For the past few weeks, I have given Sonic Adventure Project's first full length release, Exergonic, prime attention, in an attempt to find an angle in which to review this disc. I think I figured it out.First off, Exergonic is right up the antiFan's alley. The composition, focus, and delivery are far from the MTV mold that so many have become accustomed to. Sonic Adventure Project takes elements from Kraftwerk (mainly) and Pink Floyd to produce music that could chill a fire. The instrumentation is technically tight, but it lacks the pompous bulls*** that comes with virtuosos like Yngwie Malmsteen and Steve Vai.
The album contains softer, piano-led numbers ("Four Notes", "Waters in Motion"), synth-orchestra pieces ("Inner Journey", "Double Helix"), and new age techno tracks ("Forty-Two", "Memories of Who I Am", "Mode III"). With this type of versatility, this album could find its way to coffee shops, video games, and Mitsubishi commercials.
Although the album is solid throughout, I think the softer numbers are the strongest tracks on the album, and are the band's best chance at getting noticed. Although Sonic Adventure Project decided to go sans vocals (for the most part), they used the piano to bring the melodies to life. Sometimes an instrumental can be more moving than your typical song with vocals. For example, I doubt that "Four Notes" or "Waters in Motion" would benefit by a vocal addition, regardless of who stepped behind the mic. The other tracks could be praised, but the album as a cohesive whole is much greater than its individual parts.
After listening to Exergonic several times, I'm contemplating buying an Audi, driving to the Pacific Northwest coast, and praying for rain. Do yourself a favor and check this disc out.
