Bushwack
Canvas

July 2010
Released: 2009, Bushwack Entertainment
Rating: 3.0/5
Reviewer: Robert Williams

Bushwack is a New Haven, Connecticut based four-piece who are best described as progressive hard rock with alt-rock leanings. Heavily influenced by such acts as Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree, the group has a previous self titled full length album already under their belts.



The latest release from Bushwack is the four song CANVAS EP featuring cover art from Ioannis (Fates Warning, Yngwie Malmsteen, Blue Oyster Cult). "Stonewall" starts things off with offtime percussion and mellow vocals overlaying a dynamic build from the keyboards and guitars. There are some multi-layered melodic vocals come chorus and noodly guitar warblings thrown in for good measure. Kind of a hooky number. "Morning" displays some serene acoustic measures amongst soft vocals passages, of course this is a slow dynamic build to a more progressive and experimental landscape. Bushwack seems to invest the bulk of their talent into radio ready choruses which is a bit strange as they are probably a little to "Out there" for most FM stations. "Flawed" really showcases the talents of drummer Ben Shanbrom who seemlessly shifts between awkward tempo with ease and uses his cymbals for maximum percussive punch. The instrumental "Clubbed To Death" closes out this EP with some slightly unorthodox electronica leanings courtesy of keyboardist Frank Sacramone while the rhythm section bounce along through some pretty basic chord structures.



Bushwack seem adept at what they do and although the overall production on this EP could have been a bit better, they are obviously a very talented four piece. I can't say that I would spin this too often, this style really isn't to my liking, but I can respect that there are many out there who do follow this genre and Bushwack should suit there tastes.