Modest Midget
Crysis
Multi-Polar Music (2014)
Following the group’s ambitious 2010 debut The Great Prophecy of a Small Man, Dutch group Modest Midget returns with 2014’s Crysis, an album that’s equally as sprawling, eclectic, and generally cheerful as its predecessor. Admittedly, it took me a few listens to really get into what Modest Midget had to offer on their first album, and this second effort is no different. Part of this may be due to the fact that the group tends to label itself as progressive rock, yet clearly is presenting a different variation of that style than I, having listened to many a Yes,King Crimson, or ELP album, might typically expect. To my ear, Modest Midget sounds sort of like 311 had they been more influenced by ‘70s rock: parts of Crysis remind me of Pink Floyd in terms of the instrumentation and grandiose composition that’s heard, but Modest Midget is as likely to delve into a ska punk section as continue with elaborate rock arrangements.Led by songwriter and composer Lionel “Lonny” Ziblat, Modest Midget incorporates a ton of styles into their sound, some of which seems to be based on the classical music which Ziblat admits having an affinity towards. Though Ziblat clearly has … Read more
The Tim Version
Ordinary Life
No Idea Records (2014)
The Tim Version’s set at Fest 12 was slower. The songs were drawn out—still loud, and angry—but they were a … Read more
Burial Hex
The Hierophant
Handmade Birds (2014)
Burial Hex, the project of multi-instrumentalist Clay Ruby has put out a plethora of releases, with their excellent debut, self-titled … Read more
Schammasch
Contradiction
Prosthetic (2014)
Existence is a series of challenges – ones that force you to adapt, to change and to create sides of … Read more
