Customer Reviews

Carving Desert Canyons

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first encountered Scale the Summit when they opened for Dream Theater in Prog Nation. I was extremely impressed by their musicianship, but it seemed like there was way too much going on in their songs - I didn't really get it. But now I do! You have to listen a few times to let the intricacy of this music really sink in. Scale the Summit has really achieved something great here - instead of pointless noodling like prog/technical bands are apt to do, all of the vast quantities of notes on this record actually have a purpose and meaning in the song. The songs ebb and flow, have interesting little tangents, build up to epic refrains, go into headbanging grooves, and of course have lots of technical wizardry for those of us who geek out about that. But most importantly these songs have vision - Scale the Summit is saying something with their music. It sounds to me like they're channeling some of the grandiosity and complexity of nature. Maybe that's why its called Carving Desert Canyons? If you like epic, uplifting, relaxing, complex, heavy, powerful music you should give this band a chance!

I heard Scale The Summit at Dream Theater's Chicago 2009 show and these guys delivered a rock-solid performance that displays originality and tremendous drive. They are definitely fit for the honor of playing for Mike Portnoy's audience.

To my ear Scale The Summit sounds like a cross between Liquid Tension Experiment and California Guitar Trio, punctuated with occasional reminders of Rush. But comparisons fall short, because even at this early stage they have clearly found their voice and it is distinctive. I purchased their CD at the concert last night and I'm listening to it for the third time today - not something I often do. The feeling they project is not so much that they take themselves seriously, but that they take their *musical task* seriously.

Some may say that great prog rock is the domain of an older school of musicians, but this album is proof of a new generation with great chops and strong compositions. Excellent work, gentlemen.

Perry Marshall

This album is full instrumental, very heavy, progressive and "cheerful" as opposed to dark or eerie a lot of prog bands sound today. There are some guitar sections that sound like Dream Theater.

However, it's not as chaotic and intense as DT or Ron Jarzombek works. This of course could be a plus to some people. Also they tend to repeat the same patterns or melodies one too many times and I feel most of the songs are a bit longer than they should be.

But still, I'd love to hear more from these guys since how technical they are and I'm looking forward to their future releases.

This is a perfect album from an intriguing progressive rock guitar band Scale the Summit. They actually manage to draw musical landscapes drawn with tightly woven guitar sounds, virtuoso solos and dense atmosphere.

However - you need to be into prog rock and guitars to really dig this masterpiece. The band is "preaching to the choir" in terms of aiming at a very specific target audience. If you like Justin Timberlake, ABBA etc. - this may be a bit too much for you.

In short: Highly recommended masterpiece of electric guitar prog rock for prog rock fans.

I was initially unimpressed by this album and the band, but upon repeated listening, I came to really enjoy them ... even went on to learn a little more about them. Im even more impressed to learn that they're so young. They sound much more experienced. Sure there are a few thing's I'd change about them: a bit less monotony, a bit more experimentation, their songs tend to sound too much alike for my tastes, but they're a really promising band. And, as music to just listen to, it actually makes me feel better. A great effort. I recommend it. I don't understand how people compare it to Liquid Tension Experiment, and they shouldn't. This band is great on its own.

I like this. Very uplifting and fun instrumental album. The rythms really make you move, and the tone of the guitarists are amazing. The drummer's a beast also. Thanks for signing my earplug guy at the Dream Theater/prog nation concert on August 2nd in boston!

Scale the Summit show a monsterous amount of potential with their sophomore effort in "Canyons". Polished chops and tastful songwriting ability, these guys will go far. While the comparisons to DT are inevitable given that band's popularity, I see the STS as having more in common with the lesser known but equally interesting Atlanta band, Mastodon. This CD is a must have for any fans of thoughtul guitar composition.

CD is very solid. I listen to a fair amount of Progressive rock bands lately and Scale the Summit doesn't disappoint. The album is very atmospheric and is great back ground music. Pretty consistent sound throughout and has a good flow. Worth checking out.

I still remember the first time I heard this album. I remember what I was doing, where I was, and what day it was. If you're a music lover, I'm sure you've had a similar experience, and that statement should tell you something. The major complaint I hear when I show this album to my friends is that it isn't heavy enough. Well, Scale The Summit is all about melody, not face-melting, so get over it. When taken for what it is, this is one of the most beautiful albums I've ever heard. Buy this right now if you're a prog rock fan who likes a good melody.

What an awesome c.d., well worth the money and easy to listen to and I don't have to worry about skipping through improper tracks with my kids in the car.