PRESTO BALLET – Invisible Places

When one door closes, another merely opens. Such is the case with guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof. Most knowledgeable metal heads remember his impact on the power/thrash scene with Metal Church – as their debut album and "Blessing In Disguise" received copious amounts of attention through my listening years. Presto Ballet has two progressive rock releases that hit the streets in the past 6 years, depending on Kurdt’s availability and tour schedule. Now putting this act in the forefront, with MC singer Ronny Munroe taking over the microphone and a solid keyboardist with Kerry Shacklett, "Invisible Places" should be the ticket to a bigger audience within the scope of the subgenre and beyond.

The best bands in progressive rock understand that even through all the technique, the time changes, the theory, or the flash and dash, you better create riffs that flow into retainable songs – and Presto Ballet remember this factor all over these 7 songs. “Of Grand Design” for instance may not kick in vocally until the 3:17 mark, but the instrumentalists create a Kansas-like drum/keyboard sequence brimming with bright melodic chords and slow building solo work- and then the 12 minute plus epic transitions with acoustic/ heavy guitars and Ronny’s wide ranging soulful delivery. “The Puzzle” channels Kurdt’s love for Deep Purple and Uriah Heep while Kerry tickles the ivories much like an Elton John or Billy Joel if they were given free reign to play progressive rock. “All In All” works off of Bill Raymond’s innovative drumming and the more ethereal guitar lines during the verses coupled with Kurdt’s seasoned skill set.

Another hour-long journey that will provide infinite entertainment value to those who inspect, dissect, and protect their favorite bands. "Invisible Places" won’t be kept under wraps – you’ll want continual looping exposure to dream, to plan, to envision all that Presto Ballet have to offer.

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