Narrow Caster - 3RD DEGREE

Narrow Caster - 3RD DEGREE CD

Product Description Reviews: Its not often an album as refreshing as this comes along, and we should treasure it when it does. Thoughtful and intelligent lyrics are united with outstanding melodies and sonic creativity reminiscent of Kate Bush...The superb production enhances an already high-quality mix of songs, resulting in an album that demands repeated spins, and rewards every listen with some new revelation. Highly and unreservedly recommended! Conclusion: 9 out of 10 The DUTCH PROGRESSIVE ROCK PAGE (DPRP.net) Ron Faulkner 12/31/08 Ill admit, I actually got chills when reading along and listening to Cautionary Tale...Narrow-Caster is an excellent effort with outstanding production and musical variety to hold your attention from beginning to end... Im glad that I discovered the gem that this album is. Worthy of five resilient stars (out of 5). THE PROG FILES Dale Juday 2/09 This is a triumphant return...everything here sounds fresh & first-rate! 3rDegree writes clever well-conceived tunes...strong melodies & catchy hooks rule the day...the harmonies are silky smooth & add a truly unique dimension to the groups already astute instrumental prowess...Highly Recommended! PROGRESSION MAGAZINE 12/08 While the band resides in song-based material that always stays modestly concise theyre still impressive on a number of levels, from composition to melody and mood. They definitely have a sound thats hard to compare to other acts since they have a touch of influence from the early 90s grunge bands, the 80s new wave music and a healthy dose of classic prog, but it all purees together nicely to make for a great listen that demands spin after spin...Dont be surprised if by the end of The Last Gasp you just want to start the whole thing over again. This disc does not have a single weak point, although it does have many standouts throughout the album, and by cutting off any excess fat they really have created a memorable bunch of tunes...This really is the start of something beautiful. While the band has been around for a good long time already theres no doubt theyve finally found their sound and a way to get it out to the people. An impressive album that shows promise for a killer follow-up, this one is going to get a solid 4-stars out of 5. Highly recommended, this may be just the cure for people looking for unique progressive music that is a nice blend of old and new without ever becoming too retro. PROGARCHIVES (Mike Sharkey) 12/14/08 The artists I buy without a thought to hearing first are those tried and true pioneers who more often than not succeed in gifting my life with songs to cheer my heart on a cold and dark day or make savoring the good times that much sweeter. I now have to add 3rDegree to that pantheon...Lots of bands write by acting like blenders for their various influences & crossing their fingers for a good result; 3rDegree revel in their mastery of colliding feels & sounds youd never think to put together & somehow manage to smack it out of the park every time...Dont miss out on this one. 9.4 of 10 USAProgmusic July 2008 There is a kind of sophistication and accomplishment present here which makes you wonder why these guys arent more famous? Well lets hope that as the prog community gets a chance to hear the music of 3rDegree that will change. The music on Narrow-Caster is first rate and well worth getting Jerry Lucky (author of The Progressive Rock Handbook) JerryLucky November 2008 From the opening track...I was simply hooked...3rDegree has captured me with this release...Well done guys! This is one of the best releases that Ive reviewed this year. Without any doubt, I highly recommend... PROGNAUT 12/08 Narrow-Caster is an album fully breathing spontaneity & freshness. 8 of 10 PROGRESSIA.NET (FRANCE) January 2009 ...dont you just love it when your newly acquired proggy record is just that little bit unpredictable? That special harmonic chord sequence that comes around the corner when you least expect it or singer Dobbs whispering when a scream is in order and the other way around. I love it! 5 of 6 stars ROCK REPORT.BE (BELGIUM)January 2009 So many semi-pro bands are killed by sub-par, amateur-sounding vocalists-especially some prog bands who opt for wailing, Geoff Tate/James LaBrie imitators who do justice to neither. None such here...3rDegree knows when to come up for air, and Narrow-Caster never bogs down or takes itself too seriously, either. Its timely, progressive, literate, and has a lot of integrity. The more I listen, the more I like it. 4 Stars out of 5 SeaOfTranquility.ORG July 2008 3rDegree works in everything from grunge, hard rock, even a bit of rap, but also west coast sounds, soft electronica loops in their own cocktail of modern prog. 3rDegree are not as complex as Echolyn but have a sufficient supply of gimmicks and ideas ready so that the songs dont get boring. Their sound is fresh and new and has a whole lot of vague back-references to classical prog times. 