Insight & Critique
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact

Bardo Island - Suddhodana

4/11/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Bardo Island

​Suddhodana
self-released; 2016

3.4 out of 5

By Ted Rogen

Hailing from Hoboken, New Jersey, Bardo Island is a three-piece prog rock band comprised of Nick Zwiren (guitar/vocals), Jacob Berke (bass) and Michael Guevarez (drums). They just released Suddhodana, which is a five-song EP showcasing some serious talent.

At this point the band's strengths lies in their technical ability like many other prog rock bands. All three members have impressive technical and creative skills, which ultimately is the element that makes these songs worth listening to. 

When it comes to the singing I can’t really say that Zwiren has golden pipes. His delivery gets a bit sloppy at times especially when trying to hit higher notes. That being said he certainly isn't a bad singer and his style works. I think a little better production and a little bit of tweaking here and there and he will be golden.

Speaking of production, prog rock is a genre that benefits from the details. Suddhodana doesn’t quite have the separation and recording quality to appreciate some of the things that are happening. It also would have helped if the songs would have been mastered properly. The second track is a good four or five dbs louder then the third track. After spending some time with these songs I’m willing to bet that Bardo Island is an exceptional live band. These songs demand to be heard live so if you get a chance to see them you should do that.  

The band kicks things off with “Veranda” which is an impressive song. I enjoyed the intricate pattern of bass and drums as the drums hold down the fort. It’s quite dynamic and gets into chaotic yet funky territory towards the end. “Pineapple” is perhaps even more impressive. The timing and transitions are just sick. It’s one you really just have to listen to in order to appreciate. “Victus Man of Dallas” is the seven-plus minute centerpiece that reminded me of Rush towards the end of the song.

​Bardo Island is a band to keep your eyes on. They show a lot of potential on this release and with a few adjustments will be quite a force.
Become A Fan
Tweet
0 Comments

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

       Critique/insight

    We are dedicated to informing the public about the different types of independent  music that is available for your listening pleasure as well as giving the artist a professional critique from a seasoned music geek. We critique a wide variety of niche genres like experimental, IDM, electronic, ambient, shoegaze and much more.

    Tweets by divideanconqer
    Are you one of our faithful visitors who enjoys our website? Like us on Facebook


    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

Company

About
Contributors

Newsletter

Newsletter
Book Your Band

© Divide and Conquer 2021. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • DAC
  • Indie Music Album Reviews
  • About
  • Submissions
  • Top albums
  • Features
  • Contact