Tuesday, March 21: Slavior, “Origin”
Slavior was an interesting mix of musicians and backgrounds, and although the band’s self-titled debut was marketed as a Mark Zonder-driven affair, songs like “Origin” highlighted each player in equal measure. In particular, Wayne Findlay’s riffing revealed a heaviness and dynamism that was seemingly hidden throughout most of his tenure with Michael Schenker (though the recent Temple of Rock albums offered a bit more on that front), while Greg Analla’s vocals avoided cliché. As for Zonder, his drumming was sophisticated and tasteful, but nowhere near the prog workout most expected from the former Fates Warning sticksman. “Origin” was progressive, heavy and soulful all at once, accurately reflecting each members’ past outfits and underlining their individual talents while also presenting a unique and cohesive new sound for all three.