11 of 15 Baby Blue Prog Reviews (Germany) August 2008 I liked this very much because while listening to it I didnt get the sense that it was a band trying to BE something. Rather I thought they had their own signature. While certainly having been influenced by myriad groups/artists from the past they have managed to carve out a little niche all their own. Znr Cds October 2008 George Dobbs is praiseworthy: he knows release the dogs in the way of a metal singer...but is equally at ease in times of acoustic delicacy and knows how to adjust his interpretation to each song, which is very rare. The diversity of influences makes Narrow-Caster unpredictable, even after several listenings...One of the most exciting albums of the year. Harmonie-Magazine (France) November 2008 ...the group wants to surprise us by imposing a music which does not have stylistic borders. And yes, one continues in this musical voyage where no taboo is disallowed and on the contrary one is in love with the beautiful melodies and beautiful vocal work where a certain Californian free spirit comes out on this progressive rock ("Young Once") before escaping in beautiful, well thought out instrumental passages. Progressive-Area (France) November 2008 Press Release: 3rDegree to Widely Release Long-Awaited Third Album "Narrow-Caster" on December 2, 2008 as deluxe "Eco-Wallet" New Jersey, USA - November 12, 2008 - After months of limited availability, including a "meet & greet" table at Nearfest 2008 and sales on its own website, progressive rocks best-kept secret 3rDegree releases their first studio album in 12 years in a deluxe, plastic-free "Eco-Wallet". After receiving unabashed praise in many reviews since its June unleashing from websites on both sides of the Atlantic, band leader Robert James Pashman started receiving large orders from Europe for the album which caught him off guard and largely unprepared. Having made modest amounts of CDs "DIY style" on nicely printed upon CDRs, the band found itself having to make a slew of new and "real" CDs to be ready for prime-time so to speak. This new "re-imagined" CD gives the songs the packaging they deserve as the band puts its money where its mouth is, using no plastic and forsaking the heavy and wasteful jewel case. To use a Seinfeldian description: "theyre real...and theyre fabulous!" The 10-song CD (or download) was started just over 2 years ago when the band reformed after a long hiatus. It is a mix of songs, some started at the end of the quartets first tenure and some fresh compositions upon the bands restart. The collection is a real tour-de-force through the different types of songs the band have shown capable of pulling off: from the intense odd-timing of "Apophenia"-a song about humanitys tendency to look for patterns and meaning in the seemingly meaningless-to the pastoral, gentle delivery of "Scenery"-a grand addition to the bands canon of melodic and a Review Founded by Robert James Pashman in 1990, 3RDegree met up again in 2005 after a long hiatus and determined to record together again. This decision resulted in Narrow-Caster; the band s first studio album in 12 years. The album consists of 10 songs, a mixture of new songs and some from the band s earlier incarnation. The band is made up of Robert James Pashman on bass, keys and vocals; Pat Kliesch on guitars and vocals; Rob Durham on drums; and George Dobbs on vocals and keys. The album opens with the energetic Apophenia, a song about humankind s tendency to look for, and find, patterns or connections in otherwise unrelated things. The edgy guitar work, underpinned by a driving bass line, is combined with creative vocals to create a track suggestive of Echolyn. An impressive opener. Next up is It Works, where the late-night piano intro invokes a sense of nostalgia, but as the track evolves a funky keyboard riff is introduced that takes things in a new direction. There is some outstanding keyboard playing on this track, and special mention must also be made of the striking lead guitar work. It Works is followed by the title-track Narrow-Caster; a song about staying in one s comfort zone; an accusation that cant be levelled at this group. The track leads in with the chorus, which contains some impressive vocal harmonies. Whilst the melody wouldn t be out of place on an IZZ album, the lead guitar in the middle evokes memories of Steely Dan. Vocally and melodically, the next track, Live With This Forever conjures up Jellyfish references. There s a lot going on in this track, from the superlative vocals and excellent bass work through to some tasteful complementary keyboard sounds. A change of pace brings Cautionary Tale, warning of the dangers of religious extremism. From a vocal perspective, Stevie Wonder springs to mind here. Quite a mellow track, but with a hard-hitting message. The Dream Theater-ish The Proverbial Banana Peel is a heavier piece, full of grungy guitar and really nice drum-work; my only criticism would be that it doesn t last long enough! The chorus-verse-chorus structure at the start of Young Once soon gives way to an ambient late-middle section that ends in a Mike Oldfield-like instrumental. The haunting chorus is the icing on a very fine track indeed. Scenery is an acoustic number that invokes aural imagery of Queen and ELO, highlights the softer side of the band and sets us up for Free For All; a pure Dream Theater-meets-Jellyfish rocker. Again the bass is used to good effect, providing the engine that propels the whole song. Album closer The Last Gasp is an anthemic combination of light and shade with a melody that sticks in the mind long after the album has ended. It blends all the strengths exhibited throughout the album and is orchestrated in such a way that makes me hope the band turn their collective hand to a 10 minute-plus epic at some point in the future. It s not often an album as refreshing as this comes along, and we should treasure it when it does. Thoughtful and intelligent lyrics are united with outstanding melodies and sonic creativity reminiscent of Kate Bush. The bands that are referenced above only go some way to conveying a sense of the styles of music on offer here. If I were to try to summarise this album concisely, I would say the most pertinent comparisons would be with Echolyn and IZZ, but that is not to say its in any way derivative. The superb production enhances an already high-quality mix of songs, resulting in an album that demands repeated spins, and rewards every listen with some new revelation. Highly and unreservedly recommended! Conclusion: 9 out of 10 --DPRP.net (The Dutch Progressive Rock Pages Ron Faulkner)9.4 out of 10 I dont know about you, but Im a huge fan of composition that balances the twin peaks of exploration and anthemic memorability. My favorite music since my youth has been the stuff that surprised me (oh, were the 80s a bleak and boring time for me and my headphones!) almost to the point of ecstatic confusion but all the while nailed itself to the walls of my heart with catchy melodies and riffs. The artists I buy without a thought to hearing first are those tried and true pioneers who more often than not succeed in gifting my life with songs to cheer my heart on a cold and dark day or make savoring the good times that much sweeter. I now have to add 3RDegree to that pantheon. Their first album in nearly 12 years, Narrow-Caster is the strongest thing Ive heard since IZZs great My River Flows. The whole thing is a roller coaster ride of unique songwriting and gargantuan hooks whose sheer sonic diversity is something I hitherto, never dreamed possible. Lots of bands write by acting like blenders for their various influences and crossing their fingers for a good result; 3RDegree revel in their mastery of colliding feels and sounds youd never think to put together and somehow manage to smack it out of the park every time. Imagine Becker and Fagen writing a song for Rush to play, and having Steve Winwood sit in and evoke his Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys vibe over it. Or try to picture Aimee Mann improving Sting lyrics and melodies while a cold Nordic metal guitarist adds harmonically complex overdriven chords against a robot-generated Ben Folds song with Bruford on the drums, and harmonies The Beatles would drool over. And thats just two tracks, folks - the whole thing is a beatiffic bitch slap to the adage about there being nothing new under the sun. I must also applaud the production. Somebody with a great set of ears took the time to make sure that every instrument sounded alive, fresh and gloriously different on every song, resulting in maximum exhilaration unhindered by ear fatigue. While I look forward to new albums from most of my favorites in the coming months, I seriously doubt anyones going to top this. Froot Loops on acid in a cinnamon sky. Dont miss out on this one. --USA Progressive Music (Greg Jones)5 out of 5 (perfect rating) If what you want out of your prog is something that tells you in the first 60 seconds of putting on a CD that this will not be an ordinary listening session... then you will be impressed with 3rDegree. The first 30 seconds is a bombardment of complex changes and and tight, well rehearsed transitions from part to part. The vocals are excellent. Background vocals too, very reminiscent of Kings X, which in turn have an affinity to The Beatles. The disc is comprised mostly of songs dating back to the mid to late 90s that the band "always regretted" did not get justice in the recording studio. Often times, music that has seen the passage of time, ends up holding a special place only in the hearts of the artists themselves, however THESE are some incredibly fresh sounding tracks and I think we as a community of appreciating listeners should extend a hearty thanks to the group for not letting these songs be relegated to history. The second track, "It Works" has an early Genesis vibe but quickly conforms to a pleasing niche the band have worked out for themselves. A 3-way answer-call type of communication is happening between the musicians that starts about a minute forty five into the song. Its impressive the cooperation that is proven in this section. This is not simply a group of guys that rehearsed their parts over and over again before heading to the studio, this collection of accomplished musicians actually ENJOY playing together. Thats a chemistry that cant be faked, as evidenced also in "Live With This Forever". Many times, the nature of progressive music, especially with the more advanced the arrangements, the more "less feeling" it becomes. This music does not suffer from that, but even beyond that are the thought-out lyrics. Ill admit, I actually got chills when reading along and listening to "Cautionary Tale". If this particular song is a decade old, then they obviously (or cryptically) altered the lyrics to transform it into an epic expose on our culture. With allusions to "Burning Crosses - Falling Towers" and a challenge to ask yourself if "something can unify despite the difference between our ways". 3 of the ten songs are recent for the band and show they have not only not lost their ability to write outstanding music, but have also a developing sense of humor like in "The Proverbial Banana Peel" and the lyric "phoning it in far too long because its so hard to make it genuine" as heard in "Young Once". Narrow-Caster is an excellent effort with outstanding production and musical variety to hold your attention from beginning to end. "Free For All" is probably the weakest track on the album, but "The Last Gasp" quickly jolts you back into place. On the first cursory listen of this album, I jotted down a note that it was worthy of a solid four. I have since repented and turned from my ways. Im glad that I discovered the gem that this album is. Worthy of five resilient stars. Dale JUDAY --The Prog Files (Dale Juday)

Specifics

Album: Narrow Caster
Artist: 3RD DEGREE
Label: unknown
Genre: Rock
MPN: 3RD003

Tracklist

1. Apophenia
2. It Works
3. Narrow-Caster
Drums – Dan D'Elia
Drums – Dan D'Elia
4. Live With This Forever
5. Cautionary Tale
6. The Proverbial Banana Peel
7. Young Once
8. Scenery
9. Free For All
10. The Last Gasp
Backing Vocals [Additional Backing Vocals] – Veronica Puleo
Drums – Dan D'Elia
Backing Vocals [Additional Backing Vocals] – Veronica Puleo
Drums – Dan D'Elia

(CD-884501072434)