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Tiles - "Fly Paper" (CD)

Tiles - "Fly Paper" CD cover image

"Fly Paper" track listing:

1. Hide In My Shadow
2. Sacred & Mundane
3. Back & Forth
4. Landscrape
5. Markers
6. Gragons, Dreams, & Daring Deeds
7. Crowded Emptiness
8. Hide & Seek

Reviewed by on April 10, 2008

"[Tiles] would surely please both the older generation of prog heads as well as the new generation"

In the world of modern prog-rock, bands like Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree, etc. have caught the attention of many old and new fans. Tiles is not nearly as well-known as the previously mentioned bands, but they have the prog-rock style down as well as the rest of them. Their prog style is unique because their music contains elements of both Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, yet they still manage to create their own sound. Tiles is not too hard on the ears, and would surely please both the older generation of prog heads as well as the new generation. The only thing I have a slight issue with is that the production/sound of the album is a little weak.

The first track, "Hide In My Shadow," does not waste any time getting the listener engaged in their sound. It proves to be a memorable track in its own right, but not as amazing is the track to follow, "Sacred and Mundane." The rest of the tracks flow nicely offering enough unique tracks to keep the listener engaged from start to finish, which should be the goal of any band. Another memorable song is "Landscrape." This track is a head-banging song, and even though it's nearly the shortest track, its riffs are a good time. "Markers" may be the most progressive of the song on "Fly Paper." "Hide and Seek" is an awesome closer, which ends heavy on the guitars, leaving the listener satisfied when it is all said in done.

Tiles is a unique prog-rock band with a heavy influence of old school hard rock. They have their fair share of guitar solos and riffs with plenty of melodic tones throughout the album. The production may seem a little weak, but it does give an old school sound to the album. If you enjoy old Sabbath, Rush, Zeppelin, or some of the more modern prog bands like Porcupine Tree, then you should give this band a try. Even if you don't like prog, per se, and you’re more of a straight-up hard rock listener, Tiles could still catch your attention with this release.

Highs: Great guitar work and memorable tracks.

Lows: Not enough songs. The production of the album may bother some.

Bottom line: Recommended for fans of old Sabbath, Rush, Zeppelin, as well as fans of more modern prog bands like Porcupine Tree.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 skulls
3.5 out of 5 skulls


Key
Rating Description
Rated 5 out of 5 skulls Perfection. (No discernable flaws; one of the reviewer's all-time favorites)
Rated 4.5 out of 5 skulls Near Perfection. (An instant classic with some minor imperfections)
Rated 4 out of 5 skulls Excellent. (An excellent effort worth picking up)
Rated 3.5 out of 5 skulls Good. (A good effort, worth checking out or picking up)
Rated 3 out of 5 skulls Decent. (A decent effort worth checking out if the style fits your tastes)
Rated 2.5 out of 5 skulls Average. (Nothing special; worth checking out if the style fits your taste)
Rated 2 out of 5 skulls Fair. (There is better metal out there)
< 2 skulls Pretty Bad. (Don't bother)