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CD REVIEW: Tools of Creation - Adventures in Chaos By: Cyrus Rhodes
"Rocked out Sound" - INDIE MUSIC DIGEST -
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Artist:
Tools of Creation Label: Independent Artist Website: http://www.toolsofcreation.com Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal Sounds Like: Dokken, Bon Jovi, April Wine, Tesla Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade:
7/10 Weakness: Dated Sounding Production, Marketability
Canadian 3 piece rock band “Tools of Creation” release their latest CD entitled Adventures in Chaos In 2004. Band members include lead vocalist & guitarist Ben Dimaria bassist Chris Rock, & drummer/percussionist Stewart Scharf.
The CD kicks off into high gear with “Too Much Isn’t Enough” Truth” a hard hitting, full tilt guitar groove against emotionally charged vocals, hooky chorus & driving rock rhythm. Track 2 “Bridge to Far” serves up another rocking low end groove, with hard rocking musical flow coupled with catchy vocal accents from Dimaria. Track 3 “17” keeps things moving in the right direction with its pulsating rock groove meshed with an infectious vocal melody & harmonies that flow & ebb their way through emotional fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 consistent songs in a row. As the CD unfolds I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic hair metal acts like Tesla, Bon Jovi, April Wine, Dokken, & even brief splashes of Def Leppard & Guns & Roses. Right from the start you will notice MDimaria & company feel quite comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back, & just being themselves. The overall musical vibe has a flair reminiscent of classic 80’s Hair Metal & perhaps late nineties grunge that once ruled the airways. The guitar playing from Dimaria is hot to the touch. Equally as impressive is the rhythm section (Bass/Drums) from Rock & Scharf push the natural accents extremely well. Dimaria clearly makes the (singer to listener) vocal connection. All songs themselves are short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair, & signature groove. From rocking “Hi Again” & “Crash Course” to hard hitting “Crossroads” to dynamic *Mind Warp” to swinging “Love is Hate” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Bullets for Breakfast” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.
Though I enjoy the rocked out sound – it’s fair to say the overall production comes across as a bit dated sounding. Perhaps the mix is a bit dated as well. Drums & overall production lack serious low end punch. It’s a bright sounding CD. If the year was 1983 this would be a cutting edge musical production no doubt. Unfortunately the year is 2011 & the bar is set really high for artists like TOC with respect to modern recording & mixing techniques. I am well aware that this is a subjective art for but lot of the above does affect the productions overall marketability. It just sounds extremely dated to me. TOC should consider leaving their souls at the door & slightly revamping their sound a bit for the next CD.
From start to finish Adventures in Chaos is one hell of a ride. The strong suit is clearly the overall musical consistency of the music & playing. This CD will be a joy for guitar enthusiasts out there who enjoy a classic 80’s late 90’s rock vibe. So if you like your guitar served up hot to the touch, with music that will remind you of an out of control Hair Metal party that once ruled the neighborhood, then Adventures in Chaos belongs in your hands right now.
Cyrus Rhodes
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