Focal Point

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Product Description Paul Cusick, British multi-instrumentalist, started his solo music career in 2009 with the release of his début album 'Focal Point'. Previously CUSICK had spent years as the lead guitarist in several bands, but in 2008 his new year's resolution was to step out from behind his guitar and concentrate on his own song writing and production skills. Within four months CUSICK had received record offers from two separate progressive rock labels. This interest gave CUSICK the confidence to continue writing and recording his debut album, whilst still maintaining his career as a Chartered Civil Engineer. CUSICK's guitar style has been compared Steve HACKETT, David GILMOUR, Steve ROTHERY and Steven WILSON. His songs draw upon the sounds and audio landscapes created by bands such as PINK FLOYD, Peter GABRIEL, PORCUPINE TREE, CHROMA KEY and NINE INCH NAILS. However, the long instrumental pieces that are sometimes associated with the progressive rock genre have been replaced by catchy vocal melody lines akin to those evoked by more mainstream rock artists such as COLDPLAY and U2. Currently there is no band. CUSICK sang and played all the instruments on 'Focal Point' himself, but was joined in the studio by friend Alex 'The Groove Monster' CROMARTY on drums. Andy EDWARDS (FROST*, IQ) also made an appearance as guest drummer on the track 'Touch'. Focal Point is getting rave reviews where ever it is heard. (See Links Section) The CD includes a 12 page booklet that contains bespoke artwork for each song. Artwork can be previewed on Paul's Official Website. The first full consignment of Focal Point CDs will be shipped from CD Baby on the 20th July 2009. This is an exclusive import from the UK. Pre-Order yours now and avoid disappointment. Review Focal Point' is a beautiful album with Pink Floyd style vocals and very innovative instrumental sections throughout. There are moments of pure melancholy with an ambient atmosphere unparalleled in prog such as 'Touch', and there are huge wall of sound guitars in tracks such as 'Everblue' and the catchy 'Scared to Dream'. There is so much to recommend this album including the well executed vocals and especially the use of keyboards and jazz fusion drum patterns from Cromarty. There are no epics on the album, the longest track is almost 7 minutes (Fade Away) but the songs seem to blend together on one theme. Many prog influences abound on the CD. 'Focal Point' track 1 is a terrific instrumental with ELP piano riffs and even an estranged angular guitar riff over a keyboard strings pad. A solid heavy guitar riff locks in over the prog piano. The track is reminiscent of early Dream Theater or Porcupine Tree. This track segues immediately without break into 'Everblue' that has a great riff and very heavy handed orchestral style strings using a keyboard. It captures a rather gloomy ambience. The words are simple 'where have all the flowers gone... look the other way, nothing more to say.' You can guess the theme from this I guess which is based on destroying the planet due to carelessness. A very Rush or Yes Philosophy that have both covered this territory. The guitar solo on this is commendable too. Cusick plays so well on every instrument it is astounding how talented he is. The structure of the song is atmospheric and very proggy throughout, at times we hear piano, distorted guitar, drums, bass and keyboards that have a mellotron effect - very impressive. 'Fade Away' begins with the piano and keyboard pads that are so sublime, subtle and fluid. A trumpet type sound echoes over until the vocals begin (as low as Roger Waters) ... 'there's a house where I once played on a hill so far away.... the memories slowly fade of the childhood games I played. I sit and watch my son and daughters growing taller day by day, where are they now, these memories, as I grow older they fade away.' The theme of loss and regret is strong. It is one of the best tracks. I love the guitar solo that is simple but effective. A very calming, slow melancholy track that is somehow uplifting and continues to build in the instrumental break until the track fades down and we hear the sound of children over a sublime orchestral section. 'Soul Words' features a heavy bassline and nice harmonies of Cusick and er... Cusick. A heavier feel on this track that wakes you up, good riffing and more innovative lyrics over a sustained high keyboard strings pad. 'Scared To Dream' begins with more piano and the harmonies are once again very Pink Floyd. This is a darker track about the fear of sleep and the pain of losing everything. I love the way the drums crash in on this track over a driving incessant heavy guitar motif. The lyrics are about the sense of alienation and huge pain of loss. 'Familiar faces and those places where I go... the sudden pain of losing all the things I know, I'm scared to dream...' On each track, there are enough time signatures to keep any metronome on its toes, and the instruments are played with virtuoso style as only Cusick can play. He is a very talented performer and at times I am reminded of the work of Neal Morse or Spock's Beard. The special effects of a telephone call and a constant ringing add to the ambience of 'Touch' - one of the highlights for certain. It begins with another isolated lonely piano using minor keys giving that empty, ethereal mood. A quiet track with very somber vocals about reflecting on what might have been. The phone calls remind me of 'The Wall' of course but they are used equally effectively here. The person calling keeps getting an answering machine so 'Nobody Home' you might say........, --ProgArchives.comLike a master craftsman, Paul is able to create his own sound with this skill and produce a very moving and heartfelt album..., --MetalManic.comSome comments from Fan reviews on .co.uk Prog is bigger than ever and you won't find a better exponent of the craft than Paul Cusick..., The hairs on my neck stood up..., Focal Point is Fantastic.., This album is simply awesome..., --.co.uk