Bob Mulvey

August 8, 2002

Tracklist: Earthquake (5:22), On the Prowl (4:10), You (6:03), Moment of Truth (5:23), Do You In (4:48), Shadows (5:36), Evening in Montreux (4:34), No Turning Back (3:26), Spanish Lover (5:35) Rainmaker (4:39), Dancing On Crystal (7:35)

Hailing from San Diego, California, are five musicians who collectively make up Left Coast - here with their debut CD Worlds of Mystery. An album of many facets and covering many genres of music, all of which are well written, well produced and, given the fact that this is an independent release, makes its own further comment. The maturity of the compositions suggests that some or all the members have a track record outside of this line-up, but I have no information to support this notion.

The album opens with the aptly titled Earthquake, with guitarist Neil Hedegard supplying a "riff based" monster-metal intro, supported by the band. I have to admit at this point I was a little dubious as to what was to follow, however the mayhem stops and dream-like choral chord pattern heralds the voice of Richard Pavelec, his deep and warm timbered vocals, nicely contrasting the music. My early misgivings abated, the track develops well and shows the bands abilities immediately. This continues through the following track, albeit not so heavy, the verses having a nice groove to them and a distinctive hook-line to the chorus.

You again sees a different side to Left Coast, a more commercial song, and it is at this point that I can hear the Bowie qualities in Pavelec's voice, that are referred to in the band's website. A distinctly radio friendly track, if not a tad long for this medium. There is however an obvious fade out point just before the second guitar solo, which would be a shame, as Neal Hedegard is obviously a guitarist who has put great thought into his parts and his playing is yet another of the highlights to be heard throughout the album.

Continuing in the melodic rock format Moment of Truth opens with acoustic twelve string guitar, distant guitar licks and voice - a good track that follows in a standard verse/chorus format. I feel mention is needed here of keyboardist Chris Kokesh, although for the most part the sounds and textures are fairly minimal, it is this factor that is so additive to the overall sound. I found the lack of huge walls of chords and careful selection of sounds very refreshing. Do You In and Shadows introduce different aspects to Left Coast's music, a nice percussive bass intro from Alan Smithey on the first piece and tasteful fretless on the second. Completing what is a solid rhythm section is Roger Nigg on drums, it is in fact Nigg's innovative and dynamic drumming that contributes to raising the tracks above Left Coast's contemporaries. One the more diverse tracks is Spanish Lover, with a distinct Latin feel, aided by the two guest musicians - Chuck Prada [congas & bongos] and Kim Pollack [Spanish female voice].

Worlds of Mystery contains two interesting instrumental tracks, Evening in Montreux and Dancing on Crystal. The first of these is a tasteful and gentle piece with its neatly executed guitar chordal structure, well selected sounds and pleasant arrangement - of interest maybe to those familiar with guitarist Eric Johnson. The second and longer instrumental is again fairly laid back, with acoustic guitar and again minimal keyboards supplying much of chord structure, for the varied guitar passages that take the leading role.

A varied and interesting album, as already mentioned covering a diversity of styles, which make it impossible to label within any one or even two categories. I didn't find the album, in the strictest sense, particularly "progressive", much of the material being song orientated and in the main in common time. This aside the musicianship is first-rate and Richard Pavelec's voice adds another dimension to the songs. So my suggestion would be to follow the link above, listen to the tracks on their website and be your own judge.

Conclusion: 7 out of 10.