Ben Averch
Washington State
© 2006 Ben Averch (837101190022)
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Swervedriver meets Rush and Urge Overkill: Progressive hard rock with complex arrangements, layers of crunchy textural guitars, interlocking bass and drums, and soaring guitar solos.
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Reviews for "Washington State":
From Whisperin & Hollerin
For a solo project, "Washington State" has enough thump and widescreen soundscapes to fill a dozen bands. Averch aims for a big arena feel and nails it, slamming together U2 and Blue Oyster Cult to create a heavenly noise. Like Live, Averch has a wondering - and wandering - soul yet he's able to avoid any pretentiousness.
"In a Dream State" echoes the title of the record, recalling Seattle's Soundgarden in their mid-'90s form without the rainy Emerald City angst. "No Division" and "Levitate" are both reminiscent of Rush with their propulsive and magnetic guitar work. Averch is an amazing axeman; check out the scorching Stone Gossard-ish solo in "Sandcast."
At a time when real rock seems to be going extinct, Averch arrives to breathe new life into the genre, even if it's all by himself.
From Sonomu.net
Definitely among the year's most ambitious independent releases is this 10-track project from Ben Averch (http://averch.blogspot.com).
Drawing upon both the molten metal of early '90s grunge in Seattle and the futurist, high-I.Q. progressive rock of Rush and Yes, Averch raises the bar for today's modern rock bands. The only difference is that Averch doesn't have a group. Each note on "Washington State" was played by Averch himself. If you didn't know that, it's doubtful that you would've figured it out as Averch has exceptional skills.
Much has been written about Rush being a super-powered trio, but what can you say about a solo act such as Averch, who can minimize Pearl Jam's amp wallop on "Reset the Clock" without any additional player? Averch must be an octopus, each tentacle having mastered every instrument, from guitar to drums to Moog synthesizer to bass.
This is a truly impressive effort, produced with muscle and smarts.
From Ink19
Averch is a one-man symphony of prog rock, utilizing Rush, King's X and Queensryche as reference points to launch his own vision of thinking man's metal.
Playing every instrument himself, Averch manages to splice the parts together and produce an album that is cohesive and intelligent. This is some pretty brainy music, taking listeners back to the time when rock bands could make people think. To today's generation, the modern blueprint for that belongs to Radiohead. Not to Averch, though. Averch's musical heroes are obviously in the progressive rock camp, top-notch musicians that believed in stimulating the brain, not annoying us with pointless avant-garde moves.
Averch includes the lyrics in the CD. Read as you listen. In order to properly experience this record, you have to absorb everything -- the words, the music, the production, which is sparklingly clean and beefs up the instruments, resulting in an epic rollercoaster ride for the ears.
From CDReviews.com
Averch applies life-affirming lyrics to hard rock that echo the Emerald City’s thunderous icons in volume but not in precision. Instead, one can hear the science-lab clarity of Rush, especially on the thrilling “Cloud Cover” and the toe-tapping “No Division.”
Those who are alienated by progressive rock for its coldness and lack of pop hooks will find Averch’s take on the genre to be highly accessible. Being a writer myself, Averch’s ability with a pen was even more impressive.
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Seattle-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ben Averch stands to build a devoted following in the rock community with his debut album, "Washington State". Featuring ten tracks, including the progressive riff rocker ‘In a Dream State’, the anthemic ‘Cloud Cover’ and the plush, evocative ‘A Chance for Me to Stay’, "Washington State" introduces Averch as an accomplished solo artist.
Formerly the guitarist/vocalist for Boston hard rock band Bison, Averch cut his performing teeth touring across the country during the ‘90s. In addition to serving as the frontman for Bison, Averch made a living delivering high-energy, passionate acoustic hard rock in Harvard Square, Cambridge as one of Boston’s premier street musicians. This period was marked by his recognition from Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder, who gave Averch a $50 tip in exchange for a Bison demo tape.
