Baliset - A Time for Rust

Abstract art is one of the most confusing to look at and understand.  One moment, you may see something and a few seconds later, you see something completely different.  Abstract music is similar, except that instead of seeing, you hear two completely different things.  One band that has been very good at abstract music is Maudlin of the Well.  Since the band broke up originally, they have spawned Kayo Dot and now, Baliset.  Baliset is the project of ex-Maudlin of the Well member Greg Massi and the debut album A Time for Rust shows some influences from his former band.

Like any Maudlin of the Well or Kayo Dot album, either the listener will get Baliset or they will think of it as too complicated.  On the title track, there is a more up-tempo feel to the music, as it seems the band wants to break away from the mold.  However, on “Black Light Moon,” the music goes back to a more “traditional” sound that is familiar to Maudlin of the Well fans in a sense that it is easygoing and without any self-restraint.  An interesting thing that the band has going on the album is that every odd numbered track like “The Art of Contrition” is an instrumental that offers the listener an outlet to experiment with the prog style of rock while the even numbered track like “Dreamflesh” gives the band a chance to act even further on those leanings while developing an identity with vocals.  The vocals are okay, with some typical prog characteristics contained within both the male and female vocals on the album.  Given that the band plays along the lines of the aforementioned bands, it will appeal to fans of those bands while those who haven’t gotten into the bands to this point will likely skip Baliset.  Even those who are into the bands will find it hard to tell the two apart, as they sound fairly similar.

Baliset offers some good music for a relaxing day in the sun and even has some potential to be great.  However, those who have followed Maudlin of the Well will likely be unable to distinguish Baliset from Maudlin of the Well.  The rock part of Baliset is very good, but until the band puts it all together, it will be difficult to break from the shadow of Maudlin of the Well. 

Release Date: March 17, 2009
Label: Band Self Released

TRACK LISTING

1. These Moments Are…
2. A Time for Rust
3. Machinery Listens to Love
4. Black Light Moon
5. The Art of Contrition
6. Dreamflesh
7. Winterlude
8. The Echo Box

Total playing time:  43:11

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*Comments:

Reviewer: Peter

June 16, 2010