SiX By SiX is a new three-piece featuring guitarist Ian Crichton, a founding member of Saga, along with drummer Nigel Glockler from Saxon and bassist and vocalist Robert Berry, best known for his stint in the late 80s band 3 with Keith Emerson and Carl Palmer. The band’s eponymous debut is a hard and proggy mix of perfectly constructed tracks and as wonderful playing as you’d expect.
The songs revolve around blistering and precise riffery from Crichton. Glockler mans the skins and keeps things heavy when the chucking beat calls for it — as is evident truly on the spectacular ‘China.” And Berry? Vocally, he has never sounded better and more powerful, while his simple handling of the low end stays spot-on.
The beginning of “Reason To Feel Calm Again” gives Crichton ample space to fly around the higher frets while Berry shows off his pipes at a slow and spacey pace. When the sly percussion picks up and we are into the beat of the song proper, it reveals itself with a high jamming middle. The layering of backing vocals in the chorus is another strong point this band has in its arsenal.
What I like about SiX By SiX is that they are effective at deep prog mode, soft balladry, and/or heavy hitting, like on the songs “The Last Words On Earth,” featuring some of Berry’s best singing. And who can’t love Crichton’s signature bends and pull-offs on “Skyfall.” The big balls-to-the-wall sound carries right on through to the final song, “Save The Night.” With it’s roiling, big choruses and Crichton wailing atop the deep groove, this is truly modern prog at its best. Here’s hoping for big things for SiX By SiX.
~ Ralph Greco, Jr.
