|
|
|
         |
 |
|
TERRAMARA IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE > a loyal following of music lovers. Here is what a few of them have to say about our recordings as well as our live shows. Reviews by ...
... Charlie Peterson, Minneapolis, Minnesota 
PRESS REVIEWS > Find out what the professionals have to say about Terramara! {read more}
PRESS MATERIALS >
View our electronic press kit online at Sonicbids.com. All press materials copyright ©2008 Terramara. All rights reserved. Not for personal use. |
|
 
Five years after they unleashed their tremendous eponymous debut CD on the citizens of Minneapolis, and netizens around the country, local rock quartet Terramara have crafted a must-hear second act in which they will proceed to rock the world. Time, it seems, has had the same effect on Terramara as it would a fine wine: the elements remain intact, yet there's a heightened definition, a sweeter taste. Granted, their first disc was damn sweet to begin with; an improvement on that simply must be experienced to be fully comprehended. That said, one's senses are left in a state of sizzling satisfaction after hearing this disc from top to bottom. The album begins with keyboardist/lead vocalist Rob Meany meandering upon his Wurlitzer, just before the groove kicks in, and we're off and "Running Down The Avenue". It's clear from the very beginning that nobody in this band is hiding behind production noise or effects pedals--any such tools are used in a bold, educated way. It's pure and unfiltered, the beautiful kind of record where every note is intentional and unashamed, harkening to the pristine Aja/Gaucho era of Steely Dan. With a record like this, it's very clear who's in the driver's seat...and it ain't the listener. We are simply along for the ride. The songs that unfold through this ride take us through the bitter annals of love--in the form of a narcissistic ex-girlfriend ("Crying Shame"), unresolved questions and truths ("Goodbye"), accountability ("Smoke & Mirrors", featuring a shattering solo by guitarist Karl Koopmann), attempts at recapturing the essence of love ("Black & Grey"), and even the digital realm ("Virtual Lisa")--while occasionally waxing philosophical on domestic issues ("Invisible People"), and guidance and wisdom ("Outrunning Headlights"). All the while, these tales are bathed in a kind of aural pheromone, awash in beautifully-orchestrated horns, background vocals, vintage keyboards and dexterous virtuosity on all stringed instruments involved (during a recent live performance, bassist Tom Larson could be seen nimbly adjusting his bass cabinet's tone with one hand, while maintaining the deep, driving pocket essential for "Rise & Fall" with the other). These fourteen songs (thirteen, if you pair the penultimate title track with its denouement counterpart) possess the ability to stimulate the synapses in fresh, surprising ways without being too cerebral. In this fashion, Terramara have joined the ranks of a few top-caliber bands and artists who take their musicality to a point beyond perfection--ending up with a record chock full of intense detail, meticulously-applied theory, hours of thoughtful production...all the qualities that, when heard, will draw grins from the most discriminating of musicians. And yet, it's an accessible record for the masses, too. It's the best of both worlds. Arriving at a balance like that sounds much, much easier than it is. But it's very clear with "Four Blocks To Hennepin" that Terramara have landed there with style to spare--and without breaking a sweat. — Charlie Peterson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
This is the real deal. In the past I have read much about how Terramara is Steely Dan influenced, etc. While this may be a good place to start, it is not the best description. You can hear a diverse range of influences that come together to form something truly unique. With this record, Terramara truly comes into their own and delivers the first truly great record of 2005. The songwriting is complex, tuneful, accessable and solid throughout. When you have material this strong to start with, the players need to be especially able to hit the mark. The members of Terramara easily rise to the task. Guitar textures (not to mention solos) by Karl Koopmann are imaginitive and expressive. A true pleasure to hear a player with this level of taste and style. The drumwork by Dave Thomas is so incredibly in the pocket it is not to be missed. The groove laid down with Bassist Erik Pedersen is NOT TO BE MISSED. Pedersen is so tight, yet funky, it holds everything together. Singer/Keyboardist/Songwriter Rob Meany is a MAJOR talent. His material is what drives this band. Influences seem to include Sting (check out Thomas' "Copeland-like" moves during "Invisible People"), Howard Jones, 3rd Matinee and Steve Winwood. "Crying Shame" recalls Blood, Sweat & Tear's "Spinning Wheel" but retains an individuality all it's own. It is honestly difficult for me to say which song is my favourite as it seems to change by day. For me, this is the sign of a truly exceptional album. Rarely does one find a album that is this consistant throughout. It starts on a high point with "Running Down The Avenue" and continues that level throughout. This is NOT the "new Steely Dan." This IS the new Terramara. A gifted, fierce and soulful sound that I consider myself lucky to have heard. It is my hope that you will be as lucky as well... Don't miss this one! — Dan Moir, Eden Prairie, Minnesota
