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The Challenging Stage EP
Artist: Spiraling 
Label: Independent
Length: 4 Tracks/15:56
 
Got a face for radio
So sing along
If you think it's coming back 
You would be wrong
 
Don't like the taste of radio
Turn it off
Got a face for radio
Yeah, this is unacceptable 
As bands go, Spiraling is maddeningly good. And this wonderful little EP only makes my frustration worse because it is most excellent, most rocking, and nowhere near long enough.  Thankfully after digging on "Texas is the Reason" (a catchy hook-fest of a song that has rocketed right up to my top pop-rock songs of all time) and the rest of this pop/rock/progressive/power-pop masterpiece I discovered that there is MORE Spiraling (their full length debut Transmitter).  Yay.
 
Spiraling is the amazing Tom Brislin on keyboards/vocals (an untirely unfairly talented keyboard player that I first saw sitting in for Yes on the way cool Symphonic Live DVD) joined by band of more-than capable cohorts (Marty O'Kane on guitar, Bob Hart on bass, and Paul Wells on bass). The great thing about The Challenging Stage EP and Spiraling is they have managed to squeeze much of what is great about rock-n-roll into these four little song gems.  Wry lyrics, astounding keyboard sounds, hints of prog-rock, power-pop hooks galore, cool vocals, jaw-dropping musicianship...it is all here.  Imagine The Beatles, The Cars, Yes, Jellyfish, Cheap Trick, Duran Duran,  and your favorite pop-rock/power-pop songs of all time all rolled up into one distinctly modern sounding package and you just MIGHT have an idea of how cool Spiraling sounds.  Jeez, I sound like a PR guy for the band...I promise I am not on the payroll.  But if I could pick a band to be in, Spiraling would be it.  I wonder if they need a tambourine player? 
 
Spiraling should be big, big, big.  They are gigging hard now, and they have released a very cool video for "A Face for Radio."  I'd love to see 'em hit the big time.  In the meantime do your solemn duty as a fan of catchy modern-rock and pick up some tunes by Spiraling, or see their energy packed live show @ a venue near you.  You will thank me later.
 
Check out Spiraling online:  http://www.spiraling.net/
 
Or see them on MySpace (and hear their stuff):  http://www.myspace.com/spiraling
 
Check out the vid of "A Face for Radio": http://www.electrocinema.com/video_pop_sp.htm
 
Barry Nothstine hosts Soul Frequency ( http://www.soulfrequency.com) a weekly FM radio show showcasing progressive rock, instrumental rock, power-pop, psychedelic rock, rock classics and more­great rock for the ages! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 
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