The eclectic West Coast Hard Rock fusion band, Cosmosquad, have a smoking CD on their hands in their 4th release, Acid Test (Marmaduke Records). This rockin' CD is the icing on the cake that solidifies Cosmosquad as one of the foremost Prog Rock instrumental bands on the scene today. Acid Test mixes so many different genres all up into a tight package that is sure to NOT disappoint.
Led by veteran guitarist Jeff Kollman (Mogg/Way- members of UFO, Glenn Hughes) and Canuck drummer Shane Gaalaas (Diesel Machine, B'z), this is the 1st studio Cosmosquad CD since 2001's Squadrophenia, and it is well worth the wait! This is also the 1st CD without co-founding member, bassist Barry Sparks, who's big shoes were filled by 3 very capable bass players, Kevin Chown ( Uncle Cracker), Paul Shihadeh (Scott Kinsey) and Christopher Maloney (Dweezil Zappa, Hardline). Recorded at drummer Gaalaas' studio in Simi Valley, CA, Acid Test is melodic, heavy and their most dynamic CD to date.
The CD goes from Hard Rockin' stuff like lead track, "NuMena" and "Lubitorium" to the Tool-ish vibe of "The Spy Who Ate Her" to the Jazzy 1st half of "Bedbucket" that finishes with an assault to the brain with drummer Gaalaas showing off his heavy footed chops. Acid Test is simply a great fucking CD! Pardon my French, but that's the best way to put it. Guitar man, Jeff Kollman, does NOT disappoint here one bit. From early Van Halen-ish riffing to Hendrix fueled bends, Kollman finds a way to just own each track. Kollman is not a household name YET, but he should be! He rips it up on the entire record and any fan of the Schenker, Uli Roth or early EVH will eat up Kollman. Damn, the guy can play! Nice to finally hear someone that doesn't have to use a sweep arpeggio to show his chops! Check out the great Strat tone on "Swink" for another example of less is more. Kollman gets it!
Cosmosquad's Acid Test is almost a perfect CD, with the iPod MP3 rip factor at its highest level (I found myself adding all 9 songs from this one on to my iPod!). With Jeff Kollman's old school rifferage and the amazingly diverse, moody and funky songs that Cosmosquad have thrown together, Acid Test is easily one of the best records of the year, instrumental or not. There is a coolness factor from note one on this record that can't be denied. Be prepared for a great record with amazing musicianship and even better songs. Cosmosquad rules!
Track Listing
- NuMena
- The Spy Who Ate Her
- Lubitorium
- Bedbucket
- Goathead
- Hindenburg
- The Long Walk Goodbye
- Swink
- Grossalicious
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