One of the 10 best CDs we've heard in the Garage!

The band doesn't perform in public and that's only one similarity to Klaatu. Another is that these beguiling songs were inspired by The Beatles. So what there is, is The Beatles sweetened by Klaatu and refined by Symphony in DeMeanor.

Tom Harrison, rock critic, Vancouver Province newspaper

I hate the term “retro” so I’ll just put it this way. These guys would be ruling the airwaves if this were 1974. They’d be looking ahead at 3 great years at the top of the charts before punk rock comes along and blows their world apart. Three years of fighting it out with the Elton John, Paul McCartney and Wings and the Jackson 5 for the song of the week. Rubbing shoulders with Billy Preston and Ringo. Jetting around the world and appearing on American Bandstand and the Midnight Special. But… unfortunately… this is 2010 and none of the above is going to happen. They probably deserve every bit of it but it’s just not going down that way. “Time Goes On” is a collection of 10 superbly crafted songs about time, mortality and questioning ones own existence. In other words, grown up songs by grown up musicians. And yes, all the tried and true comparisons like the Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra, Badfinger and Pink Floyd are dead on. I could think of worse company. Couldn’t you?

J.R. Oliver, Ear Candy Magazine

Had to search around a bit to get the CD as Amazon only have this available as a download, but a link on the SiD website put me onto some company in the US, and it was here within a week. And this was definitely worth waiting for. Again, one of those albums you know you are going to enjoy from the first few chords. (which sound a bit like early Pink Floyd).

Favourite tracks at the moment being the title track "Time Goes On", a lovely little catchy tune called "The Past", which has some nice guitar work and then when the drums kick in you can't help but go with it, and a lovely ballad called the "Child Inside". Great album, get it and enjoy it.

Bill Masters, listener review in Amplified #109

I look for honesty and truthfulness in music. “What do you mean by that?” you may ask. When I listen to music, especially new music, I ask myself: Did the artist give an honest performance? Is the artist being true to the art form? Are they, he or she sincerely making music for the simple joy of making music? Symphony in DeMeanor achieves, and then far exceeds my honest/truthful queries. I also appreciate the way Symphony in DeMeanor (or SiD) presents their music. They do not throw their music at you, like picking up burgers and fries at the drive through window, but they present their compositions like a chef presents a gourmet meal or a wine steward presents a fine wine. And like the meal or wine, it is not gobbled or gulped down. It is savored; taking time to let the textures, tastes and aromas gently entertain the senses. SiD’s music is a gentle, somewhat psychedelic experience. While not completely rooted in the 60’s, there is a flavor of the Summer of Love with a sprinkling of Strawberry Fields era Beatles. But this is their own music, their own unique voice; a very welcomed voice at a time when there is way too much “musical” junk out there. Rob, Tom, Bruce and Mike’s music is honest, truthful and sincere; they serve us something from their heart, a music they fully believe in. And I appreciate that! “Time Goes On” (2009) is Symphony in DeMeanor’s third album and just like their previous albums, “The First One” (2004) & “The Second One” (2006) it is a flavorful taste fest.

Bongolongland

For their third album this Canadian four-piece have stuck to their tried and tested formula and produced another collection of great pop/rock songs. Influences bandied about in the past have included The Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra, Badfinger, Queen and Pink Floyd, and if you like any or all of those bands then there will be plenty for you to enjoy on here. The title track opens proceedings with a lush orchestrated ballad, complete with delicate harmonies and a restrained guitar solo, and of course their knack for a catchy tune, and you can tell straight away that this is going to be as good as, if not better than, their last two releases. ‘Through’ has a more up-tempo feel, contrasting sharply with the downbeat lyrics about the break-up of a relationship, while ‘Madame Lola’ showcases their mastery of the pop hook on this catchy little rocker. ‘The Past’ has a countrified, downhome feel, before slowing right down in the middle for a fantastic bluesy guitar solo, and then picking back up again as if nothing had happened. ‘Child Inside’ is an aching piano-led ballad, with the chorus showing the band at their most Beatles-y, and ‘Getting Older’ really strikes a chord with me, as I agree wholeheartedly with its sentiments of ‘I know you’re getting older…(but) don’t let your mind act it’s age’. ‘How Long’ is another great pop song, with a chorus that is tailormade for radio airplay, and considering that their styles are quite similar it is the first song that reminded me of The Feeling – and if they are able to break the charts then so should SiD. ‘Who Am I’ is a short ballad, leading nicely into ‘I’m Okay’, which brings back the orchestra to augment another powerful performance from the band, with the drumming really driving the track along. ‘Where Are You’ closes the album with another lovely ballad, featuring just piano and guitar at the beginning, but with the whole band coming in for the chorus, and then each taking turns for some nice organ and guitar fills, before winding the track down with an extended coda filled with great harmonies and a searing guitar solo. It is the perfect way to end this superb album, and so for anyone who hankers after good, old-fashioned rock music then track down this album at www.symphonyindemeanor.com

Peter Jolly, Feedback Music Magazine

Time Goes On...by Symphony In DeMeanor... In the Top 10 CD's of the last decade...Repeated listens show hidden hooks and textures revealing a masterpiece of epic Beatlesque proportions.. Buy this CD and get hooked... a stunning CD...

Todd Dillingham, DJ, Scrub Radio

CD of the Week: Symphony In DeMeanor: Time Goes On

Mentioning Klaatu inevitably means mentioning The Beatles. There are pitfalls in this but mention Klaatu and that triggers The Beatles' rich psychedelic period. "Penny Lane" equals "Sub Rosa Subway." Klaatu tends to be dismissed as lightweights, which overlooks debts to The Yardbirds and prog-rock. Symphony In Demeanor is reminiscent of Klaatu's sweetness but also its respect for The Beatles. Deep and grand melodic rock reinforced by strings and keyboards, sometimes recalling Badfinger and, believe it or not, Kermit The Frog...

Tom Harrison, Music Reporter, The Province Newspaper

Symphony In DeMeanor - TIME GOES ON: There's really only one way to listen to the music these folks produce - at FULL blast... headphones, to be sure... you'll have flashbacks to concerts you've been at, no doubt... induced by the spooky remembrances of the BIG '70's groups! We first reviewed them a couple years (or so) ago in issue #69, where they got the "PICK" of that issue for their creative energies. This CD is no less fantastic - in fact, it's even more action-packed than the last one we reviewed.... that's especially true on tunes like "Madame Lola"... it's like psychedelic, merry-go-round Strawberry Fields meet the 21st Century and explode into a Carny-organism that reminds me of the euphoria all of us boomers had when we first heard "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - & that organ just SMOKES it, folks, not to mention the guitar solos! There's a hint (or more) of jazz, but I'd place it more in the "epic psychedelic" category, if you need labels to hang on to... the arrangements are varied and pop some changes on your ears you'd have never imagined on your own... if you don't believe that, you MUST check out "The Past" (these are on CD BABY... nothing seemed to be available for direct link, though there's a cool discussion by the band at YOUTUBE for their original debut CD). My main criteria for review in this magazine has always been the "energy level" of the performances, and these folks are at the top of that heap, especially as it pertains to creativity... they get an "EQ" (energy quotient) rating of 4.98, almost at the top of the 1-5 scale. Whether you're a boomer or a 21st Century netizen, you'll dig the creativity you hear on this magnificent CD, which I rate as MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, along with the "PICK" of this issue for "best epic psychedelic album". Get more information at www.symphonyindemeanor.com, & when you buy their CD, tell them Zzaj sent you, ok?

Rotcod Zzaj, Improvijazzation Nation