Remind me why guitar is the ultimate rock instrument?

Album: Spectrum of the Sky
Artist: Break of Reality (http://www.breakofreality.com/)
Label: Independant
Release Date: May 2009

When you're faced with the (self-inflicted) prospect of subjecting your ears to a genre of music called 'cello rock', I think it is completely permissible for one to be a little apprehensive, even to consider backing out. And when Wikipedia informed me that 'cello rock' is also referred to as 'bone crushing cello' and 'heavy cello thunder', I admit I wavered. The simple fact is, three guys playing cellos standing up, on a rock stage set-up, using bow technique somewhat akin to that of the wood-saw blokes at the Easter Show, are either going to be very, very good, or extraordinarily BAD in every possible negative connotation of the word.

However, words that spring to mind while listening to Spectrum are "amazing", "awesome", "incredible", and an unintelligible muddle of all three expressions as they try to come out of your mouth at the same time...that's if you have any breath to talk at all. Really, these guys are first class.

Spectrum of the Sky is the third and latest album from American instrumental rock band Break of Reality (BoR) - and according to the critics they are definitely improving with experience. They describe themselves as a "cello quartet gone mad", which is a close enough description, except that one of the quartet is a percussionist instead and "mad" must be taken in the most positive sense. 'Cello rock', it turns out, is a hybrid genre which is perhaps best (though not completely) described as a mix of hard rock, classical and BoR's unique stamp on the whole thing. Its fans are even harder to label - let's just say that whether you're into Yo Yo Ma or Radiohead, chances are you'll fall into the category of 'fan'.

From the moment you press play, the first thing that strikes you as a listener is the pure energy of these pieces. Bach's cello suites pale into lethargic insignificance in the face of the angst and drive of 'The Farewell' and rock-y power of 'The Accidental Death Of Effie'. A gorgeous display of the power of pure rock music as actual music - without the distracting idiot screaming over the top. And while there are some very talented screaming idiots out there who I eagerly look forward to reviewing sometime soon, this is the welcome chance to hear rock music completely untouched and raw.

The second thing that strikes you is that these guys are actually very skilled at what they're doing. They're not just three guys who failed their cello training and decided to go "Screw it, lets just saw out any old thing and call it rock". Their technique and skill is real and their musicality is undeniable, as proved by their fiercely innovative original compositions. Drawing out heartrendingly beautiful rock melodies over a dazzling range of constantly changing and interlocking rhythms created by vicious bowing and driving percussion, BoR create punchy, in-your-face emotion with an aggression and poignancy that demands your whole, riveted attention. The album is not just a marthon run of virtuoso fireworks though. The Anodynia Suite - a four-movement piece that concludes the album - was commissioned for contemporary ballet and truly showcases the Break of Reality's versatility with a mysterious and breathtaking landscape of sound.

The track order is flawless, pulling you along on an epic journey of emotion that gives you no choice but to sit back and enjoy the ride and which leaves you - pardon the cliche - breathless by the end of the CD. Honestly. I can't remember the last time I felt so excited between tracks on an album, completely unable to predict their next move. I'm a sucker for people who do things differently and do it well and this is an album that will hold you from start to finish and render the 'skip button pointless.

Just a suggestion: GO AND BUY IT. 5/5 stars

Listen to: The Farewell, Spectrum Of The Sky

Is it worth my $$$? - Perhaps you have already gathered, the answer is a resounding YES...this one's going straight on the wishlist and I'd be an idiot to ever miss the opportunity to see them LIVE.

Next up... My classic album choice... A Night At The Opera with Queen!