SPEC RECORDS: Reviews & Press

Review by Musea Records, France (2003) (Spec Records European distributor)

In the overpopulated galaxy of wizard drummers, Joe BERGAMINI is special thanks to his wise use of technique, subservient to music. Both an accomplished musician and a famous teacher, he regularly speaks in the columns of the famous specialized magazine Modern Drummer. He also participates, with his master Dom FAMULARO, to a programme of material (and musicians!) improvement… This nice American started very young with POWER WINDOWS, a covers line-up dedicated to RUSH. With his own band 4FRONT, he performs highly energetic instrumental progressive heavy-metal, quite close to the spirit of LIQUID TENSION EXPERIMENT. Listening to “Gravity” (1998), we can realize that the jazz-rock fusion dimension is nevertheless more present than in the project started by Mike PORTNOY, another drumming celebrity. The trio also includes bassist Frank LaPLACA and guitarist-keyboardist Zak RIZVI. Far from being the star here, Joe BERGAMINI allows a lot of space to his mates’ contributions: an excellent idea that gives the possibility to avoid the trap of a masterclass in disguise. “Radio Waves Goodbye” (2001) is the third album by 4FRONT. This first one of the new millennium is far more contrasted than the previous ones, less based on furious guitar parts. Still, it remains a great album, occasionally flavoured by some vocals, as in the very interesting cover of David BOWIE’s “Space Oddity”. Go running to your favourite record shop!

Review by Peter Beaman from Audion Magazine, UK (August 2003)

4front are a New York based instrumental progressive rock supremacy trio. Nice touches of class are in evidence here by these guys. Plenty of stylistic tempo changes and blending the musical structure into a gestalt work of art. May be it's the feel that there is scope for so much to happen over a short period that adds to the appeal. Its certain a fusion of progressive/rock/jazzy/instrumental genius that sets this group apart from others attempting the same style. Lovers of bands like Liquid Tension Experiment, Vulcan Unicorn, and Dream Theatre come to mind. There is absolute extravagance in the hard hitting percussions of Joe Bergamini, coupled with the electrifying guitar/keyboard playing and composing of Zak Rizvi, that is pure excellence in my opinion, that refreshes the parts that other bands can't reach! Frank LaPlaca on bass has the meanness deep sound by a long way too. Comparing the two releases of Gravity and Radio Waves Goodbye (2001) is not easy and ironically Gravity has been released twice in 1998 and again 2002 (reviewed here) with the bonus track Acid Cowboy. Radio Waves Goodbye has a more modern cover version of Space Oddity 2001 by Dave Bowie and the rare vocals of Zak Rizvi. A deadly and well produced track emphasising keyboards/guitar and violin is Memories of Kansas, a kind of homage to the aforementioned band perchance? There is odd sax and additional keyboardist around to keep the depth and breadth of this CD up and going at a high level throughout. Now for the better release! Gravity. Harder hitting, tighter playing and extremely-love-it-to-bits feelings as soon as the first minute of Prelude is played. The joy overflows with The Front (Rush inspired?) a collaboration of well stirred guitar with pristine drumming. The magic on Gravity is that the tracks are like polished works of art and keep on getting better which each new subsequent play! Like Dr Chicken rattling out at over 8 min is a purely guitar/keyboard monstrous excellent jamming session which keeps an even paced rhythmic type anthem in the background. So step right this way for more information on these fine fellows!

Review by Sven from Tarkus Magazine, Norway (Oct 2002)

Amazingly fresh, rich, catchy fusion prog from 4Front. Marvellous fingerwork and smart, fat, flexible foundations. First-class experts, flawless performance ­ furious speed from the first fourth. Complex footwork causes quick movements (15/4?) ­ otherwise floating progress. By the way, philharmonic violins appear. "Fuse" flickers quickly by, the fuzz guitar's feedback creates Fripp-like subtelties. Meritorious, because 4Front actually feels entirely free from false proposals. Still confused? Get your money out before the first edition disappears.

Review by Modern Drummer Magazine (Oct 2002)

4Front possess many classic prog elements. Guitarist Zak Rizvi recorded, mized, mastered, and wrote most of this well-done guitar-oriented prog material... drummer Joe Bergamini's groove and chops are tight on each challenging arrangement.

Review by Prognosis.com

Hopefully when people read these reviews, I am offering enough sincere information about the music as is possible with mere words, especially when I am recommending something that is entirely new to the reader. Well when CDs like 4Front's Radio Waves Goodbye get played on my system, my ears are open and my dopamine levels rise, and that is symptomatic of music that clicks with me in just the right way. A three piece band that has the guitarist, Zak Rizvi doubling on keyboards, bassist Frank LaPlaca, and drummer Joe Bergamini, playing music that is far beyond what any three piece should be doing, at least for human beings anyway. The music is predominantly instrumental, and is highly progressive, not merely riffage, but intelligently designed songs, that have a lot of creative keyboard atmosphere to compliment the very technical structure of each song. They even do a nice remake of Bowie's "Space Oddity," which indicates the bands diverse tastes. Zak Rizvi shows himself to be fully able to compose sophisticated music from both guitar and keyboards, he is a masterful player on the guitar but seldom do the songs focus on his talents alone, he composes for the sum of the parts that are 4 Front, something that is missing in many of the progressive/fusion bands today, so to say this is a fusion band is not being fair. They are fusion much the way bands like UK, and Bruford(70's) were, or more contempory artists like Planet X, or Cyril Achard, the point being that the compositions are not meant to put any one player on a pedestal of virtuoso stardom. Joe Bergamini, the bands drummer, shows the kind of dynamic polymetricity that can seperate him from the cluster of middle ground timekeepers out there, his playing is articulated and concise, and his chops are that of a serious student of the percussion discipline, the music that is being played here demands such a talent, and he provides each song with much more than the minimum requirement of challenging drum work. Bassist Frank LaPlaca, has the unenviable duty of taking care of the countermelodies, that drive the band's sound. He never strays from the sturdy presence that is required of him. 4Front are showing themselves to be worthy of the attention of both the progressive and fusion communities, as they reflect a solid combination of both styles. In the words of Zak Rizvi (I'm a fanatical film lover and was determined to express that obsession more clearly on this record than on the past two. The album's first six tracks were conceived and arranged as a side long piece, a "little movie" if you will, and are intended to be listened through in a single sitting.) Well said, that sums this CD as a whole, it is an album that will keep you listening from start to finish, and set many moods for your imagination to run wild.

