Album review: ANXTRON – Brainstorm
Self-release www.anxtron.com
I guarantee if you heard this album playing in the background of your local wine bar, you’d find it strangely addictive as you got progressively inebriated. That’s not being disrespectful to Anxtron, it could be the perfect antidote to a hard day at the office. It’s refreshing to hear an all-instrumental album evidently inspired, but not ruled, by classic prog.
The opener ‘ 1037′ is a good enough taster with its Camel-like synth bassline and a general vibe that almost sets it in 1975 Continental Europe when there was a swathe of instrumental prowess coming from bands like PFM, Supersister and Alquin.
‘Ant Attack’ is extremely catchy whilst ‘Skyscraper’ opens with the bombast of Ozric Tentacles but soon veers into another Continental Europe mid-seventies masterpiece. And this band are from Brazil.
’Tull Lake’ doesn’t sound anything like the one-legged flautist but I’ve no doubt the band – and the guitarist – are influenced by the Flying Dutchmen but without the yodels. It’s marvellous to hear some organic guitar and synth interplay and a band willing to make a bold statement without vocals. It also brings to mind an album that fellow GRTR! scribe Alan Jones raved over this year – from the Dutch band Toyz.
Check out also their YouTube video for ‘The Oasis’ when they supported Marillion in Rio de Janeiro in October 2012 (the album was recorded in 2011 and this is a new song).
Often with the “immediate” album, the novelty wears a little thin after a time. I mean how is this going to sound away from that wine bar? Well, if you have a half-decent hi-fi system, probably quite good. There is some virtuoso playing here from guitarist Eduardo and Gabriel Aquino (keys) and a fine rhythm section (Rafael Marcolino – drums – and Jose Marcus – bass – although the current bassist is Gabriel Souza) It remains tuneful throughout and hugely enjoyable. ****
Review by David Randall
David Randall presents ‘Assume The Position’ on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio every Sunday at 22:00 GMT.
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 1 December
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024
THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)
Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections