Bushwhack: Canvas (EP)

Bushwhack are a four piece band from Connecticut that play atmospheric progressive metal in the vein of Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree. In the band are Frank Sacramone (keyboards), Sean McCusker (bass), Jamie van Dyck (guitars, vocals) and Ben Shanbrom (lead vocals, drums). Canvas is the band's second release and although it is only an EP this time around, there is much to like here. The band still provides plenty of atmospheric moments but with Canvas there seems to be a little more intensity than there was previously with their self titled debut. The use of more vocals is also a welcome addition as Shanbrom has quite a good voice. His pleasant clean voice is often punctuated with an added aggressiveness that suits the band's brand of edgy progressive metal. This is a band that has tremendous potential and are just starting to develop their own sound.

Beginning with the elegant and heavy "Stonewall", the band kicks it up a notch with intense riffs and soaring vocals while still offering bits of moody keyboards, creating a melancholic atmosphere. "Morning" has a balladic beginning of acoustic guitar and pleasing vocals before the metallic riffs and chugging rhythms take hold before returning to softer themes. The heaviest song has to be "Flawed", an intense progressive metal number laced with heavy riffage and atmospheric guitar and keys. The progressive "Clubbed To Death" has the band's moody sound interjected with heavy sustained riffs, while quiet piano and a lush symphonic arrangement with marching drums completes the picture.

Canvas is a solid offering from Bushwhack, demonstrating a maturity in songwriting and overall performance that has this reviewer anticipating a full length release hopefully sooner rather than later. Well done guys.

Track Listing:
1. Stonewall
2. Morning
3. Flawed
4. Clubbed To Death

Added: April 5th 2010
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2318
Language: english

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