Album Review: The Goldwyn Experiment’s Avenue B

From the first seconds of opening track “Prologue,” it becomes clear that The Goldwyn Experiment’s Avenue B represents a musical metamorphosis for band leader Goldwyn Thandrayen.  Alternative Control reviewed Psychocide, a party pop band he fronted, in 2017 — and this new project is quite a departure.  Incorporating piano, upright, bass, and even a guest rapper,… Continue reading Album Review: The Goldwyn Experiment’s Avenue B

Album Review: Sam Fishman’s The End of Time

The End of Time isn’t just an album, it’s a contemporary rock journey.  Tracks alternate between a wise woman’s narration and songs in a variety of musical genres, taking the listener on many unexpected twists and turns — which is fitting, as part of the album is about escaping a labyrinth.  In spite of the… Continue reading Album Review: Sam Fishman’s The End of Time

AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: “Phylactery” Playthrough by Parius

AltCtrlToob is proud to present the “Phylactery” Playthrough by Philadelphia’s Parius!  Say that ten times fast and the next beer’s on us…. Seriously though, this Pennsylvania prog-death outfit is making waves with their upcoming release The Eldritch Realm.  Combine the snarl of Black Dahlia with the melodicism and dynamics of Obscura, and you have this immediately appealing… Continue reading AltCtrlToob Video Premiere: “Phylactery” Playthrough by Parius

Sticky Situation: A Review of GEPH’s Apophenia

The Chapman Stick is not an instrument you’d expect to see when going to a local metal show. In fact, the only thing you’re less likely to see than a band with one Chapman Stick is a band with two Chapman Sticks — and that’s exactly what you’ll find with Boston-based GEPH. Self-described as “Progressive… Continue reading Sticky Situation: A Review of GEPH’s Apophenia

EP Review: Oliver Cheung’s Remembrance

Hong Kong composer and multi-instrumentalist Oliver Cheung has released his first offering, an three-track instrumental EP titled Remembrance.  It’s a pleasant, ambient listening experience, but it lacks passion.  Cheung has a solid songwriting foundation; moments in “Fragments” and the title track gain momentum quite well.  However, I feel this project would benefit from the input… Continue reading EP Review: Oliver Cheung’s Remembrance

Album Review: Power, by Staring Into Nothing

California trio Staring Into Nothing released their album Power via Antares Records in November 2017, featuring twelve tracks of politically minded, piano-focused prog rock.  The single “Big Brother” shows their penchant for commentary, but the lyrics are a little too “on the nose” for my taste: Opening track “Puritans” was more nuanced and included some nods… Continue reading Album Review: Power, by Staring Into Nothing

Getting Down with The Stick: An Interview with Geph

An instrumental trio with two Chapman Sticks and two guys named Josh walks into a bar…. And mesmerizes the audience with their virtuosic space metal.  I don’t know how to make a joke out of it, but that’s pretty much what happened at Fiddler’s Green this past December when Geph played.  Brought into our local… Continue reading Getting Down with The Stick: An Interview with Geph