January 2003
Exposé www.expose.org -- "Exploring the Boundaries of Rock"

Attila Dave Project... "Surprisingly Crunchy"

By Mike Grimes

Attila & Dave Project - "Illuminated" Independent Release, 2002, CD

The Attila & Dave Project has been one of the better SF Bay Area bands for many years now. "Illuminated" is their third full-length release and marks a surprising shift in style compared to their previous works. The most noticeable change with this CD is that the band's sound is decidedly heavier rock than in the "early days." The middle section of "Illumination" is surprisingly crunchy ­ with walls of guitar and wailing vocals. Guitarist Dave Stevenson seems to play in the spotlight more than on earlier efforts. Bassist/ vocalist/ keyboardist Attila Medveczky seems to focus more on the bass, with the keyboards' prominence diminished in general. Conspicuously absent are the Fender Rhodes and analog synth leads of earlier songs. However, there are still plenty of bass pedals, piano, the occasional synth sound, and even harpsichord on one track. The trademark Attila & Dave Project layered vocals still play in important role in the compositions too. Drummer Rusty Aceves alternates between power and finesse drumming and plays a variety of extra percussion in addition to the standard drum kit. Most of the songs on "Illuminated" are outright rock pieces, and the Jethro-Tull-medieval-folky influence clearly evident on songs of yesteryear is practically nonexistent here. The one exception to this is "The Golden Gates" which harkens back to their earlier style. And maybe the song about getting baked ­ "The Lotus Eaters." Even though most of the tunes are generally heavy, there are healthy doses of acoustic instruments, subtlety, and dynamics to keep the tracks interesting. This is a good album by a good band.

­ Mike Grimes