SIX BY SIX: Six By Six (PROGRESSIVE ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

In the English literature, the term Six By Six can take different interpretations in relation with a certain gigantism. Musically, the term is very appropriate to materialize the meeting of the three giants that are Ian Crichton (Saga), Nigel Glockler (Saxon) and Robert Berry (3.2) who all had the opportunity to collaborate together on various projects (GTR, Asia).

The album opens with 'Yearning to Fly' and a classic Ian Crichton riff that sets the tone for the whole album, which remains strongly guided by the guitars, the Canadian giving it his all, coloring the whole with a strong Saga-like personnality, but with more supported instrumental breaks offered by some longer tracks ('Reason to Feel Calm Again'). The melodies are immediately catchy and the high pitched voice of Robert Berry dominates perfectly the debates, regularly flirting with a good AOR, notably in the choruses frequently set up on the choruses ('The Upside of Down'), even if it means sometimes to tip over into the grandiloquent, not to say the pompous ('Save the Night') However, this does not affect the interest of each of the tracks, subject to multiple variations of themes and tempo. It is advisable to underline the superb holding of the rhythmic section which not only impels a perfect cadence to the various tracks, but also proposes multiple subtleties whose specific listening is alone a real treat.

Of course, considering the pedigree of the protagonists, Six by Six awakens many memories for the regulars of Saga and the nostalgic fans of GTR, but the group nevertheless gives off a personality of its own where, beyond the impeccable technical set up, a joy of playing together shines through. It should also be noted that this project, strongly whispered in the ear of the three musicians by a character of the music industry, also triggers a collaboration of the group with J.C Baez, American illustrator, for the realization of a comic strip ("The Journey Internal") based on the 10 titles of the album.

Six By Six offers us a successful and convincing first album, which will please both the amateurs of a progressive music that wants to be modern while keeping some references to the past, as well as those who appreciate a rock side with guitars that delightfully stir the ears. - Official website

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PROGRESSIVE ROCK