From: "Jerry Kranitz"  
Subject: Reviews: Quarkspace; Neapolitan Orchestra 
Date: 09/09/97; 5:36:02 AM 
 
Quarkspace - Spacefolds 3 (Cassette) 
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Spacefolds 3 is Columbus, Ohio Quarkspace's fourth release, and the 
third in their cassette series. Though not a departure from their 
previous efforts, the four cuts on this cassette only further 
convince this listener that Quarkspace is one of the more exciting 
bands on the space/ambient scene for their ability to excel at both 
1) kick ass jamming that incorporates rock, funk, and way out
spaciness; and 2) coherent, seemingly composed theme development. 
 
Side one opens with the nine minute Spring Equinox 97. The band sets 
a general, subtly changing theme and then alternates between bringing 
the keyboard and guitar to the forefront to jam over the background 
theme. I find myself really grooving to this tune nd after several 
listens detect a strong Allman Brothers jam quality to it; not the 
first time this comparison has been made. Side one closes with 
Freakin' With The Qboyz which shows more of the band's interest in 
funk, an influence that was strong on Spacefolds 2. Each time I 
listen to it I get an overwhelming urge to run out and rent Shaft :-) 
But really, these guys know how to get a good space groove going. 
 
Side two consists of Quarkital and Sly & The Family Stoned. Those 
who have read my earlier Quarkspace reviews will recall my impression 
of some of their tunes as good candidates for film soundtracks, and I 
would describe all of side two in this way. I suppose when I say this 
its because this is the composed theme development side of the band I 
have referred to. These are tunes that allow me to close my eyes, 
float away, and enjoy the images that pass through my mind. (No drugs 
folks :-) ) 
 
As this is Quarkspace's fourth release in a year - fifth if you 
count Steamdream 1 - I must say that I like this method of 
semi-frequently releasing material. The standard procedure for bands 
is for a year, sometimes far more in the indie world, to pass before 
a new full-length disc is released. As a result, the focus is on a 
finished work, and even how much the band has matured since the last 
release. Nothing wrong with that. 
 
But in this case I've enjoyed the "work in progress" feel involved in 
hearing where Quarkspace is at just a few months later. I'm a 
non-musician, but fascinated with the creative process. A release may 
represent a given point in the bands' development, or just a new toy 
they are experimenting with. Sometimes the "process" can be just as 
interesting and enjoyable as the well prepared full length release. 
Granted, this method brings with it a considerable risk of becoming 
monotonous, or even outright boring. Quarkspace has yet to 
reach that point as I'm still just as eager for Spacefolds 4 as I was 
for this one. By the way, these guys kick ass live. 
 
 
The Neapolitan Orchestra - "Almost Syrup" 1996 (CD) 
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Dayton Ohio's Neapolitan Orchestra plays heavy, mostly 
instrumental power-progressive music. The band consists of Tony 
Peters on guitar, Ben Burton on drums and keyboards, and Chris 
Matthews on bass. A review on the bands' web page compares them to 
Pink Floyd , Rush, and Blue Oyster Cult. To my ears the Rush 
influences are strong, but I also detect elements of Cream, Abbey 
Road's heavier moments (e.g., She's So Heavy), and good `ol 60's/70's 
jamming. The keyboards are rarely in the forefront, instead playing a 
background or layering role. The guitar isn't flashy. Rather, the 
focus is at all times on solid, tastefully developed melodies. 
 
The disc opens with two 3-4 minute tracks. Bwa Kwa Da Da is an 
easy going, guitar dominated rockin' tune, and On A Different Plan 
has a somewhat bluesy, Cream-like feel to it. 
 
Everything's Here...But You is a bluesy number and the only track 
with vocals. Though I think the band is strongest at instrumentals, 
the vocals on this tune are really soulful and fit the song well. And 
at eight minutes the musicians have plenty of opportunity to stretch 
out. 
 
Embryonic Stages is one of my favorites. A real rockin' tune, it 
starts with some wailing acid-like guitar and then goes on to 
numerous tempo and theme changes in its six minute length. Reality Of 
A Dream is similar with great guitar work and the most up-front bass 
tune on the disc. 
 
The last two songs, Mental Discovery and Looking Through Two Windows 
are the longest (12 and 9 minutes) and most Rush-like numbers. Its 
challenging for a primarily guitar, bass, percussion trio to keep 
instrumental music exciting and Neapolitan Orchestra does a great 
job. The band takes its time developing themes and there is always a 
great jamming feel to the music. If you enjoy heavy music that cares 
more about melody than flash than you will certainly like this disc. 
If interested, check out Neapolitan Orhestra's home page (I have a 
link to them from my page-see sig). 
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Jerry Kranitz (jkranitz@infinet.com) 
www.infinet.com/~jkranitz/music/music.html 
 
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