REVIEWS
Talking Drum Magazine
by Stan Hall
This one's been a
long time coming. Jonathan's been working on einstein for quite a while, this CD being the
culmination of years of planning, writing, auditioning and taking care of business. The
good thing is, it doesn't sound labored or like the band is dumbing down to reach the
widest possible audience. Of the 10 tracks on this record (discounting the 27 second
"Dance of the Poltergoost"), Mover wrote the music to seven of them all by his
lonesome and collaborated on the remainder, making him an excellent role model for others
who want to break out of the "just the drummer" mold.
Jonathan calls einstein's material "aggressive progressive"
music, which translates into hard-edged, odd-meter material. Although Mover is still
finding his feet as a writer, the tunes avoid the cleverness too often associated with the
genre. The feel of the songs remains natural despite the frequent odd meters, and the
drums loom large both in the mix and in all the arrangements. While Jonathan's use of
single-headed toms does sacrifice nuance of tone for sheer power and impact, this
Godzilla-stomps-Tokyo approach works perfectly in this setting.
As the band member with the highest public recognition factor and a
reputation as a technique-intensive stick slinger, Mover faces the potential danger of the
Billy Cobham Syndrome, wherein the audience perceives the band (however incorrectly)
simple as a backdrop for incessant drum acrobatics. To his credit, Mover doesn't
grandstand, but he's certainly not adverse to putting the boot in when necessary. Simply
put, his drumming shapes and illuminates the songs instead of obliterating them.
There's plenty on this new bone for progressive rock dogs to chew on,
and it's a safe bet that one day other bands yet unformed may mention einstein as one of
their influences.
Music Paper/Musicians Exchange
by FB
This trio is heavy progressive, a little scary and real, real
good. The songs are well written, with intelligent lyrics and melodies that are not
predictable at all. The production is excellent and the musicianship is top shelf. If
einstein is as good live as it is on disc, then clubgoers are in for a treat. I have a
sneaking suspicion that these three are heavily into the Pythons (Monty, that is). It's a
Biggus Dikkus Production. Check this out.
Metal Edge Magazine
by Paul Gargano
In the past 10 years, Jonathan Mover has become one of the most sought
after drummers in music, touring and recording with the likes of Joe Satriani, Alice
Cooper, GTR and outside the world of rock, Aretha Franklin. In einstein, expect Mover to
carve a name for his own band. Accompanied by guitarist/vocalist Stan Jankowski and
keyboardist/bassist Jani Mangini, the New York City based trio hammers out hard-hitting
rock -- nothing more and nothing less. With a sound full enough to fill any live setting
and the technical capacity to run circles around many of today's established acts, it
takes only a cursory listen to hear why Dream Theater grabbed them up to open their recent
string of holiday shows -- dive deeper in, and the self titled debut becomes one of the
most addictive rock albums of the year.
Progressions Magazine
by Jeff Gutenberg
Heading the einstein cast is drummer Jonathan Mover, noted in
progressive rock circles for his brief association with Marillion (as a replacement for
original drummer Mick Pointer) and with GTR. Mover also served a nine year tenure in
guitarist Joe Satriani's phenomenal live trio with bassist Stuart Hamm.
Joining Mover in this new progressive hard-rock venture are
guitarist/vocalist Stan Jankowski and keyboardist Jani Mangini. Together they've crafted
an exceptionally strong debut CD.
Highlights include the Led Zeppelin-meets Dream Theater opening cut,
"Tear My Heart Out;" the heavy yet quite melodic "When I Close My
Eyes;" and the Kansas/Pink Floyd hybrid ballad "Home".
Also of note are "Mirror Mirror;" a way-out study in heavy
grooves, off-kilter time signatures and nifty keyboard patterns, "Into The
Void;" featuring outstanding guitar work by Jankowski; and the epic album closer,
"Pain." "Pain" is a prime showcase for the band's impressive
songwriting skills and it's knack for blending David Gilmour/Steve Rothery-like guitar
phrasing, plaintive vocal melodies and whip-cracking drums.
Modern Drummer
by Mike Haid
This talented trio displays a variety of musical styles and influences,
surrounding melody and odd meter with a tastw of elegant and heavy progressive rock.
Guitarist Stan Jankowski's often overly processed and angry vocals add an entertaining
tesxture to the mix, and Mover's rock-solid grooves make good practice for rock players to
follow. John Bonham influences can be heard on "Sleep Under Stone," as chops are
kept to a minimum, and "Mirror Mirror" displays tight double bass technique in
an odd-meter setting.
The material here is comprised of well-structured tunes, and,
cinsidering this is Mover's project, it's in no way the self-indulgent drum clinic it
easily could have been turned into by a technician such as him.
Consumable On-line Magazine
by Simon Speichert
Einstein is a talented band. Somehow, they've been able to fit songs
from different genres, and totally different sounding songs, onto one CD. The styles
covered on the CD range from heavy metal/hard rock to classical and lofty, poetic ballads.
Studio musicians made this album, and that's why I think it works.
Einstein could never be a garage band. It takes a considerable amount of studio knowledge
to combine a wide variety of songs in such close proximity to one another (the songs, that
is). Einstein is three people. Those three people are guitarist/singer Stan Jankowski,
drummer Jonathan Mover and keyboardist/bassist Jani Mangini.
Einstein's self-titled debut album features 11 spell-binding tracks
including "Between The Cracks" (which has a very strange time signature),
"Mirror Mirror", "Pain" and the classical number "Dance of the
Poltergoost". It's an album that should appeal to a lot of people. Sadly it appears
not many people will hear it, as it's on a small label, Whirled. But if you can find it,
pick it up.
Musica Nuevo
by Jose Amaral
Finally a "Progressive" rock band who's not afraid of looking
behind them as they're forging ahead. Subtle traces of Rush, Zeppelin and Pink Floyd are
only slightly noticeable on this very strong debut CD from a band carving a new name with
a new direction. Definitely worth checking out.
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