Website: Ty Tabor
The Inside Pulse:
One of those performers who has never truly risen above the underground yet is regarded as a legend by those familiar with his work, Ty Tabor continues his solo works with his third outing, Rock Garden. Best known as a member of King’s X, Tabor continues the tradition strong melodic rock throughout his own offerings. Tabor heads in a decidedly positive direction compared to his last effort, Safety, while maintaining his gift of soundscaping.
Positives: While so much of the rest of the rock universe has forgotten how to write, Tabor takes off with his ability and runs with it. Songs like “Play” venture out of conventional structure while still maintaining a hook, and are so layered and dense that it takes multiple listens to hear all of the subtleties within. It’s a lost art that’s difficult to encapsulate like the Beatles and Beach Boys did so many years ago, but Tabor’s composition is similarly top-notch.
Negatives: To say this album is headed in a positive direction is more than true. “Beautiful Sky” is quite saccharine, and “She’s a Tree” is… well, it’s something. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with happiness, but there’s a fine line between uplifting music and that which promotes tooth decay. There’s also an issue of too many songs sounding similar, but that’s only on the surface until one digs deeper into the meat of the music itself.
Cross-breed: Collective Soul meets Toto, but with that familiar and unique King’s X appeal.
Reason To Buy: It’s somewhere around the top of the scale when it comes to upbeat melodic rock. Tabor’s worshipped by many for a reason, and Rock Garden showcases why.
