Round 1 Results: Shotgun
Selection type: Limited Free-for-all
Results are in order from least points to most points:
Nekov
Trey Gunn and Marco Minnemann - Pole
Oh man you got screwed by the round. It's a smile worthy quirk piece but there's not a whole lot to digest. Clearly more of a filler than anything. Some nice bass and drum work, though.
dethklok09
The Devil Wears Prada - "Big Wiggy Style"
Though the song gets some props for referencing one of my favorite albums as an eleven year old, immediately the guitar tone is one I find generic and devoid of originality (tone-wise). There were some redeeming riffs in the song but my biggest problem with genres like this is the complete lack of identity between songs and even bands for that matter. So while I'd consider this a tolerable listen it's one genre I tend to steer completely clear of unless someone happens to be playing it.
Perpetual Change
Cynic - "Nunc Stans"
One of the bands I've heard in prog metal circles but never really listened to outside of them opening for Between The Buried And Me. I gotta admit the track itself is kind of underwhelming, though I can imagine as an album closer maybe it fits better in context with the album. The biggest problem is the vocals don't really interest me at all. His vocal tone is just...there, and the mix is soft in that regards. I'll give Focus a listen one of these days regardless.
Ravenheart
The Cruxshadows - "Winterborn (Subway to Sally Mix)"
Oh look I reeled in a remix! Honestly the first thing that came to my mind was Age Of Empires 2 and that's not a bad thing since the music in that game ruled. So AOE2 mixed with Sneaker Pimps/Massive Attack sounds about right. The songs stripped down sound does work in its favor to give it a unique sound but at times it can sound a bit goofy. The only problem is it goes on for a little too long. I did go and check out the original out of pure curiosity and man what a difference between the two.
MasterShakezula
Return To Forever - "Medieval Overture"
At first it reminded me of Emerson, Lake, and Palmer, or what little I've heard of them. The instrumentation seems solid all around but the keys are a bit much for my taste. They've got that "quirky Rudess" vibe I'm not too fond of. I do appreciate the jazz elements but it's a little too meandering for my tastes.
Gorille85
dredg - "Not That Simple"
This tickles my alternative rock fancy quite well. I had actually heard about dredg ever since Catch Without Arms came out but never gave them much of a chance. What I liked with this song is how laid back everything is but how well layered it is even if it's a bit pop rocky. The vocals aren't too bad but not spectacular and the chorus treads a bit into generic rock territory. Still not a bad listen at all.
antigoon
My Morning Jacket - "Easy Morning Rebel"
I have no idea why I liked this song as much as I did but it might have something to do with how easy going it was. I do have a soft spot for stuff like this and it quite delivered. And the horns, oh yes, the horns added that little something extra. What really made the song was the ending and man did that ever slay.
zxlkho
dredg - "Same Ol' Road"
As with "Not That Simple" I dug the alternative rock vibe but the groove really did it for me with this song. There was also very subtle elements of things I love in music all throughout the song which was a huge plus. The simplicity of the middle of the song in particular works in its favor and really clicks. Vocals are still a tad iffy but I can get used to them.
The Tally:
8 - zxlkho
7 - antigoon
6 - Gorille85
5 - MasterShakezula
4 - Ravenheart
3 - Perpetual Change
2 - dethklok9
1 - Nevok