Is it possible for a band to list the same influences as
progressive metallists Dream Theater (
Yes,
Mahavishnu Orchestra, etc.), as well as bands from the complete opposite end of the
rock spectrum, like
Nirvana? The Mukilteo, WA, trio
Fall of Troy proves that it can indeed be done on their sophomore full-length, 2005's
Doppelgaenger. It's obvious from the get-go that the chaps -- all of whom are either still teenaged or barely in their twenties -- have obviously logged significant amounts of time "familiarizing" themselves with their instruments (in other words, long hours in their bedrooms shredding away), and melodic
emocore elements can be detected as well. In fact, on tracks like
"F.C.R.P.E.M.I.X.," you can't help but be reminded of
Sunny Day Real Estate circa their heady
Diary days. Elsewhere, the album-opening
"I Just Got This Symphony Goin'" somehow manages to combine the two-handed guitar tapping of
Eddie Van Halen with screams that would make
Mike Patton proud. And you've got to love a band that comes up with whacked-out
Zappa-esque song titles as like
"We Better Learn to Hotwire a Uterus" and
"Whacko Jacko Steals the Elephant Man's Bones." The Fall of Troy prove that, contrary to popular belief, not all young
rock bands are longing to become the next
blink-182. ~ Greg Prato
