Qodesh
[demo]
Reviewed by Camille Bresie
What can you say about this five-song effort? There is so much going on that it's hard to know where to start. These guys definitely know a variety of musical styles, but there is a big responsibility in displaying such diversity and it's too easy to be a jack-of-all-trades yet master of none. "Dead in California" starts off the tape with a great little funky groove; however, about a quarter of the way into the song, they change to a sort of technical metal mode and continue switching back and forth between the styles throughout the song--and the transition does not come off as well as it should have. Within the next song, "The Changing," Qodesh introduces yet another element of musical style--King's X style BGV harmonies--and they continue trying to squeeze in different musical styles. "1492" is entertaining enough until the band incorporates a King's X rip-off during the vocal break. Up to this point, it is like Fate's Warning meets King's X with a side of Extreme. "Here Am I" has great song potential and the guys get a really good funky thing working in this song. The last song, "I Give In," is the best all-around song on the tape. It is a great acoustic, ballad-like song with great lyrics, and it even shows the folksy musical side of this band. These guys have great potential as a band. They just need to stop trying to prove their musical variability and get rid of the incongruous musical styles. They do have a good musical thing working! Also, they should probably stay away from imitating King's X. With their talent, they can accomplish something similar in style, but "as is" they will constantly suffer an unfavorable comparison to King's X. Kevin Thornton is a talented bass player and they should utilize that ability and capitalize on the funky, groovin' style that they do so well. Musically, the guys in Qodesh have a lot of good things going for them and, with a little refining and trimming down, they could make an impact with their appealing and musically viable style. These guys are definitely worth checking out. To order, send $5 (plus $2 postage) to: PO Box 23098, Evansville IN 47724.