It Bites

Monday, 20 February 2012 01:19

Band: It Bites
Album: Map of the Past
Label: InsideOut
Tracks: 11
Release Date: 2012-03-26
Length: 52'40" Riff Score: 8.5/10 How are scores attributed? It Bites are back on the map


After a long period of absence, It Bites came back in 2008 with its first record of original material since the 80s. "The tall ships" was a more of a homage to the past than a corageous leap of faith; it kind of makes sense if you take into consideration the drama that the band experienced via change in members, reunions, etc... So much time changes musicians, and it was a conservative approach that resulted in "the tall ships", where its existing fan base would feel at home.

Three years later, they are back with "map of the past", a completely different album, where the band really stretches out and tries to reach farther. The album has a global concept rooted on the discovery of an old family photograph.

The album starts with a very simple song that inserts the theme of the album; a lot of care has been put into the melodic elements, and as the second tracks kicks in, early Dream Theater comes to mind, courtesy of the keyboard / guitar combo. A nice song with a very pleasing structure.

Up next is "map of the past", the title track; possibly one of the standouts, with excellent arrangements and melodies. This song has single written all over it and some very hypnotic keyboard phrases - this track is also a treat for fans of big classic prog guitar solos.

Track number 4 is a slow ballad that creates space and release from the title track's power. The band takes us to their more gentle and sensitive side with a great vocal melody over a very direct to the heart musical canvas.

By hearing "flag" by itself, one could easily place it in some late 80s prog record. The vibe and movement are really a trademark of that era's compositions; with it, It Bites regain the momentum and build up to another highlight of the album.

"The big machine" starts as you would expect: big; and quickly goes into an extremely juicy chorus. Another song that has the ability to capture the listener, where the band again showcases its exquisite taste in melodic composition. The synth lead is awesome and pairs perfectly with another great guitar solo.

Once again the pace rises, as "cartoon graveyard" kicks in. This one sports a softer tone, with some arrangements that bring to mind something that could have been on a Queen record. The complex structure will bring a smile to the more posh prog fanatics.

Track 8 tightens up and creates tension; here the band takes the listener on a carousel of peaks and valleys, that lead into "meadow and the stream" with its lush entrance; evocative of the golden era of prog. What a great construction; this track really puts the emphasis on progression, as it gracefully mutates from section to section. A connection to the past is clearly evident on this one, a sign that It Bites did not forget its roots as it ventured into uncharted waters.

"The last escape" returns the listener to the mellow and delicate ballady mood that you can expect from the band. A slower tune embellished by an emotive guitar solo.

The album comes to a close with the aptly named "exit song", where the concept is closed in a conversation with the photograph.

An excellent effort that will again put It Bites on the prog map. The safe approach is replaced by a more adventurous and mature performance that really showcases very good taste in arrangements. The musicianship is also a highlight, where it is clearly evident that this is a team effort where instruments add up and contribute to the whole, as opposed to the despotism that abounds in the current prog ecosystem.

It Bites Online:
Website: http://itbites.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oncearoundtheworld
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/itbites

Inside Out Online:
Website: http://www.insideoutmusic.com




Review:Gonçalo Lemos Matias
Post: Francisco Monteiro






Music Genres: Metal |

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