Here are some reivews and comments on the second actual time CD "time frame" (2002). Some are reviews from metal 'zines, and some are from E-mail and posts in various public Net forums.

Also, check out this interview of Scott by Progressive Disease Radio in Spain, in the original English or the Spanish translation.

We welcome all comments on our music -- please E-mail us at ActualTime@his.com. 


Wow, very cool cd!  You guys are ROCKIN!!  Definitely brainy, and very
musical as well!

Lian Amber / David Fiuczynski 
Fuzelicious Morsels Records

 

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These guys can lay down some really heavy, chaotic grooves, then mix in 
some clean, very interesting rhythmic textures.

Ron Jarzombek
Spastic Ink / WatchTower

 

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from Chronicles of Chaos E-Zine, #57
www.chroniclesofchaos.com


Actual Time -- Time Frame (2002 six-song demo)
by: Brian Meloon (****-)

Virginia's Actual Time have released their second offering, following
on the heels of their self-titled 1999 five-song demo [CoC #48].
This time around, it's a six-song offering, with a similar but slightly
more aggressive sound. Their music is all instrumental, based heavily
upon complex rhythms and tight syncopation. Odd time signatures abound
and shift frequently, but only the most observant listeners (or those
who read the liner notes) will pick up on them, as the band does a good
job of making their odd meters accessible. Thankfully, the band keep
their songs short (between three and four minutes each) as their heavily
rhythmic instrumental nature would tend to make longer songs repetitive
and boring. But they're able to keep their songs interesting, and even
make them somewhat distinctive. The production is very good, and the
playing is rock solid and very tight. Overall, this is an improvement
over their demo, and should satisfy those looking for a heavy instrumental
disc to groove to.

 


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The End Times (http://members.fortunecity.com/crucideth/)
Actual Time "Time Frame"
Contributed by John Frank (johnfrank1970@yahoo.com)

 

ACTUAL TIME is a three piece instrumental Progressive Metal band from
Virginia, and Time Frame is the long awaited follow-up to the band's
self-titled 1999 debut EP. I can't say that the band's debut release
absolutely thrilled me, but I recognized the musical talent of the members,
and I eagerly looked forward to their next musical output. The music on
Time Frame was recorded in June 2000, but the mixing and mastering
took forever. Fast forward to early 2002, and ACTUAL TIME's second EP
finally arrived. So was it worth the wait? I would have to say yes, but with
some reservations.

"Down" starts the disc out with a sludgy, somewhat grunge guitar tone,
and adds some funky riffage before going into one of their typical
awkward and interesting rhythmic segments. "Brutally Detailed" is a mix of
heavier and mellow guitar, but nothing in the song really stands out to me.

"Out There (Prime)" contains a clean guitar sound more typical of a
Progressive Metal band song intro. The guitar takes a back seat to the
rhythm section, which is more appealing on this track than on the first song.
ACTUAL TIME focuses on the rhythmic possibilities of their music rather than
melody, and this track is a good example of what the band can do with
polyrhythms and interplay between drums and bass guitar. The liner notes
state that "Out There (Prime)" was written around the first six prime numbers.
Being a big Technical Metal fan, I can certainly recognize when I am
hearing odd time signatures, but I am not a musician, so I will have to take
the band's word concerning the whole prime number thing.

"330" reminds me of a heavier version of some 70's cop show soundtrack with
its groovy main riff. The song gets heavier towards its end and reminds me of
MESHUGGAH circa Destroy Erase Improve. The influence of MESHUGGAH
was much more apparent on ACTUAL TIME's debut disc. I am glad the band
has branched out more on Time Frame since I am not much of a
MESHUGGAH fan. I find their music to be too discordant and lacking
catchiness. This is the same problem I have with ACTUAL TIME's debut.
Fortunately, the MESHUGGAH moments on this track work quite well.

"Iterative Refinement" seems like a rather typical, somewhat mellow Prog
Metal instrumental and does not have as much going on to my ears.
"Swagger" closes the disc, and it is the most consistently heavy track on Time
Frame. It features some interesting drumming and cool, awkward rhythmic
exchanges with the chunky riffage.

