Reviews:
"SandTimer is so rich that it is quite difficult to be able to describe it in-depth, but its result... is essential."
"Particular and personal at the same time: a mixture of technique and melody..."
"Mixes elements of 'classic' sounding progressive rock with a much more contemporary stylistic sensibility..."
"The lyric seems very personal, and the vocal performance easily conveys the emotion inherent in the lyrical imagery."
"I love the way the rhythmic meter shifts subtly underneath the arrangement, the expressive sound of the vocal performance, and the feeling of simpatico you guys have with one another as instrumentalists."
"The music you guys make seems very 'intelligent' to me. It requires that the listener really pay attention to what's happening. Superb."
Featured Review:
by Howlin Rev, Progressive Ears
Date: 7/26/2008
www.progressiveears.com/asp/reviews.asp?albumID=4587
Sometimes when Floyd, the music reviews manager of Progressive Ears and all around great guy, sends you a selection of albums to review, the selections can be spotty. If he sends five albums, I’m happy if there are, at the most, one or two keepers out of the lot. Floyd just sent five CDs my way and, to my favor, four of them are really great. One of them, in particular, really stands out. Aegis Integer, a progressive rock band based out of Santa Rosa, California, has got it going on, believe me! The only questionable thing about their September 2007 release entitled Sand Timer is actually the name of the band. What exactly is an Aegis Integer? Aegis is having something to do with a shield or breastplate and Integer refers to a complete unit or entity. Apparently, even some members in the band were never quite sure of its meaning and as of June 2008 they have gone so far as to actually change the name of the band. Aegis Integer is now known as Della Terra! Both names do sound kind of proggy and look good in print, but I guess Della Terra does roll off the tongue a bit easier. Sand Timer is a rose by whatever name you choose to call its creators.
The sound is somewhat akin to the likes of Porcupine Tree, Circa, A Perfect Circle, Poor Genetic Material, Big Big Train, Coheed and Cambria, Radiohead, King Crimson, et cetera. They are not a clone of any one particular band mentioned above, but more a mesh of these collective, yet differing traits, taking elements from each and making it their own. Atmospheric at times, Sand Timer is well put together and well thought out. While all three members of the band are obviously very talented, there’s not a particular instrument that stands out or takes control. It isn’t a “guitar” album or a “keyboard” album, with any one instrument in front. It’s a very solid sounding group endeavor. I, however, did notice right away that the drums are recorded really well and the snare sounds great! Another thing in the plus column and this is a biggie, here is a fresh new progressive rock CD and the singer does not, I repeat, does not suck! In fact, he’s rather pleasant. It also seems their production values are as important to them as their songwriting. Sand Timer is a great sounding album.
Aegis Integer/Della Terra is made up of three members. Danny Badorine plays guitars, effects and back-up vocals. David Blanchard is credited with drums, nylon string guitar, and back-up vocals. J.K. Norris on lead vocals, bass, piano, keyboards. The writing, arranging, producing, recording, mixing and mastering is credited to the group as a whole. There are all kinds of sound effects mixed in and around the songs that make them quite interesting. The guitarist uses several effects nicely as well, tremolo and such.
The band is also not a bit timid when it comes to writing long compositions either! Right out of the gate the first track, “Ouroboros”, clocks in well over eleven minutes and makes enough twists and turns that it’s never boring or repetitive. Track three, “Mirrors and Hallways” is, according to the band, the albums single. I will admit that the melody is rather infectious and after a few listens I found myself singing along to the chorus.
I believe that Sand Timer will appeal to a broad segment of listeners. Not too neo for the old schoolers, not too old school for the neophytes, nothing to irritate, lots to delight! After hearing Aegis Integer/Sand Timer, I would consider their future releases as automatic buys. I will just have to remember that they are now called Della Terra! Of the earth!
International Reviews:
Progressive Waves (France)