Z-Axis

The music on Music From Reality Check was written by Allen Welty-Green for the multimedia performance event "Reality Check," which premiered in Atlanta, GA, in 1999. Although one can imagine how the dancers interacted with the music, this material stands very well on its own, unlike most performance music of that type. Z-Axis' sound is an interesting blend of new age instrumental, ethnic fusion, and some prog rock forms. The best comparison would be Cyrille Verdeaux's Clearlight (obvious on "Emperor's Castle") or even Chris Fournier's Fonya. The sound palette is dominated by lush keyboards, paired with inventive bass patterns, wailing electric guitar (lots of E-bow and loop effects), and either fusionesque drums or breaks of ethnic percussion, like on the very effective "Suspension." When they get in prog rock territory, these musicians lean more toward the jam-like feel of Djam Karet or Ozric Tentacles (minus the latter's manic driving pulse). Sound quality is good for an independent production, but the mix lacks some "oomph" in the more intense passages. Still, an enjoyable record. ~ François Couture, All Music Guide