Further Details

Title: Step in 2 My World
Condition: New
Format: CD
EAN: 0837792009849
Genre: Rock
Description: EDITORIAL REVIEWS
Step in 2 My World album for sale by Seven Steps To The Green Door was released Nov 04, 2008 on the Prog Rock label. Seven Steps to the Green Door: Anne Trautmann, Ronny Gruber, Lars Kohler, Larry B. Step in 2 My World buy CD music (vocals); Andreas Eddy Gemeinhardt (acoustic guitar, electric guitar); Mark Arnold (recorder, clarinet, saxophone, keyboards, electronics, wind); Jens Vieweg (oboe); Jorg Baudach (trumpet); Heiko Rehm (bass guitar); Ulf Reinhardt (drum, percussion). Step in 2 My World songs Audio Mixers: Ulf Reinhardt; Mark Arnold. Step in 2 My World album for sale Recording information: B'Side-Music; Sonic-Studio. Step in 2 My World CD music Personnel: Larry B. (vocals). Step in 2 My World CD music contains a single disc with 12 songs.

REVIEW
Analysis. Whatever you may feel about the approach this act takes to the art of creating music, there's one undeniable fact that can be stated when describing them: They have chosen to follow a novel and rather unique style and sound. Indeed, a word like original is never far away when descriptions of their creations are given, if not applicable to all elements of the individual compositions then at least for the sum total of the parts that make up the songs on their latest effort. In terms of the musical style explored, a simple categorization is next to impossible. There's a great deal of variety on this production overall as well as within the individual compositions, thus pinpointing this creation is a daunting task. However, some stylistic explorations do dominate more than others and personally I'd say that the main ingredients making up this release are a modern variety of symphonic progressive rock, a melodic brand of progressive metal and fusion; the latter with a few more nods to jazz than progressive rock. These three different stylistic approaches are elements all to be found within most songs, in some cases merely utilizing elements from one or two of these styles in a composition dominated by the third, but just as often containing segments where each of these musical directions are explored individually. And to add even more variation, components from other styles of music are thrown into the mix too, with oboe and clarinet in particular providing musical elements I associate with classical music and folk music, and synthesizers used to create lush and ambient atmospheres in some places and adding an electronic sheen to harder sounding parts, giving these an industrial sheen. Disco and funk are styles visited too, most wholeheartedly on the tune Out of Clouds one of two bonus tracks on the US edition of this release. The band itself provides one additional detail further enriching this colorful musical palette by having no than three lead vocalists in the band; the textures provided by this element in the performances add to the element of variation that dominates this production. What may deter some from exploring this outfit any further is how these elements are mixed. Not a negative feature from my point of view, but others may find it disheartening that the many differences and contrasts in expression are smoothed over rather than focused upon. The band opts for a smooth mix, tuning down and dampening the most contrasting elements from their rich palette of musical and melodic flavors. In short, they have chosen to give the individual songs as well as the album as a whole a mix that should make it appeal to a mainstream audience just as much (perhaps even more) than to an audience looking for a creation breaking new musical ground. It is tempting to say that despite the richness of styles explored a key feature of this production is a general leaning towards traditional pop music. When giving this creation an intensive and concentrated listen this statement isn't a plausible one though, but the mix and production make it appear that way on superficial exploration. One might say that the songs are radio-friendly and melodic, but with many layers, details and textures that will not be revealed until the listeners take the time to explore this album more thoroughly.

Conclusion. In my view, "Step in 2 My World" is a truly brilliant release, utilizing a plethora of different stylistic elements to create a diversified album rich in details to explore and nuances to be discovered. However, the choice to give the album a mix and production appealing to a mainstream audience may well alienate some listeners. Personally I think this is a great album and one that should be compelling to many followers of progressive music in general. --Progressor

If there s a country that qualifies as most eclectic when it comes to their forward thinking progressive bands, Germany wins the title in my eyes. Especially after taking in the 7 piece act Seven Steps To The Green Door. Instrumentation such as clarinets and saxophone isn t used as mere spices to their experimental progressive art-rock sound. A trio of vocalists (Anne Trautmann, Ronny Grube, and Lars Kohler) trade off verse sections and come together with beautiful three part harmonies. Free flowing jazz guitar and poly-rhythmic drums can turn up on a dime- as well as simpler, lighter vocal driven fare such as the Peter Gabriel/ Genesis influenced Moon Talks To Me . You will need at least 50 listens to grab every little nuance, every quiet keyboard drone, every explosive energetic splash- which explores even electronic industrial avenues with Step Into My World that features Anne s melodious delivery contrasting the aggressive male counterpart screams.


The group willingly bends notes to feedback proportions at one moment in time and conversely returns to a softer, more radio-friendly atmosphere with the quieter ballad Melissa . My Lovely Mr. Singing Club pushes the progressive jazz envelope, as guitar, keyboards and sax form a trinity in note mirroring dexterity, complete with a cynical laugh track during the riff changes. They love a selection of American and British contingent with their grab bag of reference points, but I also hear a wildcard entry like Chicago and I think this sets the band apart from 95% of the new progressive bands come out these days.


Step In 2 My World can be busy but isn t like watching 7 people going in different directions to create a car crash - they understand the need to let the music breathe and attempt to explore and experiment with the song as king.


Whew - I m exhausted. Make sure you are in the right frame of mind when venturing into their world. --Imhotep

Step in 2 my World by German band Seven Steps To The Green Door is a very good CD of what has been known as Neo Prog, but the revamped version of that genre, with some intersting detours in other musical styles (like fusion, jazz...). The songs and music I hear on Step in 2 my World can easily be compared to what bands like Poor Genetic Material, Sylvan and Glass Hammer, to name a few, have given us recently. Fans of Kansas, ELP and IQ should also really enjoy Seven Steps To The Green Door.

The musicians on this CD are all excellent, the compositions are always interesting, featuring some great musical sections that are sometimes powefull and sometimes moving. The singing on Step in 2 my World , very mellow and soft considering the power in the music, is one of the band's strongest assets. The voices of the vocalists are all very good, their singing technique of a high level and the harmonies are near perfect. I dare to say that this band has the talent to become one of the top acts in prog today. Hopefully Step in 2 my World will allow them to reach that status.

Step in 2 my World is a "must by" for anyone who enjoys Prog music. It's that good. --Proggnosis
Country/Region of Manufacture: USA
No Of Discs: 1
Artist: Seven Steps to the Green Door
Record Label: Progrock Records

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