Originally released in 1996, Human Interest Story was the debut CD for New Jersey prog band 3RDegree, and now we fast forward 17 years and their current label, 10T Records, have reissued & remastered the album for those who might have missed it the first time around. The band at the time were comprised of George Dobbs (Vocals),
Robert James Pashman (Keyboards, Bass, Vocals), Pat Kliesch (Guitars, Vocals), and
Rob Durham (Drums, Vocals). Those who have been following the group in recent years will be intrigued by this early recording, as you can see how they have grown and matured as players & writers over the years, but Human Interest Story is still a powerful statement of modern progressive that pays homage to their influences.
Hints of Rush, Yes, Genesis, Enchant, Gentle Giant, and Todd Rundgren pop up quite often on Human Interest Story, so be on the lookout for robust vocal harmonies and expert instrumentation throughout. The title track and "Ladder" are two powerful prog numbers that kick things off, each one probably more muscular than some of the material the band has written in recent years, before settling into a catchy atmospheric pop tune called "I". Those addicting hooks return on the more upbeat "Top Secret", while the melodic "Why Me?" reminds a bit of some of the soaring gems from the band Tears For Fears. The textured guitar riffs from Kliesch drive the lush "Be There", and shimmering keyboards & elastic bass lines courtesy of Pashman just pull you in on the addicting "Stardust", which is like a meeting of Rush and The Flower Kings. After the gorgeous instrumental piece "Black Orchid", the band jump in with the hard rocking "Your New Wave", complete with some stunning vocal passages from Dobbs and the rest of the band. "Locked Inside" also hits pretty hard but delivers the hooks almost like vintage Saga, and "Bloodstream" contains some enticing heavy rock guitar riffs and waves of impressive vocals. Things climax with the epic "Misfortune On Main Street (i. 13 ii. Mistakes vi. We Must Wake Now)", probably the most Rush influenced track on the album, complete with layers of fantastic guitar textures, melodic bass grooves, intricate drum work, and emotional vocal passages (both lead & backing).
Available only as a digital download from the link below, Human Interest Story also includes a FREE limited time only download (via email directly from the band) of a new song from the band called "What It Means To Be Human." So, jump on this one as quickly as possible to take advantage of this offer, and hear what the band sounded like back in the beginning as well as a teaser to where they are going next.
Track Listing
1. Human Interest Story (3:55)
2. Ladder (6:46)
3. I (4:06)
4. Top Secret (4:40)
5. Why Me? (3:48)
6. Be There (4:23)
7. Stardust (4:08)
8. Black Orchid (2:55)
9. Your New Wave (4:17)
10. Locked Inside (4:25)
11. Bloodstream (3:54)
12. Misfortune On Main Street (i. 13 ii. Mistakes vi. We Must Wake Now) (11:39)
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