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By GREG MAKI
Somebody’s been listening to their Dream Theater records.
OK, that’s not an entirely fair statement. After all, who said Dream Theater is the only band allowed to play progressive metal? But they are the genre’s only band to taste mainstream success (albeit 15 years ago with “Pull Me Under”) and, thus, the sole reference point for many listeners.
On their second album, French act Spheric Universe Experience expertly covers all of the prog-metal bases. It almost feels like they had a handbook to follow. Their epic songs, which approach—and in one instance, top—10 minutes, are full of time changes and long instrumental sections showcasing solos by guitarist Vince Benaim and keyboardist Fred Colombo. Drums and bass create racing rhythms that serve as the foundation for the intricate interplay of the guitars and keyboards. Benaim and Colombo are stars in the making. Bassist John Drai and drummer Ranko Muller aren’t too shabby either. As technical players, they hold their own with anyone.
But ultimately, that’s all I get from them. They may be brilliant musicians, but Anima leaves me cold. There’s no feeling behind the virtuosity. Much of that falls on vocalist Franck Garcia, whose high-pitched tone reminds me of Charlie Dominici, the singer on Dream Theater’s little heard first album, When Dream and Day Unite (1989). James LaBrie, the longtime voice of Dream Theater, has his critics, but he is expressive and versatile enough to handle everything from the mellow, more progressive material to Metallica-style heaviness and aggression. Spheric Universe Experience goes mostly one speed, and Garcia essentially gives the same performance song after song.
Despite these criticisms, I’m not ready to write off Spheric Universe Experience. Any band this talented is worth keeping an eye on.
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