Mechanical Poet Woodland Prattlers
Aural Music aura01 29th November 2004
By Russell Garwood
Like Tim Burton? Like anime? And what about progressive metal, and complex orchestration? If the answer to all of these is yes then Woodland Prattlers will make you as happy as a nymphomaniac in a porn movie. This Russian trio provides the debut release for Aural Music, the new parent company of code666, and as you would expect their music is original stuff. Soundtrack elements (this is a comic book score) pervade, classical elements are inescapable, and a good dose of power metal makes for an intoxicating mixture. A fairground/carnival feel provides pleasant eccentricity.
As you may expect from progressive (in the true sense of the word) metal, complex songs abound. The guitars are as varied as the sound, with lightening fast solos, tight rhythm work, and melodic, sharp riffing. This is all augmented by thick layers of orchestration. The singing is also varied, usually theatrical it is invariably well performed. Hardly surprising, considering the band auditioned 130 vocalists for the role! The drums are solid, and always fitting, irrespective of mood, while the bass completes a tight rhythm section. The only downside to the musics complexity is a lack of memorable tunes, and the inaccessibility of some tracks. These are minor complaints, however.
The artwork is also notable, containing a short yet stunning Burton-esque, manga influenced comic by Lee Nichols. This limited DCD slipcase edition includes the bands debut EP, Handmade Essence, and comes highly recommended. Mechanical Poet have created an excellent and unusual debut.
8/10
Official Mechanical Poet website
Official Aural Music website
Aural Music aura01 29th November 2004
By Russell Garwood
Like Tim Burton? Like anime? And what about progressive metal, and complex orchestration? If the answer to all of these is yes then Woodland Prattlers will make you as happy as a nymphomaniac in a porn movie. This Russian trio provides the debut release for Aural Music, the new parent company of code666, and as you would expect their music is original stuff. Soundtrack elements (this is a comic book score) pervade, classical elements are inescapable, and a good dose of power metal makes for an intoxicating mixture. A fairground/carnival feel provides pleasant eccentricity.
As you may expect from progressive (in the true sense of the word) metal, complex songs abound. The guitars are as varied as the sound, with lightening fast solos, tight rhythm work, and melodic, sharp riffing. This is all augmented by thick layers of orchestration. The singing is also varied, usually theatrical it is invariably well performed. Hardly surprising, considering the band auditioned 130 vocalists for the role! The drums are solid, and always fitting, irrespective of mood, while the bass completes a tight rhythm section. The only downside to the musics complexity is a lack of memorable tunes, and the inaccessibility of some tracks. These are minor complaints, however.
The artwork is also notable, containing a short yet stunning Burton-esque, manga influenced comic by Lee Nichols. This limited DCD slipcase edition includes the bands debut EP, Handmade Essence, and comes highly recommended. Mechanical Poet have created an excellent and unusual debut.
8/10
Official Mechanical Poet website
Official Aural Music website
