Be prepared to be amazed by a band that is in the same league as
the Grateful Dead and
Phish. Based firmly around an improv instrumental presentation,
Fat Apple has the musicians that pull this of with the grace and beauty that few could hope to achieve. One may want to be prepared to hunt down this album with a determination that has been unequaled since the days of camping out waiting for the tickets to go on sale for
the Grateful Dead's show. The jazz element on "Jack Splat," via some flighty bass riffs and tight percussion, starts off the melodic groove. When the dual vocal rap style joins in the mix, layered with some excellent jazz-based lead guitar work, one gets the jest of where
Fat Apple is coming from. With elements of rock, jazz, rap, and a splash of blues all firmly rooted in a contagious melody, one can not help but be strongly attracted, or at the very least curious about these masters of genre blending. The funk is on overload as
Fat Apple's rhythm section lays down a solid foundation for the melodic expansion of "Dance Little Brother." With a
Steve Miller-esque vocal base, and an instrumental sound groove that has echoes of
Phish in the presentation, "Dance Little Brother" is another amazing aural experience. The lyrics are humorous while containing a political statement, "Government Cheese" displays some creative songwriting genius within the ranks of the band. The groove on "Lunchmeat" again is focused around the bass and lead guitar being so tightly linked melodically. One is sure to be reminded of
the Grateful Dead's
Jerry Garcia and
Phil Lesh's masterful displays of instrumental grooving.
Fat Apple brings this splendid sound back into the spotlight, with a twist of originality in unique lyrical content and equally expansive instrumental jams. The percussion accents on "Dance By the Light of the Moon" display some extremely well thought out composing, as every beat is perfectly crafted to intensify the vocal and instrumental nuances. The jam between bassist, Kenny Howard and the guitar work of Scott Lloyd and Chris Pastore, will leave many in awe at the level of instrumental genius this band possesses. On the last tune of the album, "The Show," the band pulls out all the stops and leads the listener on an audio adventure that is crafted with melodic vocals, handsomely accentuated by guitar and percussive nuances. Never breaking from the solid formula of improv jazz enhanced rock phrases, the band is certainly one that entertains with graceful magnificence. Although
Fat Apple at first glance appears to be formed around the same platform that
the Grateful Dead and
Phish chiseled their marks into the rock with,
Fat Apple brings a signature originality to the overall sound that makes up their material. The melodies are selected with a very contagious magnetism, and extreme care is taken that each musician is complimented by the other. This makes for pleasurable and memorable songs that will withstand change that music will undoubtedly take, and will still remain unequaled timeless pieces of masterfully crafted art.