Hourglass - Subconscious

Year of Release: 2004
Label: self-released
Catalog Number: #
Format: CD
Total Time: 79:36:00

This review is part of a longer article A Day At The Indies; this is the second review in the grouping. -ed

[?] This week, I want to introduce the American "breakouts," those groups with grass-roots followings and some internet notoriety.

Utah's Hourglass tread more familiar territory on their second album, Subconscious. The sound is reminiscent of Kevin Moore-era Dream Theater and present-day Enchant, heavy more on melody than metal. The songs are topical and lengthy (only two run under five minutes); "Mists Of Darkness" (I really like that one) and "Exit Wounds" are multi-part suites. Mainstay-guitarist Brick Williams acquits himself admirably by showing off some nice licks and writing all the lyrics on Subconscious. The rest of Hourglass are just as capable, and do a good job of keeping up with Williams. Particularly fetching are the Moore-ish keyboards of Eric Robertson and the "Portnoy Lite" drumming of John Dunston. The one complaint I do have with Subconscious is the production, which is just a bit thin for my taste, but that's just a minor quibble. For those who think that Dream Theater has gone too far down the metal path, then Hourglass and Subconscious should provide some welcome relief. Learn more about Hourglass at www.hourglassband.com.

Tracklisting:
The Hammer's Strike (17:33) / Altered State (4:43) / Mists Of Darkness (20:09): The Mist (instrumental) - Washed Away - Silent Suffering / Thread The Needle (4:34) / Exit Wounds (32:27): Farewell - The Soldier - The Unbeliever - Daddy's Little Girl - The Believer - Widowed - The Soldier Alive

Musicians:
Brick Williams - electric, acoustic and nylon-string guitars
John Dunston - drums, percussion
Cody Walker - vocals
Eric Blood - bass
Jerry Stenquist - keyboards

Discography:
The Journey Into (2002)
Subconscious (2004)

Genre: Progressive Rock

Origin US

Added: October 3rd 2004
Reviewer: David Cisco

Artist website:
Hits: 3318
Language: english