Amethyst
[demo]
Reviewed by Doug Van Pelt
This eight-song tape features some good playing, especially the guitar playing of guest musician Bart Stevens, but rhythm guitarist Mark Fekete's vocals sound strained. With a little vocal coaching and production help, this band could blow down some doors. Right now they're doin' okay. The songs are good melodic numbers with lots of punch. Highlights include "Forever" and "Joyful Noize". "Forever" takes a double guitar trot a la Iron Maiden. One of the only drawbacks to the songwriting is that each song is so similar to each other. They're predictable: starting off mellow and melodic, with guitar picking, and then they dive into hard and fast rockin'. This repetition can make the band a parody of themselves if they don't throw in more changes. Good sonics, good tunes, good band...will get better with time. For ordering info, write: Mark Fekete, E 12112 Boone Ave, Spokane WA 99206-6703.