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Afterlife: self-titled (CD, 50:26); Mooseknuckle Productions This Los Angeles band is also known on the west coast as Caress of Steel, the Ultimate Tribute to Rush and yes the similarities twixt the two are evident even in the band layout. Jarrod Cox, the bassist is the vocals, the keys, and Midi Pedals. Michael Johnson is drums and percussion. Brian Montrey is guitars. They have a consistent format in all their songs, strong and catchy melody hooks and that upfront guitar wall-of- sound. The drumshots in sync with power chords and basslines is very Rush. Freeflowing rhythms, intelligent, insightful lyrics, and ample changeups keep all the songs interesting. When Jarrod Cox uses a higher range on vocals he very closely approaches the Geddy Lee banshee call. "Falling Apart" and "Love Medicine" really shine as the nearest-Rush songs. Montrey's rolling flat-picking, up and down his power chords is very Alex Lifeson. "Mosaic of Scars" has a Led Zep-ish ballad feel with Rush vocals. I dunno but I hear more than Geddy Lee in the vocals -- a tad of Guns 'N' Roses with a smidgen of Nazareth. Montrey does not go for flash nor monster screamin' solos but his fretwork his formidable. He tends more to Metallica riffs and wah-wah leadbreaks then Lifeson. Drums are Pearty in most respects. This band is tight and together with no wasted moments. This 9 song debut of Afterlife original material definitely puts them on the map in the progressive rock realm. Rush fans could use the Afterlife in their collection. -John W. Patterson
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