesy of new keyboardist William Jenkins?) and bass. All the parts meld together beautifully, supported with reinvigorated, bold inspiring lyrics. The opener, Sinking Sand, complete with understandably bitter words toward a family member of Teds, a soaring guitar lead and piano beautifully arranged (especially the last two minutes where the bass kicks in), gives me chills every time I hear it. Another touching track is the piano driven epic Comatose (about a man disaffected with the world) reminding me somewhat of Distractions from Wounded (1997). Other favorites include See No Evilwhich recalls the ethereal Juggling 9 era Enchant material, but much manages to keep my attention much better, and Hold the Wind (with a gorgeous instrumental section keyboard simulated symphonic/woods, like world music meets progressive rock). Instrumentally and lyrically, I was most drawn to Queen of the Informed where not only do they boldly reemerge as instrumental duelists worthy of the Yes/Dream Theater/Kansas ilk (in the creative sense) but pen lyrics (courtesy of my man Ted) mocking the absurdity of close-minded radical environmental activists. I only wish Ted would have directly confronted the anti-war protesters (the inspiration for these lyrics) like he had admitted as his inspiration in the limited edition versions liner notes. The vocal melodies are still a touch dry in spots (Teds fetish for holding note after every melody gets monotonous please expand the melodic pallet back to what it was!) and the power chord flury backed by shouted choruses (first introduced to us on Break 1998) is one of the more modern appendages of the Enchant sound some gangrene might inspire a cure for. Regardless, this is the best Enchant album Ive heard since Time Lost. Keepm comin boys! B+ / 88