Review by Denis Taillefer from proglands.com

This is the most recent album from 4Front and a very nice one it is. The music is based on fusion but is highly progressive in many places. The music contains other influences from many elements such as rock, pop, classical, film music, hard-rock, blues, and many more. "Space Oddity 2001" is an amazing cover of Bowie's song of the same name but with major new arrangements. The album is quite diverse and is often melodic. That's great, and these guys are good players as well. On this album you find highly progressive music and some highly emotional moments. Recommended.

Review by Ron from ProgNaut.com

4Front is progressive rock trio from New York scene. They blend traditional progressive rock with a song oriented structure. All the songs on "Radio Waves Goodbye" are instrumental with the exception of "Space Oddity 2001;" the David Bowie song fused with the Peter Schilling song "Major Tom". This piece is a very dramatic departure from the original song but it does remain faithful with Zak Rizvi (guitar/keyboards) providing the vocals. According to the band's website, the first six songs comprise an epic (or "little movie"), which comes off really well. These three musicians combine elements of fusion, rock, prog and symphonic to make what I think is a very well done body of work, so far. Drummer Joe Bergamini is fantastic and so is Frank LaPlaca the bassist. With the proper exposure 4Front are a band to look out for either as a live or soundtrack band. I recommend this band for fans of Rush, Joe Satriani and fans of instrumental music in general.

Review by Gabor Kleinbloesem, from STRUTTERZINE, Netherlands

This New Jersey settled band is playing high quality instrumental progressive/symphonic rock a la RUSH, 70s KANSAS, 70s GENESIS and JOURNEY (all without the melodic vocals!). The band has released 2 great albums, of which their debut 'Gravity' is the best album. Highlights on 'Gravity' are such excellent perfect progressive rockers like "Prelude", "Gearth", "Space and Time" and "A Dying Wish". Just listen how perfect everything sounds, with the keyboards and guitar riffs taking an important part in 4FRONT's music. The other CD, 'Radio Waves Goodbye', is a bit weaker and poppier, but still also that new album contains some great instrumental progressive rcok like "Tunnel Vision", "Special Patrol Group" and "Descent". There's also a cover of the DAVID BOWIE classic "Space Oddity 2001", and that's the only song that features vocals, and I must say that guitarist/keyboard player Zak Rizvi has a good voice, maybe a side-project with vocal songs would be an option? Anyway, if you're into quality instrumental progressive rock, then look no further, here's 4FRONT! (Points: 8.5 out of 10)

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Review by John Ridge, from UNDERGROUND ZINE SCENE: (Sep 2001)

It’s been three years since Gravity was released and I guess the most surprising thing about this release is that we haven’t heard more mentioned in the progressive ranks about Joe Bergamini or his band 4Front. He takes a few chops from Genesis and Rush and blends with his own style to create a passionate display of instrumental rock that succeeds where many have failed, creating a enjoyable listening environment devoid of flashy guitar heroics. The Front is one of the catchiest tunes on here and could have been a made for radio tune by any other artist with a familiar name in the industry. Turbulence is another outstanding song who reminds me of a little Journey mixed with the Genesis. Gearth shows the fusion side of the band which is entertaining to say the least. The arrangements are quite good and the production excellent as well. Make no mistake though, 4Front are a talented band who choose to impress the listener with quality songs. 4Front is a gem of a CD and now three years later Joe and the gang are finishing up the next release which I for one can’t wait to hear.

Review by Eric Harabadian, from GEOFF WILBUR'S RENEGADE NEWSLETTER: (Feb 2001)

If you are a fan of hot fusion oriented rock-and-roll with a slight cinematic or symphonic feel you gotta check these guys out! All thirteen tracks crackle with an energy and passion that takes you from Satriani influenced lead runs to romantic piano flourishes this side of Rachmaninoff. And while progressive bands are sometimes known for their musical self indulgence, 4Front never loses sight of intelligible hooks and melodies. Oh yes, my friends, you're in for a real treat as I give these guys my highest recommendation!

Review reprinted from SONGWRITER'S MONTHLY Magazine: (Dec 1999)

Wow! Words are inadequate here. This is an amazing album along the lines of mid-Genesis, Rush, Journey, etc., but without vocals. This album gets nothing but the highest rating. If you ever wondered what happened to progressive rock... well, here it is. Long live 4Front!

Review reprinted from MODERN DRUMMER Magazine: (Dec 1999)

Most experienced musicians eventually realize that a solid group effort is always more successful (and rewarding) than a bunch of virtuosos trying to outdo one another. The melodic yet hard-edged progressive rock trio 4Front have a solid grasp on the all-for-one attitude. Interesting instrumental material along with a solid production brings this New Jersey trio into contention with the best of today's prog bands. Drummer Joe Bergamini displays solid chops and an excellent sense of playing for the arrangement. His drum sound is wet and thick, suiting this style perfectly. And he thankfully chooses taste over self-indulgence. The material on Gravity is so melodic that it's easy to imagine a quality vocalist only adding to the success of this top-notch trio.

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