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Ironia A Granite Scale (self-released, 2001) Ironia is a five piece hard rock band from Ironia, New Jersey, that seeks to mix elements of progressive rock, pop, folk, metal, techno, and fusion. They released their first CD A Granite Scale in the summer of 2001. A Granite Scale starts out as simple, blues-based guitar rock, but seems to morph as the CD moves along, gradually getting more "out" and unusual. The opener, "Chemical Moses," features a plain main riff that moves up and then down in consecutive minor scale tones, while "Shepherd of Eagles" moves through an AOR, Elton John style rock beat. An almost Zappa-esque feel starts with the sneering vocal lines in "Underground Stealing," but aside from that song and the weird voiceover on "Toe Jam," the music and lyrics over the whole CD aren't as wacky as that building musical feel would suit. Several power ballads, "Song of Parting," "Around the Bend," and "Life is Hard," are well executed, but sap the driving feel of the rest of the record. The musical highlights of A Granite Scale include "Rhino Racing," an instrumental in 9:8 time, and the up-tempo progressive rock of "Shackleton Perseveres," which moves through melodic vocal sections and tasteful instrumental breaks. The guitars sound grinding and wet, giving the music a glossy feel loosely similar to that of modern Van Halen. The bass rings clear in the low and high registers, while the drum hits sound eerily consistent, even over quiet passages. The vocals sound high and clear like Styx, but thin at times, especially in the high register. Placed very up front in the mix, they could stand to be set back a bit. The playing by all musicians shines, with soaring, whammy-bar wrenched lead guitar, popped bass riffs high up on the neck, and crisp drumming. The keyboards add background texture but rarely step to the forefront of the arrangements or mix. Ironia skillfully captures elements of 70s prog rock and artsy arena rock, like Yes and Styx, but frames these elements in songs of slightly different styles rather than smoothly blended into an original style. A Granite Scale offers different songs that many listeners may enjoy, but as a debut CD it doesn't yet present a consistent musical vision. Reviewed by Scott Andrews [scottandrews@his.com] More Info: http://www.ironia.net/
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