HEAVY MEDDLE
It's not often you hear a group/band that plays all-instrumental music, yet maintains that 'band' feeling, where
each member is an integral part of the mix. New York's Magic Elf is one of those rare gems who still hold true
to their musical vision, never loosing focus, nor indulging in mindless noodling wank-fests which so often plague
releases of this nature. Comprised of guitarist Carl Roa (a monster player, check out
www.carlroa.com), bassist
Roy Altemus (
www.royaltemus.com) and superb drummer Dave Miranda (
www.davemiranda.com), these guys
are total pros at their instruments, maintaining a strong sense of dynamics and intense musicianship. But what
truelly seperates Magic Elf from many of their contemporaries is that they pen songs that are not only musical
but very dynamic, allowing each member to fully demonstrate their respective capabilities. Opening track 'Calamity
Castle' lays down the blueprint for what listeners can expect throughout this 9 track disc - intense solos, shifting
time signatures, great solo spots and spot-on production (this disc is sonically perfect, and considering these guys
recorded it themselves, my hat goes off to them once again - nice work). Their is a strong jazz/fusion feel to some
of these tracks, which will most definitely appeal to the musicians out there, but there is also plenty for those who
just want to drool at the prestine solos of Carl Roa, or the perfect rhythm section of Miranda/Altemus.
