Rough Edge: T CD Reviews

"Voices" (Galileo Records; 2006)

Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter

T released his first solo release “Naïve” back in 2001 – I know I wasn’t impressed with the album upon my first listen so I passed it along to a junior scribe for these humble pages.

“Voices” is T’s second release and the album is progressive rock/post rock with a heavy emotional overtone and ambient, atmospheric undercurrent. The music is generally mellow although the intensity in some songs rises to the fore like unending, undulating waves.

“Voices” is a concept album, but I’d be hard pressed to figure out what the story line is without concerted effort – and I’m lacking on time at the moment. But I can tell you from the haunting, moody nature of “Voices” and the slow-burn build-up of most of the tracks that the songs emanate from dark places that have left their stain on T (or at least his vivid imagination). “Voices” presents sonic images that have shadows cast upon them by any variety of ills in the world. The near-epic length of the tracks gives the songs the extremes of serenity when apparent but also the gravity of situations as they drag down on the weary.

The many years doing the Rough Edge gig have tended to bring out the instinctual bad feelings I usually about one-man projects, but “Voices” convinced me pretty quickly that it is not a typical one-man project. Many years, copious preparation, and hard choices probably went into the full-scope of making “Voices” connect on a variety of levels.

“Voices” is for fans of Marillion, early Genesis, spacey Pink Floyd, Camel, mid-era Porcupine Tree, No-Man, and Alan Parsons.

“Voices” was produced by T.

T is the former Scythe guitarist (Thomas Thielen for those of you who must know). Under this self-named moniker T performs all instruments and voices.

For more information visit http://www.naiveland.de/.

"Naive" (Galileo Records; 2001)

Reviewed by Rose Grech

T, the singer and guitarist from the German band Scythe, is going solo with his first album "Naïve."

"Naïve" features songs of real emotions and beautiful lyrics, which creates a surreal atmosphere with melodies, weird rhythms and bold harmonies. The album produces a state that mixes dreams and thoughts into one sound.

This could be categorized as progressive rock and has similar elements to Bjork, Radiohead, Sting and Pink Floyd.

T performs all the instruments and voices as well as arranged and produced the whole material. T states that this "is the most personal music I have ever made."

"Naïve" is truly a unique, experimental-sounding album that will take most people some time to adapt to. However if you are already into this type of sound then you will probably take a liking to it quickly.

For more info check out that their website at http://www.galileo-records.com.

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.

Back to CD Reviews Home

Back to RoughEdge.com Home