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Atropos Project: Equator

(Instrumental) Progressive Rock/Metal

4.5/5.0

Website (BandCamp) Facebook
Unsigned / Self-released
by Craig Hartranft,  05.04.2013

Atropos Project is the effort of one musician, John Quarles who composed, performed, recorded, and produced, with the help of some guests, all the songs on his debut album, Equator. It's an album of instrumental melodic progressive rock. Frankly, the album doesn't need any words as the music does all the talking here. Quarles has some serious talent, first in song composition and then in his skillful playing. The arrangements are quite intriguing and satisfying, blending elements of rock, metal, ambient, and even jazz fusion. The songs are lively and engaging, keeping you interested, and sometimes even keep you guessing. Quarles is also a deft musician, not least of his skills is his striking guitar work. It's combination of clean rock lines and experimentation. While prog music, especially instrumental prog, can be either elusive or self-absorbed, Equator is neither. It's engaging, interesting, and a great listen. Fundamentally, the songs simply sound great. Quarles should be proud of this work. Top picks: Spiralling, A Curious Trip, Drudgery, and And ... Lift, thanks to pedal steel, dobro, and slide guitars provided by Gary Richardi. Very recommended.

Note: All Amazon advertising in this review first benefits the artist, then Craig Hartranft also receives a residual. Click, and thanks for your support.

John Quarles's Atropos Project and Equator is engaging and intriguing melodic progressive rock and simply a great listen.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]