EP review: THE ENGINE ABOVE – Savage Fingers

Self-released [Release date 04.05.19]

The Engine Above (they were previously called the Jeremy Tardif Band) return with their second EP in the series that continues the story of the Pilot, a story that has a nautical and environmental theme. The Engine Above are Jeremy Tardif (vocals, keyboards), Earl Heath (drums), Doug MacPherson (bass) and Kerry MacPherson (guitar).

Three songs, the longest clocking in a just under five minutes, so the band pack a lot of prog into a short space of time as can be heard on ‘Council Of Whales’. This song manages to include both a keyboards and guitar solo. ‘Depths To The Shallows’ has a Dream Theater feel, less the bombast often associated with that band. ‘System Paradigm’ features a neat drum pattern and again highlights the band’s love of a good melody. Proof you don’t need long songs to do prog well.

The Engine Above have produced another fine piece of music in the continuing story of The Pilot. Accessible and keyboard led melodic prog rock, that leaves the scene set nicely for the next EP. ***1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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