It is fitting that "Window Dressing" is the title track for Detroit prog rockers Tiles' fourth release: the leadoff track clocks in at over seventeen minutes, and comprises over one fourth of the album. It is in itself a miniature rock opera that could stand on its own as an EP. Chris Herrin's guitar falls into the King's X/Dream Theater range, while Paul Rarick's vocals are more in line with Yogi or Gary Cherone (Extreme, Van Halen).
As with most prog bands, some elements of Kansas can be heard, especially during "Tear-Water Tea," which actually uses a violin. Instrumental tracks "Stop Gap," "Unicornicopia," and "A.02" are tight, well-done, solid pieces that never become boring or repetitive.
Like King's X, Tiles seems destined to become one of those bands that has a loyal cult following, is huge in Europe, and is endorsed by other artists. Ian Anderson (Jethro Tull) and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) have both offered high praise regarding them, and they have received rave reviews in Norway, The Netherlands, and Germany.
Window Dressing is an excellent example of a progressive rock album with a more aggressive edge to it, and demonstrates the modern blurring of genres of music, yet not neglecting either style. Lyrically, it becomes apparent that the music does not fall into the range of the album's title: they are a commentary on life's events, and will throw you a few twists when you think you know where they are going. Inside Out has repackaged Tiles' first three discs -- I have the distinct feeling I'll be checking them out soon.
4 tocks
Other coverage for this album
HM Magazine #109Reviewed by Matt MorrowThis marks Tiles' fourth studio album. This special edition comes with a bonus live CD that is a bootleg concert when they were supporting Dream Theater a few years back. The sound quality is actually pretty decent on the live disc, and it gives those who aren't familiar with Tiles a peek into their music before this new disc. Window Dressing was mixed by Terry Brown (Rush, Cutting Crew, Fates…Similar sounding releases
2005Spock's BeardOctane
Brindley BrothersPlaying with the Light
2003FishField of Crows
2000Polarboy4008
2001The Seventy SevensA Golden Field of Radioactive Crows
1998SemisonicFeeling Strangely Fine