Well-crafted, intelligent pop songs--like a satisfying collection of short stories. Transcends today's disposable cd format and recalls a time when good music deserved being pressed into vinyl. — Steve Claussen, Maryland
I just received the CDs you sent me today, and the other two from Amazon a couple of days ago. To say your music has made my day, week, year, is a mild understatement. I'd all but given hope that anyone new band could raise my interest and give me hope, but you've managed to do it. The song writing is superb & the lyrics put a smile on my face in the same way Steely Dan lyrics do. Clever, non-clichÈd lyrics, great songs, hip arrangements and nicely recorded warm timbres, especially for something that was probably recorded via Pro-Tools. I just wish I lived closer so I could actually see you guys play. I have no doubt that I'll break down soon enough and fly out to see you guys if you ever decide to tour. Anyway, thanks again for being so kind and sending me the demos.Ý I got the CDs and was listening to them in my car andÝthe first song I heard was Yesteryear. Just hearingÝ"One day you're a crack theologian, ten years and you're passing out the Trojans..." just put a huge smile on my face while driving home from the post office, and it hasn't left my face since..... — Amir, Vancouver, BC, Canada
I just wanted to send a note of praise for your new CD. ÝYou did a wonderful job. ÝI put a review in at CDBaby. ÝI tried to keep that one short. ÝI liked the new effort so much I thought ÝI'd send a longer note direct. ÝIf you want to use any of this please feel free, and edit as you like. I noticed that the tunes are tastefully succinct. ÝYou've put a lot of musical ideas in the 3 to 4 minute frame work. ÝThere's probably enough material in there for third album. ÝVery prolific! ÝI love the occasional surprise chord. ÝThe counterpunctalism in the extra track is very cool. ÝYou guys must have broken your fingers playing all those keyboard parts. Everyone's playing is really first rate. ÝI know a lot of people might say that that's expected because you can always go back and overdub if you discover a mistake. ÝWell, that's true, and maybe you did. ÝBut taking the time and paying attention to these kinds of details are the difference between a good artist and a great one. Erik Pedersen's bass playing is really very artistic. I noticed that he went to school with Dave Thomas - whose drumming is also top notch. ÝIt's always good when the bassist and drummer have a longer association with one another. ÝThey play off of one another very intelligently. As a person who plays a bit of drums myself, I am very impressed with some of Dave's choices. ÝI liked his work in the first record and am glad to see that he continues to play with such a wide range of interesting percussive ideas. Karl Koopmann can really play those angular lines. ÝNo doubt his playing diversity has given him this unique gift. ÝThere's no doubt in my mind that his association with Steeling Dan (along with Dave Thomas) provides another source for the superior playing continuity of Terramara. I'm pretty amazed that you have been able to keep producing music in today's environment. Ý14 polished pieces in Post 911 is pretty good work in my opinion. ÝYou may be driven, I don't know. ÝYour playing is clean. ÝYou've chosen a nice array of keyboard sounds. Keep it up. I wasn't able to figure out what the instrument sound was during the solo on Smoke and Mirrors, but what a beautiful sound. ÝThat's probably my favorite piece. ÝDid you play that solo? ÝFrom the moment the solo starts I'm taken away. ÝIt's very surreal, winding along as if flying, reaching that wonderful climax as the chords come crashing in like a ocean wave on a stormy day. (ooH! such poetry - I'd better shut up!). Working with Ken Chastain must be a wonderful experience. ÝIt's so hard to record and produce. ÝI think you'd better be nice to him. ÝGuys like him can really bring a new level of musicianship to a band (George Martin comes to mind when I listen to the work). ÝThe mastering was nicely done. ÝNo doubt Rob Genadek was involved from the beginning. All in all, I think Terramara is a great organization. ÝYou seem to have a tightly knit unit, yet there is also a fluid aspect to the band that creates a special dynamic. ÝPerhaps this is just normal for today's music scene. ÝI hope that Terramara gets significant recognition. ÝThe big record companies are missing out on a sure thing if they choose to ignore you. — Mike Christman, Trenton, Michigan