"Washington State" was recorded and mixed from August 2005 through April 2006 in Sammamish, Washington and was mastered by John McCaig at Panic Studios in Seattle. Produced, performed, recorded and mixed entirely by Averch, "Washington State" features complex arrangements that interweave driving hard rock and creamy, blended vocal harmonies. The album lyrics are thought provoking and highly visual, describing personal and spiritual growth, with the natural imagery of the Pacific Northwest. Averch’s universal lyrics and Bob Mould-styled vocal harmonies are layered over broad swaths of crunching, textural guitars, angular drumming and busy bass playing.
"I wanted to create something that was autobiographical and universal at the same time," said Averch. "This record achieves what I set out to do – create a unique hard rock album that describes the possibilities in life that are open to each of us. The common thread through all the songs is the idea that every moment in life offers the chance for renewal and a new direction."
For more information, including pictures, lyrics and commentary by the artist, please visit the Ben Averch Music Blog at http://averch.blogspot.com.
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Fan reviews for "Washington State":
from StevePavlina.com:
Erin Says: Ben, this is wonderful. You’re a fantastic musician. Lots of passion in your song writing. Awesome job!
Raj Says: Ben, Awesome !! This is amazing!! You have a lot of talent and I am sure that this talent will take you to far off places !!
Dru Says: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. “No Division” is fantastic! God bless you. With immense thanks, Dru
Elaine Says: This truly is wonderful. Ben, you certainly are talented! And it’s nice to hear a song with meaningful lyrics.
from MySpace.com/Averch:
David Vector: You never cease to amaze with your cool musical ideas and arrangements, especially your fantastic guitar work. "In a Dream State" is a killer track - it's the kind of thing I had hoped Rush would come out with when they went back to a more guitar-dominated sound.
Rush fan reviews from RushMessageBoard.com:
Constant Change: That was very sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet to my listening ears.
CavesOfIceman: Impressive production, passion.
PPGWave: Sounds like you had Alex [Lifeson] come over and record the guitar tracks. Nice Work!
THE Rushgirl: Total RUSH influence. That RAWWWKS!!!!!!!!! Awesome!!!
Toothpick2112: awesome song that rocks
CygnusGodofBalance: enjoyed it thoroughly
reviews
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Intense!
author: PeteIf you like finely crafted progressive music, buy this CD! This is a very well written and cohesive album. Ben does an incredible job playing all the instruments, drawing from his influences, and making it sound unique. There isn't a bad track on the album. Washington State doesn't follow the same bland formula that most new artists are cranking out. I'll be eagerly awaiting Ben's next release.
Rock on!
author: Eric HuiAwesome album! I give two thumbs up!
Progressive Rock at its Finest
author: Mike PageWA State hits the accelerator on track one and doesn't let go. This album is quintessential driving music with its complex arrangements, powerful, layered guitar lines and riffs that twist and turn while the rhythm section propels you forward. Captivating and evocative WA State is the best progressive rock album I've heard in years.
Already a contender for album of 2006
author: Rob Mallory Sr.I was just sent a copy of the second Ben Averch album 'Washington State' by Ben himself. I have had the extreme pleasure to hear these songs in their writing stages, and while I was impressed with them at each turn the finished product is incredible. This time around Ben has crafted ten songs about his home state of Washington, and there is not a dull song on the disc. There are some very Rush like moments ("Cloud Cover", "Reset the Clock"). In a perfect world I would see this thing rushing up the Billboard charts. The music is fresh, inventive, and destined to be a classic, and is already a contender for album of 2006 for me.
Fascinating, captivating, takes you on a deep exciting ride! WoW!
author: Sheila AdamsThis CD is a reinvention of the concept of melody. You've got a sensational multiplicity of harmonies artfully integrating finessed guitar, bass, keyboard, drums and vocals into a powerful emotive phenomenal experience. The depth of the lyrics first connect via universal appeal and then they bring new insight that lingers and kind of lives on even when the song has finished. Congratulations!!