HYBRID CHILD

Ok, I admit this isn't quite a 5 for the content and the arrangement of that content, but it's a 6 for the energy. These guys have dived/dove into this guns a blazing. Palpable power and push on this, with a fresher and newer wave of influences and style. First thing it reminded me of was "An Endless Sporadic", which also seemed fearless in defining their own progish-but-not-necessarily-tritely-so style of music. I one-clicked this the same evening I one-clicked Harken's "Aquarius" (which I also reviewed today), and I think they arrived within a couple days of each other. Similarities? Only that they both tend to be on the harder side of prog than I normally purchase, and for the most part they've both been fairly enjoyable. I'm not sure I'd call the opening 3 tracks "poppy", but as already mentioned they are the more structured and easily digestible tunes on the disk. The tracks 5 through 14 are really just a sliced and diced mega-track, that I wish they'd left as one track. Parts of it kind of had a 2112-Overture vibe, but I think that's mostly because it's infused with a similar balls-to-the-wall, nothing-to-lose type of energy, loaded with lots of aggressive riffing. This is quite hard rocking in places, and quite sedate in places. The addition of cello and Leslie Hunt on vocals helps ground it a bit from what would otherwise be a riff-indulgence-fest in places, but even the cello jumps in on the riffing, going toe-to-toe with the keys and guitar, so though it does slow down in places, it doesn't slow down much. And that goes back to the "6 for energy" mention at the start of this review. It's like these guys WANT to bring down the tempo, but they just get too amped up to do so. I seriously dig Leslie Hunt's vox and I almost wish they'd given her more to do. Maybe next time out. So, to kind of sum up. Super energetic modern-progish effort here...lyrics didn't necessarily "say anything to me" but I didn't really care, because the music and vocals have such an effective one-two punch. If you like HEAVIER, riffable prog (like "An Endless Sporadic" or "Liquid Tension Experiment") this might just be your ball of wax.

I am a long-time fan of Progressive (Prog) music, and through the years, I have enjoyed listening to many talented bands comprised of great musicians. District 97's "Hybrid Child" is one of a select few releases that I consider to be among the best Prog works that I have heard. This band is impressive on many levels. The skill possessed by these musicians is top-notch. Guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, and (yes) cello are all masterfully performed. The vocals are from the amazing voice of Leslie Hunt. She not only delivers stunning vocals, but she does so with rock-solid musical skill. Apart from the all-around high level of musical talent in this band, there are two things that I consider noteworthy about District 97. First is the skilled songwriting. There are many bands that are made up of superb musicians...there are a limited few that create especially well written songs. Many gifted bands either create songs that are somewhat predictable or comprised of segments that seem disconnected, almost looking for a purpose. The songs on "Hybrid Child" are extremely well crafted. They all feel completed at their ends. Even among talented Prog bands, this is a unique art. Second, "Hybrid Child"...well, rocks! That description is generic at best, but what I mean is that this music contains great elements of rock, metal, and even a slight pop feel in just the right places. This makes a well rounded arrangement that is enjoyable from beginning to end. There is never a desire to skip over a song. This music is not just masterfully performed, but it is also exciting to listen to. I am amazed by this band. I very much hope that they retain their gifted lineup and continue to release material. "Hybrid Child" is a must-buy for fans of bands like Echolyn, IZZ, Frost, Magenta, Thieves Kitchen, Transatlantic... This one stands out among the rest - very nicely done! District 97 should most certainly be proud their work.

very good

The First Of Two C.D.'s! This Band Is Tight! Excellent Music! From Excellent Musicians! Am Looking Forward To See More From This Band! Enjoy, :-) !

excellent album in good condition.

"...the band executes snappy pulses amid whispery passages and precision-oriented time signatures. The musicians pursue a balanced mélange of disparate metrics, to complement a memorable hook. District 97 imparts a multidimensional line of attack. Carefully executed, but not overly rigid, the artists project a novel group-centric vision that translates into a mark of authenticity." -All About Jazz

Prog rock has a long and illustrious history. Despite rumors otherwise, it never went away. District 97 is evidence of that. Complex arrangements and superb performances is a sign of respect to that which came before. However, they do not rest on anyone's shoulders. They interject the modern styles of pop and metal to create a an instantly infectious sound. Whether you are a fan of the music of the years gone by, or firmly rooted in the present, this album will rock you.

Where to start?!? It certainly is a GREAT start for their debut album! Everything is so well done it's hard to put into words other than your standard superlatives. First off, they are all TOP-NOTCH musicians! You have an American Idol finalist that actually has real talent and training, a Chicago Symphony Orchestra cellist and has a whole handfull of professionally trained musicians. I went to school in Chicago with a few of members of the band, so I can tell you from first hand experience they know their stuff and play on a level few can. That being said, you may think I'm biased, but I don't give out compliments without merit. Having also attended a top school for music in the U.S., I have high standards for the music I listen to and recommend. As for the playing on the album, it's far from the quality you hear in mainstream pop in the U.S. right now--it blows it out of the water! The complexity of the music and the skill required to play it is what does it for me on this album the most. It spans from pop-like moments to hard rock and metal to smooth and hypnotic to just plain awesome. "Mindscan" covers it all in ways like a rock symphony. If you like Rush, Queen, Pink Floyd or just anything hard rockin' and progressive I think you'll really dig it. If you ever find yourself saying you listen to all types of music, you better give this album a try! Right now, I'd easily say they are one of my favorite bands. I've seen them do some of the songs on this album live and they can do it live unlike many bands in the last couple of decades. The dynamics of this album are off the charts. Throughout it all, they are locked in with each other though the free-flowing moments to the complex meter changes in both harmonies and rhythm. About the best I can say to sum it all up is if you're a fan of skilled musicians, great writing, music that is complex and simple at the same time, a band that rocks, and just something of substance, you're set. Send this rockin' puppy to your cart right now!

Not something you will whistle in the shower after the first listen, but this is a layered, complex, mindblowing prog rock album (and try their other album, still better). THese guys / girl are so young but they seem to be able to give any musician a run for their money in pure playing skill, let alone composition skill. Give this at least three spins and then become addicted. But this is pure pleasure, no side effect. Pfew I am on my a**. Must have must have. Buy buy!!!

Uno de los grupos jóvenes con más calidad y que más está arriesgando en los últimos tiempos. Este "Hybrid Child" lo tengo como discoteca básica de esta década.

Ce petit groupe fait des merveilles .. un bijou de mélodies qui restera dans vos oreilles. Chaque instrument est maîtrisé avec brio et la chanteuse pose sa voix avec justesse .. une vraie découverte 👍

Some interesting stuff on this but suffers a little from a poor production. Their new album " In Vaults" is superior in both production and song structures hence I can only give this album 4 stars. My favourite band at the moment because of Leslie Hunts powerful singing and the bands imaginative tunes. Prog doesn't get any better than District 97.