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The self-titled opening track of Detroit quartet Aries Rising's CD had me thinking that they were an instrumental R&B/funk jam band. That got me kind of excited because we don't have too many of those. But more often than not, Aries Rising flipped the script on me, and majority of the 10 tracks on Aries Rising sport vocals. However, the quality of most of the vocal tracks doesn't match the skill and energy that this quartet displays when they kick back and jam. Part of the problem is that the instruments overwhelm the vocals.  Two of the vocal tracks are quality - "Sunny Day" and "I Saw Your Car At the Hotel." The former sports lyrics that bring to mind a couple cruising down the highway in a convertible, while the latter features some descriptive R Kelly type storytelling backed by a cinematic musical arrangement. Still, the band really makes its mark on those instrumental tracks, making me wish for more. The energy level rises on the funky "Aries Rising," and the rock influenced "Ascension." Aries Rising the band is a group that has some real skill as instrumental improvisers and creators. I'm looking forward to hearing more of that the next time around.

Notable Tracks: Aries Rising, Ascension, Sunny Day

Vocals: 2.5 stars
Music: 3.0 stars
Lyrics: 2.5 stars
Production: 2.5 stars
Soultracks call: Moderately recommended

By Howard Dukes