Originally formed in 2004 by the Griffiths brothers, they became a trio when they added in Ryan Elliott. Bassist Mathew ‘Miffy’ Griffiths, drummer Jonathan ‘Jiffy’ Griffiths (Magenta) and guitarist Ryan Elliott (Eden Shadow), describe themselves as an exciting and fun instrumental rock jazz band, but that really doesn’t start to describe where they are coming from. In truth, this is far more fusion than it is straight jazz, and Ryan is having a blast as here he has a partner in Matthew who can keep up with his in the shredding and harmony stakes, or who can go off and provide a delicate under-rhythm while he concentrates on the lead.
This is interesting, complex music that should find a home in any lover of fusion or prog. Ryan is a mean guitarist, but while he is at the forefront of everything that is going on, it is to the bass line that I often find myself paying most attention. Matthew is one of the really annoying musicians who apparently can play whatever he wants to, and is always at home in that style. It doesn’t seem to matter if it is funk, slapped bass, harmonics, counter rhythms or blistering turns of speed, he just seems to be content. That in turn provides a great basis for the other two to go off and spread their wings. The result is an exciting piece of work, and I only hope that the “interesting” band name doesn’t put people off, as while that may be a little tongue in cheek, the music on the album is deadly serious and all the better for it.
