CoC : Baliset - A Time for Rust : Review

Baliset - _A Time for Rust_
(Ret Con Recordings, 2009)
by: Quentin Kalis (6.5 out of 10)

Greg Massi, perhaps best known as a founding member of maudlin of the Well, and its later incarnation, Kayo Dot, has left behind the increasingly avantgarde tendencies of the latter for a more accessible form of audio expression. Relatively speaking, of course, as the cornucopia of rock and metal genres he dips into is vast and the shifts are not always seamless. (The opener is a perfect example of this, juxtaposing a low-key acoustic passage with up-tempo Maiden style riffing.) Massi is joined by long-time collaborator Adam Letourneau and a veritable legion of guests to flesh it out, most notably the inspired use of trained female vocals as a counterpoint to his less polished -- yet still good -- vocals. The constant but often clumsy shifts are simultaneously the greatest strength and weakness, creating an interesting and varied album, but also some strained compositions. Had this arisen from a couple of newbie kids, _A Time for Rust_ would have been a significant accomplishment, but I would expect more from someone of Massi's experience and background. This is an act to watch as Massi has already proven himself as a musician, he just needs to find his voice in his new project and regain his song writing skills.

Contact: http://www.baliset.net

(article published 14/2/2010)