4Front “Radio Waves Goodbye”
Hunting
for new music is something I really love to do and must say the title from
4Front’s latest release “Radio Waves Goodbye” seemed very intriguing. My first
thought was that this must have been written in response to the current state
of new music on the radio airways. I was surprised to learn that Guitarist Zak Rizvi
a fanatical film lover wrote these tunes to express that cinematic creativity
in his music.
In “Radio
Waves Goodbye” 4Front has created a piece of masterful music that employs
powerful melodies, neat arrangements and a cinematic approach that meshes all
the songs into one long 54 minute sonic adventure. In texture and style it is
similar to Tribal Tech’s “Illicit” but the band that consists of Zak Rizvi – Guitar,
Joe Beragamini – Drums, Frank LaPlaca – Bass, Jimmy Wilgus – Keyboards, Karl
Kessler – Violin and Rich Haddad – Guitar created their own unique blend of
rich progressive, rock and fusion mix including a fine version of David Bowie’s
“Space Oddity 2001”.
Airtime – In reality there is no airtime for
a new artist especially bands of instrumental music. That’s one of the big
problems in today’s music seen but that hasn’t stopped many bands from still
playing it. I could make this whole CD the Anthem for my attack on corporate
radio, but enough of that.
This is a
great tune to start off Zak’s cinematic approach in that it tends to grab your
ears never letting go for a minute. In the movie Predator at the very beginning
you see an alien spaceship entering the earth’s atmosphere but have no clue as
to what it represents. You are hooked immediately. In just two minutes this
song creates more atmosphere then some entire albums. It is elegantly powerful
without ever being overbearingly progressive. It is a musical theatrical sonic
marvel that encompasses a universal approach in playing by each member of the
band. Is there even time to breath?
Tunnel Vision – The perfect description of
corporate radio executives who have no clue about anything that is music.
Tunnel
Vision continues the mission started by Airtime. We’re now deep inside this
thick forest looking for this musical source. We find some high tech components
found from a crash site on the forest floor but are unaware were they came
from. The quest continues and it’s apparent that this source is very powerful
and hard to find. At long last we finally stumble upon this musical source and
find that it’s as beautiful as it is deadly. It is loaded to the teeth in
armament and fully cloaked. You know who he is. He plays gracefully fast but
still posses the power to blow you away at any moment. Smooth keyboard intro is
taken over by heavy guitar driven melodies. And for good measure we have a
sprinkling of rhythm guitar parts sneaking in and out, keyboards adding
wonderful accents and measure, doubling guitar lines, guitars going off on the
left and right channels along with the steady booming drum work of Joe
Bergamini.
Hideaway – The perfect thing for terrestrial
radio to do.
After
working hard to find the source it’s now a time to reflect on our
accomplishments. Even the Predator needs a break every once and a while. This
tune takes us down the path of least resistance. It has that skipping happy go
lucky feeling that makes it seem like you’re on top of the world. It’s a nice
folk tune that gives me the feeling that were falling into some type of trap.
Special Patrol Group – Maybe this is what is needed to
steer corporate radio back in the right direction.
The trap
has been sprung. The predator swiftly moves through the forest taking us all on
one by one. His masterful handling of the landscape along with his full compliment
of arms has us running from our ears. It’s as if he is in all places at once.
There is no escape. This tune just plain out rocks and would be like hitching a
ride on the Predators back as he quickly traverses the forest.
Space Oddity 2001 – Simply put is a slowed down
cinematic version of a David Bowie classic. Even the Predator would be proud of
4Front’s version of this tune.
Burial At Sea – Slowly but surely he has been
taking us out. One at a time till now only I remain. A full dose of Karl
Kessler’s violin playing and some nice orchestration is mixed into this tune
.The guitars are all crying and Jimmy Wigus keyboard work adds a nice touch.
Burial at sea might be a better choice then to be consumed by a slow eating
cancer or a super stealthy trophy hunter. The sound of the ocean might bring
some peace before death.
Fuse – Hang on to your chin straps on
this one. The Predator has me in his sites and is in hot pursuit. This tune
features the fast and furious and only the strong will survive. We have the
CD’s first extended guitar solo and a smattering of saxophone along with
brilliant drumming. In fact it’s the drumming that is the mud that fuses to my
body and makes me become invisible to the Predator.
Learning To Crawl – I’m lying in the mud and can feel
the weight of him walking in close proximity. That’s the feel of the drumming
and deep bass groove that starts this tune off. Lead guitar and sax add the
texture and I’m feeling very stealthy as the Predator walks by and it seems
isn’t able to see me. He must be very depressed at this moment as he goes off
into a case of the blues. The other is a feeling of confidence and a chance at
victory.
747 – Jazz rock that will keep you on
your toes. The pace now quickens but the shoe is on the other foot. Sax and
guitar exchanges create the scene as we are now taking the game to him. The
rhythm and keys are the torches that say let’s do battle and may the best
creature win. A reflection from the beginning to this point on the CD
definitely gives you a huge appreciation for all the players performing on this
recording.
Memories Of
Decent – Have we landed or crashed. Is it
victory or defeat? Well in all actuality it’s a little of both. Heavy lead
guitar and keys trade off to guitar against guitar with a big guitar solo mixed
in for good measure. Power and finesse provided by the drums and keys and all
held together with the bass. At last the Predator has met his match. With a
perseverance of unmatched skill and determination I have totally engulfed this
most dangerous and beautiful source.
Radio Waves Goodbye - This song had to be written in
response to the current state of terrestrial radio. It’s like falling upon def
ears. Music so powerfully engaging and yet will be heard by so few. It really
is a shame. It’s like the Predator himself after falling but still having the
last laugh as he sets the timer on his nuclear devise. See you in the next
universe. Well maybe not the next universe as you can hear it right here on
Upbeat and More my internet radio station.
Radio
Waves Goodbye’s cinematically written approach has hit a major league home run
with this listener. It is so cleverly developed in that all the sonic space
that is available is totally used up. Zak Rizvi and Rich Haddad trade off
guitar parts like heavy weight fighters Muhammad Ali and smoking Joe Frazier. Frank
LaPlaca on bass is as steady and strong like Marty Stouffer’s younger brother
riding on the horns of that huge moose. Jimmy Wilgus on the keys is like a
great grandfather clock that is so precise, always on time and in all the right
places. Karl Kessler’s violin is the spice in the mix that makes everything so flavorful.
Joe Bergamini and his drumming plays to the point where he never takes over a
song but adds just the right amount of power and finesse to let you know he is
in total control. This is an outstanding work by talented group of musicians which
I think has much crossover appeal. Fan’s of rock, jazz rock, fusion and
progressive will find it most appealing.