Glyder-Playground for life

True Talent
2008

Glyder hail from Ireland and have often been compared to fellow countrymen Thin Lizzy. That comparison is fair enough and a good start at defining this band however that is by no means an end to what they accomplish. They are diverse in both styles and tempos and although there is a definite 1970’s classic rock aura, they also create and maintain a definite patient and even subtle quality that I really found to be very refreshing. Right from the start of this album they establish what they want to accomplish and they oh so carefully begin laying down the blocks as they just start building solid hard rock track after track. Even the production is very much tailored to their style as there a shockingly strong balance between a clean feel and just enough layers of a heavy rawness present to keep everything in check. Yes, Thin Lizzy are the main influence although I heard some UFO and even traces of Pink Floyd a time or two as well. Yet this is no retro tribute band because Glyder are doing enough to begin etching their own chapter in today's hard rock scene. Now I do have to admit that this album was certainly a grower because it took me numerous plays for me to completley accept and realize how good this album is. Largely I think this was due to the fact that I am not the most patient person in the world and I am used to a lot of music catering to me in that way by storming on and giving me the best parts first. Glyder are not that type of band on many tracks as they carefully lay down the groundwork and then make their way forward as they manipulate their music and forge ahead at their pace. It's a very tight web once you make it through, but they certainly go at it exactly as they saw fit. Really a fine album and despite the obvious influences they still seem relatively fresh due to their obvious love for this style.

http://www.myspace.com/glyder