I\'m A Badass Caption: I can haz links, style or anything that is valid markup :)

CD/DVD Releases: Tiles To Release "Pretending To Run" March 2016 Via Laser's Edge

Posted on Sunday, December 06 @ 01:04:33 UTC by admin

A trio of news items regarding Detroit-based prog rockers Tiles. Firstly, the band announced in September that drummer Max Portnoy of Next To None makes a guest appearance on their upcoming double album Pretending To Run.

Guitarist Chris Herin reports: "Max is the son of Mike Portnoy -- and clearly the drumming acorn didn't fall far from the tree! When I first approached Mike to guest on our album I also asked him if Max might be interested in playing too. After sending Mike several tunes to consider, he came back with the epic 'Stonewall' as his choice and suggested that 'Fait Accompli' would be perfect for Max. I was actually a little surprised since 'Fait Accompli' has a straight ahead Badfinger/Supertramp groove. But Mike knew what he was doing and said it was a chance to take Max out of his complex prog-metal comfort zone and nurture his versatility. Plus they both really liked the song.

"Max definitely delivered the goods. He was very well-prepared and totally dialed into the pocket, playing tasty fills in all the right places and moving seamlessly through the meter changes. But what makes Max' appearance extra special is he teams up with Mike during the song's instrumental bridge sections. It was heart-warming watching the father/son bond at work -- especially as they worked out their duet parts. Many thanks to Max and Mike for their great playing -- and for making their Portnoy family debut on Pretending To Run."

Max Portnoy rounds out an impressive list of notable guest musicians on Pretending To Run which includes Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Mike Portnoy (Winery Dogs, Flying Colors, Ex-Dream Theater), Mike Stern (Miles Davis), Kim Mitchell (Max Webster), Adam Holzman (Steven Wilson Band, Miles Davis), Kevin Chown (Chad Smith, Sebastian Bach) and Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree).

Pretending To Run is produced & mixed by Terry Brown (Rush, Fates Warning) and is slated for an early-2016 release. Stay up-to-date with all the latest developments by visiting the "Tiles Files Newsletter."

In November, they announced a live performance on December 9 at the Token Lounge in Westland, Michigan, and that the group had signed to The Laser's Edge. Here's that press release:

Leading American progressive label collective, Laser's Edge Group, has completed a deal with long-running Detroit progressive hard rock quartet, Tiles, for the upcoming release of the band's mighty sixth studio full-length, the 2xCD Pretending To Run.

Since 1995, Tiles has issued five prior albums, including their debut on Dream Circle Records, a record on Standing Pavement Recordings, and four albums on Inside Out. The band's first studio album since 2008's Fly Paper, and their first for Laser's Edge, Pretending To Run clocks in with over ninety-six minutes of incredibly expansive, brand new material, spanning two discs. Pretending To Run is an ambitious and richly crafted concept album that spins the tale of a man blindsided and disillusioned by betrayal. Brooding and expressive, Tiles explores the dark subject matter by weaving stylistically diverse musical elements throughout their progressive hard rock platform. Lyrical string arrangements, haunting choir performances and reflective soundscapes coexist with hard rock heaviness to create a tapestry of emotional drama as the songs chart a path from isolation to redemption.

Pretending To Run was produced by Terry Brown (Rush, Fates Warning) and features a remarkable collection of guest musicians including Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull), Mike Portnoy (Flying Colors, Winery Dogs, ex-Dream Theater), Adam Holzman (Steven Wilson Band), Mike Stern (Miles Davis), Kim Mitchell (Max Webster), Colin Edwin (Porcupine Tree), Kevin Chown (Tarja Turunen, Chad Smith), Matthew Parmenter (Discipline), Mark Mikel (Pillbugs), Joe Deninzon, Max Portnoy (Next To None) and many others.

Laser's Edge released the following statement on bringing the band onto the label's roster: "Tiles has long been one of the standard-bearers of American progressive rock. I first saw the band perform back in 1999 and they've been on my radar ever since. It's a pleasure to add them to our roster and I'm looking forward to our collaboration. When I first heard Pretending To Run it was clearly and unmistakably Tiles but infused with a more expansive sound. The contributions from the guest artists take Tiles into new directions that will please their fans old and new."

Collectively issues Tiles in a statement about the signing, "We are extremely pleased to partner with the Laser's Edge to release our long-awaited new double album, Pretending To Run. For over twenty years, progressive rock and metal aficionados have come to rely on the label's discerning judgment for releasing the finest in new progressive music – so joining their roster is indeed a gratifying compliment! We are confident they will put the full force of their expertise into bringing Pretending To Run to the attention of progressive hard rock fans everywhere."

Pretending To Run will feature artwork by Hugh Syme and is scheduled for a March 4th, 2016 release through Laser's Edge. Stand by for the album's track listing, cover artwork, production/studio videos, audio samples, several official music videos, Tiles tour dates and much more to be announced throughout the coming months.

[Source: Tiles website & Earsplit Public Relations]

Posted in Album Release News

Sorry, Comments are not available for this article.