Tiles: Presents Of mind

Based out of Detroit, Michigan, “Tiles” are reportedly enjoying a substantial following in Europe and Japan as Presents of Mind represents the band’s third and latest release. Enhanced by a fine audio recording “Tiles” combine many of the finer attributes of progressive rock and metal while featuring resonant guitars, heavy yet at times complex rhythms and strong lead vocals by Paul Rarick. Here, the band mix it up rather well with enticing instrumentals such as “Crossing” which features soft acoustic guitar interludes, dexterous bass work from Jeff Whittle in tandem with drummer Pat DeLeon’s driving rhythms and sonorous, impacting lead guitar work by Chris Herin which is evident here and throughout. “The Learning Curve” boasts a pleasant hook, melodic vocals, hard rock style crunch chord guitar work by Herin and altogether intelligent ensemble work. Throughout, the band are rather artful at employing dynamics amid tight arrangements that generally come at you in full force. No messing around here, yet the band provide plenty of contrast with shifting meter, electro/acoustic passages and strong soloing. “Ballad of the Sacred Cows” is an all out blitz performed at a maddening pace as the same could be said of the final two tracks, “Patterns” and “Token Pledge” which were recorded live at a television studio in Detroit.

While not strikingly unique “Tiles” are a band who possess a sound, rock-solid constitution along with sure-handed determination which earns Presents of Mind high marks in the entertainment category as the band show their collective wares in scintillating fashion. * * * ½

Tiles website: www.tiles-music.com

Magna Carta website: www.magnacarta.net/