Third International – Oblivion
URL: https://thethirdinternational.com
In our modern age of Rap synths and autotune it can be difficult to find the top seeds among the harvest. What makes masters like Blur, The Good, the Bad & The Queen, Massive Attack and Daft Punk so sought after? Sure they sound good, they look good, the feel good. But above that they got something else. They got what many in the industry call X-Factor. So what is X-Factor anyway? It’s just something deep within their spirit that breaks the mold when compared to other artists. They stand out in a good way and transfer well into the hearts and minds of music fans all over the world. Where am I going all with this? New York presents Third International Andrew Pearson (vocals, guitar, Synth and Moog) and Szabolcs Szenasi (Drums, Sampling, Machine Patterns), Enrique Mancia (Bass), and Brian Battersby (Audio Sampling) has much in the way of X-Factor. With their new release, Oblivion this English born artist has moved away from the electronic rock pacing of today’s crappy radio thus producing 11 hot new unique tracks that more closely resemble progressive-rock-pop in terms of length and musical form. Just look at the album cover visually as a prelude to what’s to come audibly.
First about Third International: The band was formed, in 2010 as a vehicle for my songs. I wrote and performed around the world for many years, took a couple decades off and found myself inspired by the new music that was coming out. I had a lot to say, having lived an interesting an full life. There have been many talented individuals pass through on the way to now. Guys who’ve played with the likes of King Crimson, Foreigner, Dr. John, Beyonce, Henry Gross, Coldplay, Billy Cobham, Larry Coryell, Dave Sanborn all came and contributed. The current lineup has been together nearly two years, played several shows and produced numerous videos and an album, O.B.L.I.V.I.O.N.
With the impressively lead off track “Helix” this CD keeps it real with tasty rock grooves that decree power which exudes confidence to the masses. 2 more impressive songs are “Ancestor Dance” and “Master Strange” defiantly worth mentioning, while “Barograph” and Formaldehyde” are clearly melodic standouts. What’s more “Chemical Eyes” “Lay Down” offer instrumentally rich sets with pseudo-apocalyptic messages with an impressive vocal front from Pearson. Don’t get me wrong this isn’t an overwhelmingly dark CD by any means, because it’s got its fair share of truthful, rough and tumble subject matter. Case in point pieces like “Never Would Have Brought You Flowers” which will even calm the tormented soul. “Oblivion” by Third International really demonstrates a deeper side of music and even a sense of hope evident through a transparent exploration of yearning and feeling negative yet boldly honest about ones self and correlation to the universe and the unknown in general. He reminds me of SONOIO, How to Destroy Angels, and Modwheelmood and Pink Floyd. All brought to life with hauntingly detailed musical layers, steady rhythmic pulsation and addictive vocal persuasion on their latest CD.
My favorite track is probably “Formaldehyde” which stand out due to its truthful conviction and dark melody. The mix sounds a bit off kilter and it’s obvious to me his best song is yet to be written based on experience. Despite this on all tracks expect an enticing vocal/guitar approach from Pearson that’s extremely cognizant to the dark side of the soul. He has a lot of very, very, very strong potential if he can take it up a notch with his overall Production quality. I Mean I;ve heard worse quality CD’s All things considered, this is a unique and fundamentally sound CD from a unique and fascinating artist from MY. It’s nice to know within the ranks if millions of independent artists some are capable of delivering something special that sticks true within their own style and artistic expression. All the while touching an occasionally painfully honest collection of beautiful, powerful and intriguing set of songs.
Score: 7/10 Stars
Purchase Link: https://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=10144185
Gabe Purvis