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http://www.evolutionofmedia.com/review.asp?id=863&order=Wake%20Effect,%20The&style=Rock%20Alternative
Are you ready for the 90’s revival? Well, ready or not it’s here; actually, it’s been going on for years starting with the resurrection of the Pixies in 2004. Still don’t believe me, well just look at all the 90’s band revivals: Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, and Stone Temple Pilots for starters. Anyway, I mention this because most listeners of new music need a reference point for what they are about to hear, so I offer up this analogy for the music on the Wake Effect’s debut album Step One.
Little is known about the Wake Effect: it seems to be the brainchild of Southern California-based Michael Del Palazzo, and the album was recorded in his bedroom as a mostly one-man project. Well, I’m all for DIY when the results are good, and, for the most part, Step One makes for pretty good listening. Stylistically, Del Palazzo’s music is fairly consistent; I could hear Dream Theater (“Risk & Uncertainty�), Soundgarden (“Faith & Fate�), and Alice in Chains (“Dusted�) in the songs, which would indicate that while he likes the power chords of metal, he also appreciates the grandiose melodies of Prog Rockers. In this sense, the Wake Effect joins the ranks of bands currently doing their bit to wave the Prog/Metal flag: the Mars Volta and Coheed and Cambria to name two.
So are the 90’s really back? Or did they never really leave? I’ll leave that debate for another day; suffice to say that Step One has it’s feet firmly planted the last decade, which is not necessarily a bad thing, and is quite an accomplished work for having been created in a bedroom. And Del Palazzo has generously made the album available on his website for anyone who wants to take the time to download and listen. Go ahead, give the guy a shot; if you like Linkin Park and System of a Down, then you’ll love Step One.
Written By: Gina Morris - http://www.evolutionofmedia.com/
Discography
Step One, the self produced debut album, is an
eclectic mix of a unique style of melodic rock,
laced with electronic and acoustic threads. It is
a project that is best described as �early Smashing
Pumpkins meets current Radiohead.� The Wake
Effect�s Step One spans the gamut from dreamy alt
rock, and spaced out electronica, to ghostly
acoustic ballads. Signature tracks include; Faith &
Fate, Dusted, Ten Things to do if I Live, and Lower
East Nowhere
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Bio
The Wake Effect is the pet project of singer-songwriter Michael Del Palazzo, in an effort to bring to life his original songs and sounds. While maintaining a full-time job, Mike began recording music in do-it-yourself fashion in early 2007. In a spare bedroom in the heart of the southern California desert, Del Palazzo started recording his self-described �Radiophonic American� sound. Layered vocal harmonies, fuzz distortion, acoustic guitars, and synthesizer loops come together in this unique brand of hook-laden rock. While Mike provided vocals and played all instruments, the Wake Effect�s full band sound was achieved by collaborating with on-line session drummer James Robinson. Del Palazzo wrote, produced, and released the music that came to be Step One in November of 2007. In order to disseminate his music to the widest audience; Mike designed an original interactive website for the free distribution of The Wake Effect�s music. Having played local venues as a one man show, Mike now plans to fill out The Wake Effect with a full band, and begin local touring in southern California in 2008.
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