Emerald Triangle- Tales of The Rondo [album]

Jade Steel/Emerald Triangle Records

December 30, 2005, 09:36 AM

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Buy Emerald Triangle- Tales of The Rondo [album] From Amazon.com

We’re in tricky territory here, kiddos. How does a band make an album with any integrity that is clearly 100% gimmick? How exactly does one release a comic-book rock record with a straight face? Let’s say that someone does have the nerve to attempt this brand of concept album, how far must they take the joke so it will transcend hilarity and enter the realm of relevance?

Emerald Triangle seem to have found the balance of musical prowess and humorous divisiveness with their album Tales of The Rondo. Complete with an accompanying comic book as the insert, the story of Jade Steel (singer/interdimensional adventurer) is well documented both in song and illustration. Any one element taken out of context regarding Emerald Triangle would perhaps be worth a hasty scoff, however all of the elements collectively create a rather enjoyable experience. Fun is definitely something lacking in modern rock so the opportunity to set aside a bit of my own pretension to pick up what Jade Steel is layin down is more than welcomed.

Without getting into the story, let’s talk about the album itself. There are a wide variety of influences that make their way onto Tales of The Rondo. A number of the songs are more or less power pop, but with just enough of Ira Black’s shredding to give it some balls (he IS in Metal Church and Vicious Rumors, afterall). ‘Rip It Up’ has a bit of a rocksteady reggae feel to parts and happens to contain one of the more infectious choruses, although most of the melodies throughout the album creep their way into your brain and lay their eggs after a few listens. The psycho metal circus vibe added to Stevie Wonder’s ‘Superstitious’ sounds surprisingly good, while ‘Strapped’ is either tapping into Disturbed or Motley Crue…I haven’t quite decided yet. Maybe both. The album has kind of an Orgy-ish feel at times while Gates of Time and The Journey would most likely win in a fight against any one of Korn’s new songs.

Now let’s talk about the visual aspects of Emerald Triangle, which are possibly just as essential in this project as the music. The 17 page comic book helps those who don’t feel like paying attention to lyrics understand what they’re listening to and ultimately kicks other CD insert’s asses. With artwork done by illustrator Marc Nordstrom, Tales of The Rondo wins my packaging award with one of the cleverest and well executed designs I have seen in some time. I have been told that in live performances, Emerald Triangle project animation on a screen behind them whilst rocking. Thankfully they are on tour right now AND coming through my area, so I will be able to check that out as it is undoubtedly quite an experience.

Tales of The Rondo is a witty and well done concept that manages to maintain its sense of musicianship and solid songwriting while telling a completely outlandish sci-fi tale. With all elements taken collectively as one piece of work, Emerald Triangle has created something rather unexpected but wholly fantastic.


Tour Dates:
SAT 01/28/06 San Francisco, CA
MON 01/30/06 Eugene, OR
TUE 01/31/06 Portland, OR
WED 02/01/06 Olympia, WA
THU 02/02/06 Seattle, WA
FRI 02/03/06 Spokane, WA
SAT 02/04/06 Salt Lake City, UT
MON 02/06/06 Lakewood, CO
TUE 02/07/06 Lawrence,*KS
WED 02/08/06 Kansas City, MO
THU 02/09/06 Barrington, IL
FRI 02/10/06* South Bend ,IN
SAT 02/11/06 Jackson, OH
SUN 02/12/06 Detroit, MI
WED 02/15/06 NYC
THU 02/16/06 Hickory, NC
FRI 02/17/06 Melborne, FL
SAT 02/18/06 St. Augistine, FL
MON 02/20/06 Broken Arrow, OK
TUE 02/21/06 Dallas, TX
THU 02/23/06 Tempe, AZ
FRI 02/24/06 Phoenix, AZ
SAT 02/25/06 Las Vegas, NV

Check out Emerald Triangle on Altsounds.com

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