Tripod: Tripod

Clint Bahr is lead vox, 8-string bass, bass pedals, Keith Gurland is clarinet & flute, alto & tenor sax, bass pedals, vox, and Steve Tobin is drums, cymbals, and percussion. Hear hard-edged, somewhat angry, incisive progressive rock with a bit of RIO and dash of early Crimson punch. Reed work is superb and ballsy. Vox is quite strong and somewhat embittered with melancholy angst. Compositions are involving and keep you guessing. And isn’t that what progressive is all about? A Canadian band, Glueleg, has this band’s flow and feel at times. I believe this is one of those releases that could easily grow on you after two or three listens. “Incident (Suite)” shows the King Crimson leanings and incredible bass work Tripod is capable of, even at pumping, full-force, high speed rates. These guys hold your attention. Drum riff and reed duelings were great with the bass kicking back in for crescendo and climactic moments. “Four Winds” is a piece full of great hooks and a certain late period !Horslips! leaning. It amazes me how complete and satisying this band comes across with no guitar at all. The reed and 8-string bass work together perfectly. I was pulled into a swirling and dreamy ballad on “Grey Whisper” that evoked strong Dave Binney and Lost Tribe vibes. Too bad that cut was only a couple minutes long. Tripod is comfortably recommended, itza keeper. Do some more guys.

Reprinted with the permission of John Collinge and Progression Magazine .