Confusion CD Reviews

CONFUSION

"Enter Alone" (Diamond Snake; 2003)

In the summer of 2002, I reviewed Confusion's 2001 CD "Genesis" (their second overall). Now - only a year later - I have received Confusion's latest effort, "Enter Alone" (via Diamond Snake Records).

The impact of "Enter Alone" is immediate as the album's first track, "Quarter Past Three," cascades through the speakers with unabashed emotion and "Spanish Way" surges with energetic fervor and gutsy playing. This up-tempo mood prevails throughout "Enter Alone" save for a few quiet numbers towards the latter half of the disc.

Much of what I said in my review of "Genesis" remains true with "Enter Alone." Overall, "Enter Alone" balances progressive rock and jazz-fusion in a solid manner. Compositionally, there isn't much difference between the two records although one might argue that "Enter Alone" has tighter songwriting and I wouldn't disagree.

A couple of features on "Enter Alone" that weren't part of the sound of "Genesis" are the supple inclusion of blues, a more Southern California sound (i.e. the sound made popular by Joe Satriani), and a greater emphasis on smooth vibes created by guitar synths and keyboards. All of these elements give "Enter Alone" a fuller, richer sound, from beginning to end, as a total listening experience. Not to mention that the overall impact of the album can probably reach a wider base of music fans as well.

I feel that "Enter Alone" represents Confusion as a more relaxed and more confident band. While Confusion will largely appeal to the jazz-fusion contingent, there is lots of material on "Enter Alone" that will be of interest to fans of instrumental rock guitar. Among Rough Edge readers especially, fans of progressive rock would be wise to consider adding Confusion's "Enter Alone" to their collections.

"Enter Alone" was produced by Achilleas Diamantis & Confusion.

Confusion is Achilleas Diamantis on guitar, Panagiotis Haramis on bass, and Takis Intas on drums.

For more information visit http://www.confusionmusic.com.

"Genesis" (Mille Records; 2001)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

Confusion is a prog-rock trio from Greece that plays rock-oriented, jazz/fusion-influenced instrumentals that reach into the expanse of time with thoughtful, inquisitive, and exploratory jams that challenge the listener throughout.

Confusion isn't really confused about what they do; I believe the name of the band has more to do with the very complicated nature of the world around us. Confusion ran the gamut from a heavier, more musically scholarly version of Steely Dan to the (sometimes) understated jazz/fusion underpinnings of Candiria. Because of the nature of the instrumentals it is easy to say that fans of the Vai/Satriani/Johnson school of shredding will find something to like here as well as anyone who appreciates John McLaughlin, Larry Coryell, and Allan Holdsworth. I'd like to compare Confusion to the Boston-based Event, but Confusion are more on the jazz-fusion side of the musical ledger than Event or any other band covered on the pages of Rough Edge as you can tell from the artists listed in the previous sentence. I definitely get the feeling that Confusion are influenced by Al DiMeola, the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and Return To Forever.

While the typical Rough Edge reader who truly takes their love of hard rock and heavy metal seriously probably won't find much to appreciate in Confusion's "Genesis," I can say that fans of progressive rock will find something to like with the band's effort. Fans of Hess, Attention Deficit, Byrd, Gordian Knot, King Crimson, Pallas, and Rick Ray would all find something to like in Confusion's brand of jazzy progressive rock.

"Genesis" was produced by Achilleas Diamantis and Confusion.

Confusion is Achilleas Diamantis on guitars, Panagiotis Haramis on bass, and Takis Intas on drums.

For more information visit http://www.confusionmusic.com/html/index.htm.

Rating Guide:

A classic. This record will kick your ass.

Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.

So-so. You've heard better.

Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.

Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.

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