You can stream any of the Rebel Wheel titles here, either as excerpts, or in some cases, in their entire forms. Click the title for the m3u streamed version, or use the play button for the flash streamed version.
The newest release is "Diagramma" and is for sale here .
A driving vocal tune in 5/4, Threads is a modern take on the classic sounds of Prog-Rock. It features Melotron pads, a driving bass line and vocals slightly reminiscent of David Gilmour. The middle section is a quirky contrast to the verses and culminates in a crashing guitar solo.
Three Valley Gap is a place in British Columbia close to where David worked when he was on the BC Extra gang. It is an acoustic piece that serves as a gentle contrast to the two rather epic statements that surround it.
The middle song of the CD and the fulcrum in what could be seen as a CD version of the Arch Form. This piece is long and starts off with an ostinato melody. As it unfolds it uses and varies themes that were introduced in the first 5 minutes of the piece. Perhaps the most ambitious arrangement yet, it incorporates drum loops, a ton of synths, a lot of odd-metered riffing, a strong drum and percussion presence, a lot of vocals and even some Latin verses processed pretty heavily. A self-indulgant musical outing perhaps, but a lot of fun nevertheless.
Tempra stands as in counter-balance to the CD's second song (3 Valley Gap) and is perhaps the most fusiony song in the songbook (next to Thunderherd ie). Fueled by a big guitar sound and solo, it also features a '70s sounding moog synth and feel.
A tribute to the Symphonic side of Progressive Rock, this tune has been around since David was 17. It is fairly straight ahead and song-like, with the exception of its light and ambient middle section. Like songs 1 and 3, this is also a vocal number.
A new tune that Gary Lauzon brought to the band. It was a product from his earlier association with Greg Kampf and Chuck Ho. Gary heavily modified it and then brought it to us where Alain promptly added some angular melodies to it. It is a bass feature but manages to squeeze in some James Bond guitar via Paul, some very twisted and eccentric drum fills and solo, a very mellow and jazzy sax solo by Angie and then a good old-fashioned prog staple: a moog solo over an odd time signature (13/8) by David. Excerpts forth coming.
The album closer and probably one of our current favorites, this epic song goes from the delicate finger-picking guitar of Paul all the way to a full-on hard rock ensemble riff and then back again, via some ambient soundscapes, some percolating synths, some empassioned sax solos and vocals by both David and Angie. Paul Joannis makes his debut as a composer for the band and what a debut it is! Originally an instrumental, David wrote some words and in keeping with the gentle guitar motif, made it a "love song" but with a decided twist: the tune is seen the the eyes of a serial killer and the opus reflects his changing state of mind.
One Ounce is probably the most downloaded tune in the song-book. It is a mostly quiet piece featuring acoustic guitars, but becomes rocky and frenetic in the middle section, powered by a odd-metered unison riff and a jagged vibes solos.
Another early Rebel Wheel tune, in fact one of the first the band recorded. It is an aggressive high-paced romp lightened only by the eloquent jazz piano solo of Nils in the middle section. A live-off-the-floor midi ensemble tune.
The first RW epic. This piece was done entirely by David when he was between lineups. Here he played everything using real instruments, lots of overdubs and plenty of editing. Originally not intended as a performance piece, it has recently been adapted for live. (Entitled "Excerpts From Crystal Rain Suite"). The live parts use the themes represented here.
Death At Sea was featured on the Gorgg groups second CD compliation. It is a gently angular tune featuring guitar and vibes playing the lead in unison.
Acquiring Glass Friends was written for the first Gorgg group CD compilation and was a deliberate attempt to re-create some of the more typical sonics of middle period Gentle Giant. It has been reworked and will probably show up live somewhere!.
The Rebel Wheel Broadcasts
