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Artist: Soundproof
Album: 'Soundproof'
CD Review: Label: Independent
Tracks: 18
Released: 2003
For Fans Of:: improvisational blues rock; Doobie Bros, BTO, Junkhouse
Fav Track: Money Machine, Screaming, A Bit Sick, Fullmoon.

From the first notes of 'Money Machine', you get the idea of what Soundproof is all about. Their bio reads that the collaborate spearheaded by Jason Hanley includes 3 members, but this number changes as members join the trio intermittently. The backbone, however, is Jason Hanley, and the songs that grow out of his 'rootsy folk-fueled blues'.

Although admittedly not a huge fan of the blues, I was interested listening to the variety of tunes Hanley and the gang serve up. The sounds they come up with ranges from Zeppelin-esque acoustic improv with soaring vocals (Screaming) to almost-mainstream blues-rock, as in 'Money Machine'. The music is thoughtful, the lyrics poignant and the delivery assured. As well, you can hear that these tunes lend themselves to improvisation, which is what Hanley says their music really is - 'composition in motion . . .fluid and free of monotony or any structured format'.
Which makes for a very interesting listen, because even though the songs are captured with a certain structure here on CD, each song showcases aspects of the potential of their form.
As it is music that defies categorization, the best way to summarize the music is to say that Hanley's guitar is very tasteful and thoughtful, and his voice commanding of attention. A listen to the lyrics tells you that Hanley has something to say about the state of the world and our responsibilites in it. Some serious stuff, but then you can tell that Soundproof is serious about their music.

One final note - in the interest of freedom of expression, Soundproof makes their music available via cd, or for free through their mp3 e-mail list. I have a feeling, though, that the best way to access these guys is to catch them live - but you'll have to travel to Florida for that.

In the interest of the future of music, I'd have to recommend Soundproof, and hope they find the success they need to be self-sustaining as progenators of honest music.

Contact: Jason Hanley or Jason Durham
Website: Sound Proof Productions