It is a bit of a cliché to review an instrumental album that you like and say, “This albums doesn’t need lyrics, the instruments sing for themselves”. Well I hate to say it but this is the case for New York three-piece DAREDIABLO. “Twenty Paces” is the band's fourth CD and considering their debut in 2000 this is quite good going.

The band plays an instrumental blend of PINK FLOYD, KING CRIMSON’s rockiest moments and FUGAZI with some great 70’s hard rock moments thrown in for good measure. All three members of the band wield their instruments with masterful skill. Jake Garcia plays bass and guitar, I’m not sure how that would go down in a live sense, but on this album he is brilliant. Matt Holford’s work on the keyboards and what at times sound like a good old hammond organ combines with the guitar sound to create a wall of dense atmospheric rock that I am sure would appeal to just about anyone considering themselves a rock fan. This huge sound is held together well with some clean and precise drumming from Chad Royce.

I was impressed with DAREDIABLO’s 2003 release “Feeding Frenzy” but I have to say that “Twenty Paces” takes to band to a new level in musicianship, songwriting and intensity. While the songs do have a strong jam feel to them and weave through different movements, they never seem to lose direction. Every song has its own style and characteristics. For a purely instrumental band, I think this is pretty special. Check out DAREDIABLO - they rock very well indeed.

- Saltry

OFFICIAL SITE: www.darediablo.com

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