Cell 15 identifies themselves simply as a prog rock band. Admittedly that didn't grab me on the first drive by, so I decided to take a second look behind the curtain and turn the volume up a bit...here is what I found. The band's debut release is a concept album called "Chapter One." The LP follows one man's journey through twenty years...if the name of the band is indicative of anything, it does not end well...
The title cut starts the carousel with a frenzy; the keyboards and drums seem to be leading a street chase and you feel yourself being pulled along like a rag doll in a pit bull's mouth. There is no down time as guitars burst onto the scene; the manhunt is underway. There are top notes of Liquid Tension Experiment in terms of fever pitch and hysteria, and I sense aromatics of Camel simmering just below the surface. The week is shaping up to be a white knuckle ride...
The next serving on the buffet line is "Man With a Gun." The adrenaline rush in this tune takes a much different route through your bloodstream; the inevitable tension usually attached to the climax of a horror movie. I sense an Alan Parsons Project vibe permeating from this piece...think I, Robot with more cynicism. The keyboards lead into vocals that at first seem strange and off trajectory, yet as the song progresses they are essential to the lifeblood of the music. Cell 15 knows many ways to tell a story...
Liner Notes...Cell 15 is the brainchild of Robert Scott Richardson. In 2011, with the concept of "twenty years in the life" embedded in his brain, Robert set out to turn his idea into reality; in 2014 "Chapter One" was released. In addition to Robert writing the songs, playing keyboards and performing the vocals, the band is comprised of Shane Jones on lead guitar, Dan MacDonald on bass and vocals, and Kevin Thomas on drums and vocals.
Hailing from Mechanicsburg, PA, Cell 15 has released "Chapter One" independently although the band is affiliated with After 7 Records. The album is the culmination of a life determined and dreams fulfilled. Despite playing keyboards for several bands and performing alongside artists such as Derek St. Holmes and John Cafferty, Robert felt pulled toward the progressive side of the music spectrum. Cell 15 was the outlet he needed to scratch that itch and the rest, as they say, is history...prog music history...
The last serving from this conceptual buffet is the song that closes the album out; "The Messenger." An upbeat lead-in to wrap up a glimpse into the life that was...and is about to be. Cell 15 threw more color and mood at the canvas than Peter Marx on a coke high. This piece is the culmination of a life not quite spent but rather beginning once more. With top notes of Camel and Kansas wafting through the Concert Closet the mood runs on the high side while venturing toward the chaotic and frenzied...but just this side of the lunatic fringe. Cell 15 brings everything full circle as the song reflects on a twenty year existence that was neither planned, dreamed, or imagined--but lived to the fullest.
Find out more about Cell 15 and purchase your copy of "Chapter One" at Cell 15. The album is avaiable at cdbaby Cell15cdbaby as well. Of course you can always follow or just check-in with
Cell 15 on Facebook at Cell15FB and Twitter @cell15band. Cell 15 also has a YouTube Channel Cell15YouTube for those who prefer to never venture outdoors...😏
My choice for your listening pleasure this week is "Manny's Gone Home." Smack dab in the middle of the album, this song is the turning point. The mood is somber and almost seems lethargic if not despondent...you can feel the loss of self and (most) hope dripping from the lyrics like molasses from a spoon. Cell 15 pulls you under with this song; and just when you think all is lost you start to get a sense of grit and determination pushing through clenched teeth...all is not lost even if I am the only one who believes in me...this is a tall glass of something that burns...
And with that fellow progheads, the final curtain falls on 2017. Cell 15 seems like a great way to close the prog garden for the season; a long journey ultimately bringing you home. The search for all things prog has been nothing short of a perpetual joyride for me and I thank you for sitting shotgun across the prog garden on this splendid excursion.
2018 promises to be another bumper crop producing year...I have already been "inundated" with requests for reviews and interviews, and I hope to inject something different once again when the new year raises her head. For now I simply thank you for reading, listening, learning, and enjoying. The Closet Concert Arena will dim the lights as the holiday celebrations continue into the new year. Of course I will present my final holiday post next week and from there join in on the revelry and hoopla that will take us all into 2018--safely I hope...until next time...
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