TILES – Fly Paper

Right from the start of the new Tiles release Fly Paper, it is quite obvious the album has many undertones of the band Rush incorporated into their latest work. As you get deeper into the rest of the tracks, it will become even more apparent. Now, before anyone thinks they are copying Rush, that is not the case at all. In fact, even though they are highly influenced on this release, the Tiles actually have a different kind of feel to their music. One interesting note is that while many different artists that make guest appearances, seven to be exact, Alex Lifeson himself (from Rush-no kidding) does appear on the second track “Sacred And Mundane.” Terry Brown (producer and leading sound engineer) approached Alex about making a guest appearance on the album. After listening to some of the new material, Alex liked what he heard and decided to take him up on his offer. So, before Rush went out on their last Snakes And Arrows tour, Terry went to Alex’s studio and the two of them worked painstakingly to produce the magic one hears on the track. The band was so impressed by the amount of work Alex put into the song, they said it was beyond and above the call of duty. What else can you expect from a musician from Rush … come on now, really!

The band Tiles has been around for some time now, since 1993 to be exact. This is their fifth studio album, not to mention one live recording. The Tiles are a Detroit, Michigan-based band and its members are Chris Herin (guitars), Mark Evans (drums), Paul Rarick (vocals), and Jeff Whittle (bass). This quartet can surely create some special music, which fans of Prog-Rock will enjoy.

The album consists of eight phenomenal compositions, plus a bonus track that will be on the initial pressing. Besides Alex Lifeson doing his magic on “Sacred And Mundane,” there is vocalist Alannah Myles on “Back And Forth,” Hugh Syme playing keyboards on “Crowded Emptiness” and “Passing Notes” (the bonus track), and guitarist Kim Mitchell on “Dragons, Dreams & Daring Deeds.” The band also had a few other friends join in to contribute their talents: Sonya Mastick on percussion, Matthew Parmenter on keyboards, plus a vocal cameo from Nate Mills.

“Hide And Seek” is the longest track on the album at 8:31 minutes and probably the most intense stylistically. Arrangement-wise, it’s probably the most difficult to play with all the time variations and changes throughout — a true Rush type compilation if there ever was one.

Fly Paper is fresh, creative, intriguing, lyrically emotional and powerful, musically impressive and talented, and incredibly suitable for today’s world. This quartet has done something unique here and it’s definitely worth picking up and giving it a listen. If you love Prog-Rock or Prog-Hard Rock with some subtle Melodic undertones here and there, or if you are a huge fan of Rush, then this is a must. Put it on your list at once!