Time Frame definitely has a better drum sound than that heard on their debut,
but I like the guitar tone on the debut better. I prefer the thrashier, crisper
riffage (like on my favorite tracks "Actual Time" and "Misery of Mastery") of the
debut to the sludgier/grungy guitar of Time Frame. Overall, Time Frame is more
accessible than their earlier work, and I think Prog/Instrumental Metal fans
should probably like this better than their debut. You can check out ACTUAL
TIME on their webpage, and decide for yourself.

According to the band's webpage, writing for ACTUAL TIME III is almost complete, and the band hopes to enter the studio in the spring of 2002. I guess
that means the actual disc should be released sometime in 2004 or so. I look
forward to hearing it.

 


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From:  Laser's Edge Web Store (http://www.lasercd.com/)
Comments by:  Ken Golden, Laser's Edge

Second demo (I use the term "demo" loosely here since the sound
quality is first rate) from the trio of Scott Andrews (guitar), Brad 
Derrick (drums), and Tom Snyder (bass). "Time Frame" is instrumental 
music blending elements of jazz and rock but most heavily from 
technical metal. Fans of Meshuggah, Cynic, Spiral Architect will 
get off on the intricacies of the insane time signatures and intense 
riffing. Tech-metal heads should really scoop this up!


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Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2000 19:06:30 +1100
From: Eddie 
Subject: Time Frame Comment 

I got my Time Frame CD yesterday and first impressions were 'Shit, 
these guys are really trying to get serious here'.  Apart from the 
guitars being a little too muddy for my liking, I really got into the 
music.  It's definitely one of those you have to listen a few times over 
to really appreciate.  Solid 8/10.
Ed.


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From: Manfred Dikkers 
Subject: Time Frame 

Hello Scott,

I received the CD within a week - thanks a lot for the quick service!

It is not my intention to give a complete review of all the tracks,
since a) this is generally a very hard thing to do (as you probably know
yourself, since you've written quite a few) and b) I do not have the
background knowledge to do this. I am a drummer myself, and generally I
judge music by how it sounds and makes me feel, and not so much on the
notes and scales involved.....

I have been listening to Time Frame several times now. First thing I
noticed is the excellent the sound quality! Generally speaking, I'm very
pleased with the songs. Nicely complex and melodic music, without going
'over the top'. Actually, it is exactly what I hoped for after listening
to the first demo, and you definitely seem to have grown since then.
By the way, all tracks are quite good, but 'Out there (prime)' is my
favorite. There's a lot of contrast in this song and I love the clean
guitar sound in combination with the jazzy drumparts and the dark,
groovy bassline.

The technical skill of all three of you is definitely very good. One
thing I would like to point out is that in my opinion, your music could
definitely be given an extra dimension by a good vocalist. Did you ever
consider adding vocals?

Anyway, keep up the good work!!! I'm looking forward to number 3 :-)

Take care,
Manfred.

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From:  Spastic Ink /Watchtower Forum at http://www.ultimatemetal.com
Comments by:  Jimbobhickville (Forum Founder)

("time frame and "actual time")

I got the CDs in. Excellent stuff. The only complaints I have are a) they're not 
long enough, I want more technical goodness  and b) the packaging is a 
little weak. Other than that, damn this is some great shit. Everyone, check 
these guys out if you haven't; you won't be disappointed. And, Scott, 
thanks for the Paypal option, that really sped up the whole ordering process.



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From:  Spastic Ink /Watchtower Forum at http://www.ultimatemetal.com
Comments by:  Pure Absurd (Vadim)

("time frame and "actual time")

Damn yeah! I'd repeat everything said by Jimbo! Such music brings me 
into ecstatic state - amazing!

But the same critical remarks: you could be misunderstood by some people if
you would talk about these two as about complete albums (they are of EP
size), and: you are damn great designers for your music but you NEED some
good designer's eye for your cd's

Keep it going!

Vadim


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From:  Spastic Ink /Watchtower Forum at http://www.ultimatemetal.com
Comments by:  Cheezruff 

I'm listening to the cd right now, just got it today, lotsa cool parts 
and great ideas. This will keep my brain busy for a while.....