I recently bought Terramara's debut CD. Being from San Diego, I've never heard of you guys, and just stumbled across it while checking out CDs at CD Baby (I think under the search of bands that Steely Dan fans would like). I am moved to write to you because I cannot stop playing your CD; it is absolutely terrific. I never play a CD over and over, but I have done that with yours. The songwriting is great, with wonderful little twists and turns in the chord progressions. What most impresses me is how first-rate the production sounds, for what I'm sure was a shoe-string budget project. I think my motivation to write to you is that I can't support you by attending live performances (unless you are heading out to San Diego!), so I wanted you to know how much of an impact your CD has had on someone far from your local music scene. I saw on your website that a second cd is in the works, and I will be anxiously looking forward to it. Keep up the good work. — A Fan, San Diego, California
This band recertifies my love for Indie Music. It's a lot of work to sort through the myriad of music avaiable on the web. It's tempting to just sit back and let the big record comapanies tell me what's good. I'm glad I took the time to find Terramara. This band recertifies my love for Indie Music. I'm a Steely Dan fan. I remember driving along one day listening to WMMS in Cleveland Ohio in 1972 a hearing Can't Buy a Thrill. I bought that album that day and am still a DanFan. Now I'm proud to say that I am a Terrafanatic. This is great stuff done in a tradition I was worried would fade away. The Madison Avenue Musical Quagmire of J-Lo, Brittany and Justin is such a Wasteland. It's wonderful to see the Indie work that's out there and Terramara is among the best. I would love to have the next offering. The writing is sophiticated. The arrangements are well thought out. It's got great scope (back beat funk, Jazz Harmony, 7/4 time, hard driving rock, dense layers of power and, just when you least expected it, delicate, touching subtlety). The recording is clean and the mastering is first rate. Keep up the good work guys. — Mike Christman, Trenton, Michigan
Jazz-influenced rock lives! It's been a long time since I've heard a CD that lives up to the standards of Chicago Transit Authority, Traffic, and (yes) Steely Dan (take this as high praise coming from a guy with daughters named Rikki and Josie). Most "fusion" of the recent past has moved toward mediocre, soulless tripe - Terramara has given me hope that the genre can be revived to the point that it was in the early to mid seventies. This is not to say that the music isn't fresh - on the contrary - it'll blow the cobwebs out of your speakers and AOR tortured ears. It's averaging a play a day in our home now. Best comment that I've heard was my brother who mused that it sounded as if a young Steve Winwood was singing lead. You cannot go wrong with this CD! Terramara - kudos on a job well done. — Ira Rosen, Highland Park, New Jersey
I bought the CD and I'm enjoying it immensely. I think you guys have an original sound and I'd much rather wake up in the morning with my clock radio playing your tunes instead of "Mambo #5" etc. So, thanks for making cool music; it's hard to say without sounding trite, but know at least that I'm a musician myself and know a good tune when I hear one. The fact that you and the band have created a cohesive album (as opposed to two "hits" and the rest filler such as is the trend these days) is very much appreciated in this corner. I will be listening to this CD ten years from now, and enjoying it the same way. — Glenn Kindlmann, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Listening to these songs I would say they are all made to order for my tastes. All the songs have great choruses. Kick ass catchy unabashedly melodic hooks that you don't need a sophisticated palate to enjoy, like a good steak. What really blows me away is you and your bandmates all contribute something to the stew that doesn't belong there, it needs to be there. There is a lot of individual expression that shows through but this is one kitchen where too many cooks don't spoil it. Overall, the music is not too much, never bland, a wholesome meal with enough exotic fusion to make it something to come back for. A lot of replay value. As I said, I hear a lot of different sounds, but you don't sound like anything but good. And you don't sound like anyone else. — Avery Nakamine, Hawaii
I've been listening to this CD constantly since I received it. This well produced CD is full of good lyrics great grooves and burning jams. — Fusion Fan
Minneapolis-based rock quartet Terramara put out this eponymous album that is hands-down a classic all-the-way-through rock record. Drummer Dave Thomas is the brother of a friend of mine, and it was through this connection I was turned on to the band. Their single, "Dragonfly", was featured on the St. Louis Park Music Coalition CD, and the rest of the album is top-notch songwriting, mostly by keyboardist Rob Meany. Highlights include the kicker "Jaded Little Love Song", "Walk Away", "Simple, Diamond Life", and my personal favorite, "Your Mother's Eyes", which, at ten minutes, is a study in duality: first, the studio version, followed by a live version which breaks into an extended jam. Tasty indeed--support these guys and pick it up. — GC Peterson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
|
|||||||||
|
