Artist: PRESTO BALLET
Album: PEACE AMONG THE RUINS (CD)

Release date: 2005
Media type: CD

Presto Ballet is the new band from Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. Evoking a classic 70's feel, their debut album "Peace Among The Ruins" heralds a return to a time when music was at its most colourful and influential. An album full of tasteful guitar parts, crunching Hammond organ and rich vocals, the band follows a path previously tread by rock pioneers such as Kansas, Yes, Genesis and Deep Purple. Vanderhoof describes the album from a production point of view, "We recorded the whole album in a somewhat 'old school' manner, which means analogue synthesizers, real Hammond organ and real Mellotron sounds".

All of the tracks from "Peace Among The Ruins" were recorded using an analogue tape machine, which was another nod to the sounds of the Seventies. Vanderhoof explains, "Digital recording techniques are annoying! For rock music it's absolutely fatal when you always rely on samples, sequencers and drum machines. It destroys the live feel of the music. With Presto Ballet, it was our aim to return to a more 'natural' feel while keeping as melodic and musical as possible."

Without a doubt, the band has succeeded in the approach they took to their debut album. With the opening notes to the title track "Peace Among The Ruins", it's easy to see the band's full strengths on display. Following on from that, "The Fringes" powerfully recalls the sound of early American stadium rock. Tracks like "Seasons" or "Find The Time" unmistakably show the band's allegiance to a time in which they felt rock music was at its most alive. "For me, the Seventies was the most interesting time, with the most skilled bands, the best songs and the best ideas", says Vanderhoof. "I've never understood why nobody has gone back to that kind of music again". The album also occasionally references the progressive and inventive approach of the Beatles, with psychedelic sounds and unconventional arrangements. How does Vanderhoof summarise his new band? "For me Presto Ballet is like a modern 70's progressive/rock band". And "Peace Among The Ruins" can't be described any better than that.

To realise his ambitious plans, the composer and producer hired an effective team. Singer Scott Albright was lead singer on Vanderhoof's first solo album and also front man for his European tour, as special guests of Savatage. As with Albright, keyboard player Brian Cokeley is also on long time musical partner of Vanderhoof. Cokeley has worked with the likes of Earth, Wind & Fire, Quiet Riot and Vanilla Fudge. Rounding out the line up are drummer Jeff Wade and bassist Brian Lake, with whom Vanderhoof was already familiar with, having joined him on Metal Church's "Masterpeace" tour. Overall, it's a group of friends who have established themselves as experienced musicians over the years and who have similar musical pedigrees.

In closing, one final question remains for the band and that is will Presto Ballet showcase their skills live? Kurdt Vanderhoof responds, "We want to play as often as possible. This will most likely happen in Europe but maybe there will be a few shows in America too". If the album is anything to go by, this is a band that is going to be a must to see live!

Tracklist:

1. Peace Among The Ruins 5:47
2. The Fringes 7:34
3. Seasons 3:39
4. Find The Time 7:18
5. Speed Of Time 5:50
6. Sunshine 4:51
7. Slave 5:33
8. Bringin' It On 6:43

Musicians:

Scott Albright (Lead Vocals, Acoustic Guitar)
Kurdt Vanderhoof (Guitars, Mellotron, Chamberlin, Hammond Organ, Synths, Bass Pedals, Electric Pianos)
Brian Cokeley (Piano, Hammond Organ, Synths, Electric Pianos, Lead and Backing Vocals)
Jeff Wade (Drums and Percussion)
Brian Lake (Bass)