Professor Marvel

Professor Marvel is the type of band that knows no limits. And their new record, Entering the Atmosphere, helps prove that. "Everything you hear on Entering the Atmosphere is live and unedited...just basic effects on the overall mix to add color to the pictures we are painting." Nothing could better describe this brilliant space-prog-rock record: it's long, filled with intricate jams that clearly exhibit amazing instrumental talent. Essentially, Professor Marvel improve upon the sound that Explosions in the Sky bring to instrumental music. Nothing short of Jeff Beck has had something as big and all-encompassing as "Tasty Cakes and Big Mistakes". Don't let the names fool you. "Mariah Hairy and the 2 Pack Shakers" and "Chedda B" are not just silly names, but actually really impressive riffs built upon riffs of guitars, bass, and keyboards. This is the instrumental work that Tom DeLonge of Angels & Airwaves wishes he could play: Mikey Famiglietti knows his way around a keyboard, making his contribution the most essential to "Rambo Bright", the song with the best ethereal keyboards. Bassist Tommy Doyle shows off his skill, but in a more refined fashion. His chops are most noticeable on the bass riff of "Mariah Hairy and the 2 Pack Shakers". Every song has a place and a meaning, but "Indian Stagecoach Massacre" is by far the best. The guitar work from Famiglietti, Todd Hunt, and Jeff Moore is brilliant, especially in the riffs of that particular song. It was Rage Against the Machine meets U2: ethereal keyboards with crunchy, powerful guitar chords. And the basis for the record itself, drummer Cody Stead, helps to tie it all together.

This record is perfect for a chill evening at the house, with nothing to do but kick back, drink a beer, and delve into a diverse musical landscape. And, in fact, that's how I enjoyed this record. Of course, Professor Marvel is an acquired taste. Were I a few years younger, the lack of vocals would have made Entering the Atmosphere unlistenable. But fortunately, I have matured in a musical sense: some songs may carry on a little too long, but Entering the Atmosphere is a great return to instrumental progressive rock. Because Professor Marvel records by jamming and allowing each band member input in every song, some of them can seem a little dense. But needless to say, the gems of the record help it to rise above any negatives. "Indian Stagecoach Massacre", "Rambo Bright", and "Tasty Cakes and Big Mistakes" are all brilliant tracks. I highly recommend this album to any fan of instrumental rock, jam rock, or space rock. It's a stellar combination of all three. - Roll Over Beethoven

Professor Marvel is the type of band that knows no limits. And their new record, Entering the Atmosphere, helps prove that. "Everything you hear on Entering the Atmosphere is live and unedited...just basic effects on the overall mix to add color to the pictures we are painting." Nothing could better describe this brilliant space-prog-rock record: it's long, filled with intricate jams that clearly exhibit amazing instrumental talent. Essentially, Professor Marvel improve upon the sound that Explosions in the Sky bring to instrumental music. Nothing short of Jeff Beck has had something as big and all-encompassing as "Tasty Cakes and Big Mistakes". Don't let the names fool you. "Mariah Hairy and the 2 Pack Shakers" and "Chedda B" are not just silly names, but actually really impressive riffs built upon riffs of guitars, bass, and keyboards. This is the instrumental work that Tom DeLonge of Angels & Airwaves wishes he could play: Mikey Famiglietti knows his way around a keyboard, making his contribution the most essential to "Rambo Bright", the song with the best ethereal keyboards. Bassist Tommy Doyle shows off his skill, but in a more refined fashion. His chops are most noticeable on the bass riff of "Mariah Hairy and the 2 Pack Shakers". Every song has a place and a meaning, but "Indian Stagecoach Massacre" is by far the best. The guitar work from Famiglietti, Todd Hunt, and Jeff Moore is brilliant, especially in the riffs of that particular song. It was Rage Against the Machine meets U2: ethereal keyboards with crunchy, powerful guitar chords. And the basis for the record itself, drummer Cody Stead, helps to tie it all together.

This record is perfect for a chill evening at the house, with nothing to do but kick back, drink a beer, and delve into a diverse musical landscape. And, in fact, that's how I enjoyed this record. Of course, Professor Marvel is an acquired taste. Were I a few years younger, the lack of vocals would have made Entering the Atmosphere unlistenable. But fortunately, I have matured in a musical sense: some songs may carry on a little too long, but Entering the Atmosphere is a great return to instrumental progressive rock. Because Professor Marvel records by jamming and allowing each band member input in every song, some of them can seem a little dense. But needless to say, the gems of the record help it to rise above any negatives. "Indian Stagecoach Massacre", "Rambo Bright", and "Tasty Cakes and Big Mistakes" are all brilliant tracks. I highly recommend this album to any fan of instrumental rock, jam rock, or space rock. It's a stellar combination of all three. - Roll Over Beethoven