Beekstraat 1 - B-2640 Mortsel - Belgium

ALIAS EYE: In Focus

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www.aliaseye.com

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A man cannot have it all in his lifetime. With this thought I comforted myself, each time I listened to Alias Eye’s previous records (“Field of Names” and “A Different Point Of You”). Their music couldn’t touch me, even how grandiose they sounded. Yet from the very beginning this German band held an ace in their hands: excellent British vocalist Philip Griffiths (son of Martin Griffiths of legendary Beggar’s Opera). No annoying intonation here due to a heavy Teutonic accent. “In Focus”, their ‘difficult’ third album (not counting their debut EP), finally seems the breakthrough I was waiting for. Since “In Focus” succeeds in captivating me at last – thank God. The addition of new guitarist Matthias Wurm plays an important role in this. He is responsible for the sharper ehm… focus in the compositions. His arrival could well be as crucial for the band’s future as John Mitchell’s entry in Arena’s “The Visitor”. In his hands “In Focus” becomes an album that sounds more solid and heavier than its predecessors. Moreover, Wurm (who recorded the album together with Lemke) seems to have a positive influence upon the other band members. Benedek’s polished drumming is finally interesting; the beautiful bass lines by Frank Fischer are remarkable as well. Keyboard player Vytas Lemke seems to be given little space at first hearing due to Wurm’s dominance, but nothing is less true. His classy piano work and Fender Rhodes loops contribute undeniably to the band’s signature sound. So, yes, there still is hope for these previously written-off Germans.
 

Musicians

Philip Griffiths / vocals, didgeridoo
Frank Fischer / bass
Ludwig Benedek / drums
Matthias Wurm / guitar
Vytas Lemke / keyboards, accordion

1. I'm Your Lie (4:37)
2. In Denial (3:45)
3. The Call (4:04)
4. Enlighten Them (4:02)
5. Books (2:31)
6. History Lesson (3:45)
7. Rhodesian Rhapsody (4:22)
8. Hold On (4:15)
9. To Be Or Not To Be ...Revisited (3:49)
10. Falling (4:25)
11. How We Perceive (11:14)

Beyond The Mirror (EP, 2000)
Field Of Names (2001)
A Different Point Of You (2003)
In Focus (2007)

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Last updated: 20 mei 2007 .
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