Long awaited, “Carnivore Cruises”, the newest LP from Pet Shark, starts with soothing ocean sounds, the Bass kicks in and then the Drums start with a Cadence allowing the guitar to start with a slow riff that makes you sit back and feel safe.  But it doesn’t stop there. Add in a syncopated synth sound that keeps a steady pattern and throw in some interesting sounds to fill the background.  This albums music is a bit hard to classify, but let me give a try.  It’s a cross between Rick Wakeman, The Amboy Dukes, (no vocals) some experimental Pink Floyd, Genesis, Dream Theatre, Steve Vai and then throw in some Geddy Lee bass riffs for good measure.

If you enjoy Progressive Rock, pick up this CD and put on some nice Head Phones/Ear Buds and sit back in your favorite chair close your eyes and listen. The Cd started with “Carnivore Cruises” which was my intro description. The second song “Gypsy” was a very easy song to groove too and has some nice melodies and transitions and is very reminiscent of the band Kansas. “Eagles as Allies” was another nice song with some very beautiful transitions. Then the song “Paws” starts with some smooth Violin/Cello intro and acoustic guitar.  Add a mix of the fun sounding song, “Dancing on a Burrito”, which the intro reminded me of the band Scatterbrain, hell, even the title fit. Next up was “I Cannot Breathe” which started with a repetitive keyboard riff much like some older Savatage songs. This song was the first to have Vocals.  The way most of these songs transition into the next segment of the song is cool. It gives you enough time to visualize what the songs meaning is and you start putting a story to it and therefore making it more personal to your own life’s story. The Cd closes with a beautiful song, “65 Roses” which starts with acoustic guitar, some bongos and Violin/Cello before bringing in the electric guitar and even includes some haunting background vocals later in the track.  Though the CD reminded me of so many other bands it was well put together and was an easy listen.

Pet Shark:

Keith Moreland (Guitar)
Matt Bissonette (Bass)
Mike Keneally (Guitars, Keyboards)

Ted Morton (Drums, Keyboards, percussion and sound effects)
Lindsay Jagich (Cello)

Carnivore Cruises Track listing:

Carnivore Cruises

Gypsy

Eagles as Allies

Paws

Dancing on a Burrito

I Cannot Breathe

65 Roses

Album: Carnivore Cruises

Band: Pet Shark

Reviewed by: Storm@backstage360.com

Editor’s Note: For those of you that listen to music in the background while you Multi-Task, Don’t do that! Carnivore Cruises commands your full attention!