Percy Jones, Alex Skolnick, Kenny Grohowski, Tim Motzer
PAKT
Review by Gary Hill
I have to say that there seems to be some confusion about the name of this act. I've seen it listed with the group name the same as the album title. Of course, that's the first initials of all the musicians. Well, I'm pretty well certain, the correct way to list it is the way I have, with all their full names. I could be wrong, though.
So, beyond the name, what is this like. Well, just going down that list of musicians, you have to know that this is a talented bunch. Here's the thing about this music, it's not well-suited for a track by track review, but that's what I do here. These songs are all fusion and prog oriented. They all seem very freeform. They are all instrumental. That makes much of the description the same, but these songs are not the same at all. Each has its own identity. I've focused my track reviews on things that stand out about each one, but let me just say that each track on these two CDs (labeled as chapters) is unique and potent. If you like adventurous instrumental music, this is among the best you will find. I'd be surprised if it doesn't make a lot of "best of 2021" lists. It's likely to make mine.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2021 Volume 6. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2021.
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