A short story by Ray Bradbury has provided the inspiration for The Veldt, the latest release from Zappa-inspired LA based alt rockers HB3, a three piece consisting of HB3 on vocals and bass, Steve Casa on guitar and Mario Lackner on drums. This is an album that crosses all musical boundaries from electronica and hip-hop to also incorporate elements of jazz fusion, African rhythms and prog. Parts are heavily distorted with random interjections of lyrics that thematically head off in a sinister direction ("Manimal", "Haunted Houses"). For the most part the cosmic jamming provides a tasteful and soothing aural experience ("Qu'est-ce Que C'est, Funky?") and the extended keyboard intro to "Harmonium" is a 70's prog rock fans delight but ultimately the overabundance of electronic effects suggest a Giorgio Moroder fixation within the band that is not always a good thing. "Green Fire In The Forest" arrives late in the day to offer an appealing ethereal soundscape that will delight aficionados of Mike Oldfield but this is one where "try before you buy" would be well advised and the majority of the album can be heard at HB3's MySpace site.
Track Listing
Overture (Behold the Sea)
Pay Me Pray Me
The Veldt
Haunted Houses
Casual Betrayal
Qu'est-ce Que C'est, Funky?
Manimal!
Harmonium
007
Close But No Cigar
Green Fire in the Forest
Lion & Lamb
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
