CoC : Clockwork - Search : Review

Clockwork - _Search_
(Independent, 1997)
by: Brian Meloon (6.5 out of 10)

A Philadelphia-based band, these guys just put out this four- song EP by themselves. They're trying to avoid the typical Dream Theater-clone sound, and to a large extent, they've succeeded, due mainly to their vocalist. Instead of the typical progmetal singer style, he sounds more like Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull). His vocal lines tend to stay in the lower registers, avoiding the high singing style which is so common in progmetal today. While Clockwork do have some musical similarities to Dream Theater, they aren't a clone band: They have a moderately distinctive sound. The music is varied, with nice changes in dynamics, some catchy melodies, and even some robotic-like vocals (like a lower Cynic synth vocal). The production is a little faded, but it is listenable, and their songs aren't too dependent upon the production. The playing is good, with some intricate parts in places, and no obvious flaws. Overall, while this EP has some good parts to it, and falls outside of the traditional progmetal mold, I hesitate to recommend it completely. Still, it's a good release, and shows some potential.

(article published 12/8/1997)