CD/LP/Track Review
Forever Einstein: Down With Gravity
Glenn Astarita
Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.The Connecticut-based trio known as “Forever Einstein” have released what might be their finest effort to date, with this new outing titled Down With Gravity. Basically, this band has become synonymous with cranking out infectious melodies, thanks to C.W. Vrtacek’s acute melding of surf-driven guitar lines, angular lead soloing and progressive rock style musings. On their 4th production under the “Forever Einstein” moniker, bassist Jack Vees, who also serves as the director of the Center For Studies in Music Technology at Yale University and Vrtacek’s long time associate, drummer John Roulat provide one of the tightest rhythm sections you’ll likely encounter!
The band initiates a combo soul-funk/hard rock groove on the opener, “Maybe spending the rest of your life in a madhouse will teach you some manners” (possibly, words that some of us could live by?). Yet here, the musicians perpetuate a – little big band – sound, with blistering unison lines, shifty time signatures and the guitarist’s rendering of “Ventures”-like surf grooves amid his perennial revamping of previously articulated motifs. Hence, this trio ignites a quiet fire as they pursue memorable melodies in concert with serious, hard-ass interplay and razor sharp choruses. On, “My mute wouldn’t walk in the mud so I had to put 17 bullets in her”, the ensemble infuses a straight forward driving pulse with Vrtacek’s melodious themes and nimble soloing.
Highlights abound, via various investigative interludes, abrupt alterations of the flow, Vrtacek’s crunching chord progressions and Vrees’ abstract EFX-induced bass soloing, along with the spotty implementations of polychromatic counter-currents. To that end, Down With Gravity is a must have for the ardent fans of progressive rock or perhaps any rock related genre, as this gang pronounces a distinct style and methodology that is perhaps unparalleled in the business! Strongly recommended.
Track Listing: Maybe spending the rest of your life in a madhouse will teach you some manners, My mute wouldn
Personnel: C.W. Vrtacek; guitars: Jack Vees; bass: John Roulat; drums
Record Label: Cuneiform Records | Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock
