Presto Ballet are a popular draw here, the music might be a throwback to 60’s and 70’s styled music, but it is played in a modern context, just how we like it.
Written by: gdmonline
ARTIST: Presto Ballet
ALBUM: The Days Between
LABEL: Rat Pak Records
SERIAL: RPR603085
YEAR: 2018
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Kurdt Vanderhoof – guitars * Chuck Campbell – vocals * Kerry Shacklett – keyboards * Bobby Ferkovich – bass * Charlie Lorme – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Out Of Mind (It’s Outta Sight) * 02 Earthbound * 03 Tip Of The Hat * 04 I Just Drive * 05 Hard Times For Dreamers * 06 I Am Wire
RATING: 90/100
Background
This is a band we’ve covered since they first broke onto the scene back in 2005. From Seattle, main-man Kurdt Vanderhoof has a history with stalwarts Metal Church along with his own band Vanderhoof, but for many Glory Daze residents, Presto Ballet is where it’s at.
The band have been off the map for six years, and now feature a new drummer in Charlie Lorme. Kurdt has gone on record to say the music might be a throwback to 60’s and 70’s styled music, but it is played in a modern context. Listening to these six tracks (timed at 40 minutes), I can surely agree with that.
The Songs
‘Out Of Mind (It’s Outta Sight)’ is the first batter up to the plate, and if like your keyboards in the style of ancient proggie giants from the past then you’ll lap this up. I like the Starcastle flavoured synth passage part the way through. You can hear the song in the video link below.
‘Earthbound’ is a strident affair, loads of organ and driving guitar, and toward the end the tempo accelerates into quick time. ‘Tip Of The Hat’ come over as a subdued piece, but the solo section with a scintillating synth solo from Kerry Shacklett is a bit killer. Delicate piano wafts over ‘I Just Drive’, the track meanders freely over the course of its near 6 minute run-time, though the Shacklett synth solo goes for over a minute.
‘Hard Times For Dreamers’ lifts the tempo and energy noticeably, with Vanderhoof more prominent on guitar. The mid section changes course with some thrilling guitar/keyboard interplay. Why don’t we hear more of this in 2018? I ask you. ‘I Am Wire’ at 10 minutes long is the most diverse track on offer. The intro is preceded by some interesting keyboard sound effects, the second change-up moment occurs at about the 2 minute mark, and shifts tempo upward from that point.
The third distinct change occurs at the 4 minute mark, a symphonic section which holds for just over a minute before the synth solo arrives, building momentum until about the 7.30 mark. The song rolls out with more keyboard effects and that crashing second stage section. A fantastic epic track which you can hear in the video section below.
In Summary
After a few indie deals in the past, the band are now signed to U.S rock/metal label RatPak, who have bands such as Roxanne, Lynch Mob and KXM on their books.
As for the album cover? Maybe I’m reading more into than I should, but I haven’t quite worked out its meaning. If anyone can offer an explanation, that would be great. Check the link above, as it takes you to RatPak’s page on PB, where there are all sorts of goodies available to buy including vinyl.
Presto Ballet on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
