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Artist: Band: Exhibition of Tendencies
Album: Exhibition of Tendencies
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.exhibitionoftendencies.com
Genre: Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock
Sounds Like: Filter, Alice in Chains, Tool
Technical Grade: 8/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 7/10
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Songwriting Skills: 6/10
Performance Skill: 7/10
Best Songs: Mans Will, Bruegel’s Reality, The Preist
Weakness: Awkward Horn segments, Winded Songs, Marketability
CD Review: Iowa based "Exhibition of Tendencies" releases their self-titled debut CD in 2011. Band consists of local musicians Wade Anderson  (Electric and Acoustic Bass, Vocals) and Matt Glascok (Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Drums and Cello).

The CD kicks things off with a "Prelude” a dynamic intro piece that serves up apocalyptic guitar ambience, driving rock rhythm against aggressive impressive musical build. This track merges into Track 2 “Bruegel’s Reality” that dishes out dynamic musical flow combining driving guitar a drum attack tandem, against a thought provoking lyrical content.  I especially like the solo segment on this piece that whips you around like a wild tornado. Track 3 “The Preist” serves up yet another passionate, progressive rock crescendo serving up driving rock rhythm, aggressive guitar attack and hypnotic vocals that flow and ebb their way through to emotional fruition. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of Filter, Alice in Chains, Tool and even Chevelle. Fans of all things Progressive Metal will thoroughly enjoy this CD. As the CD slowly unfolds you will notice most of the songs are very dynamic, progressive and full of musical peak and valley. All in all this CD has some truly impressive moments on it showcasing impressive writing, dynamic musicianship coupled with lyrical content that is mysterious and compelling. Glascok and Anderson’s vocal style are hard to pigeonhole, but the passionate baritone works well within the confines of this catalogue. Both hold the melody line well and harmonize well together. The musicianship is above the bar. Kudos goes out to the exceptional Drumming, Melodic bass licks and impressive harmonies. All songs are packed to the hilt with everything you would expect from a cutting edge hard rock release. It’s definitely a fully loaded CD from start to finish with some heavy rocking grooves, thought provoking lyrical content and rich vocal melody. From mesmerizing “I Want to Be Punished” to dynamic Aftermath” to hard hitting “Shun” and “The Compass” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with the title track (which is subdivided into 3 segments) making for a perfect finale statement for a CD of this caliber.

I just can’t wrap my head around the Horn, Saxophone, Cello and Trombone segments. All songs over 4 minutes tend to frag you to the finish line – even for a Progressive rock CD. Do to the extended play format of some songs it’s fair to say many listeners will fail to identify with many of the songs and messages.  I fully realize this is a subjective art form, but many of the afortmentioned issues do affect the CD's overall marketability.  

The debut CD from "Exhibition of Tendencies" is a fascinating, compelling, thoiught prvoking and consistent musical production from start to finish. The music is raw, in your face and provides an interesting artistic snapshot form this duo from Cedar Falls, Iowa. What I like the most about this CD is there is no attempt anywhere to sugar coat the raw truth. Instead the stories are told with bold honesty and reckless abandonment. All songs are sung from a deeply honest perspective – revealing the bitter truth. What can I say it’s an Exhibition of...........Tendencies.  

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