Mike Metlay formed
Team Metlay in 1990. The group is comprised of 8 fellow members of a computer information exchange known to many of you as "the Internet." These members met in Pittsburgh in late December 1990 to pool their musical resources for two weeks. Each song is based around an individual member's idea, and elaborated on and developed by the group as a whole. There are TONS of equipment on this CD, much too much to mention in this review. The first and second songs, although written by different members, have a familiarity. The ambience created is much like the music of the late Clara Mondshine, or recent Xisle and Nightcrawlers material. The third piece, written by Carl Brenner is a cross between Peter Gabriel's "Passion" soundtrack and a slow, breathy sci-fi thriller. John Rossi's contribution reminds me of
Jeff Beck's "Constipated Duck" with nice arpeggios and some great Jan Hammer sounding leads. The other three cuts are also worth mentioning, but not as strong or as imaginative as the first four - with one exception. The last cut, "Loremarie" Nick Rothwell's baby, is a tasty classical-influenced piece with great arranging. When considering the concept and execution of this project I think the composers and all concerned succeeded admirably. The music seems to be almost listening to itself, slowly forming a new articulate language. Available from: Atomic City, PO Box 81175, Pittsburgh PA 15217-0675. ~ Ben Kettlewell, Dreams Word