Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Pipe Dreams is the debut CD from Long Island, NY-based band Alien Canopy. Joined in February 2001, they are considered an original psychedelic retro/rock band, blending the sounds of classic rock with a modern influence. I find it reminiscent of Rush, or Blue Oyster Cult, with a pop influence. The album was produced by Steve Amend and the band is signed to indie label Photon Records. Pipe Dreams was recorded and mixed at Production D studio in Melville, NY. The bands line up consists of Lead vocalist/guitarist Alex Cuozzo, Mike Ackerson on Bass, Dominick Prevetre on Drums/vocals, and Gerianne McArdle also on vocals.
The first song on the album is "What's on My Mind". It's got a melodic guitar intro and a distinct taste of Blue Oyster Cult influence in the chorus, reminiscent of "Don't Fear the Reaper". A solid rocker, this song is a good start to the album. This is followed by "Every Night", and "BlackDoor" with it's eerie entry and spacey guitars keeps up with the trend of catchy beats. Next is "Never Gonna Change", a notable track with its funky groove bass line and upbeat rhythms. Track five, "Not alone Tonight" has a good melody and catchy chorus, which could be said about most of the songs on this 12 song CD. One track, "Pipe Dream" has a 3 doors feel to it, it carries too familiar of a riff to be unnoticeable. Next is "24/7", a rock ballad and "Ill Fated Planet", with its unique instrumental and heavy bass line.

Finishing off the album is "Pick Your Poison", which also seems to have a Three Doors Down "Kryptonite" feel to it, but has strong lyrics "You made your decision, to walk your own road, to sing your own song, you follow your own heart, you pick your poison." This is followed by "Persistence", and the up tempo "Facing the Demon", and the finale comes in "The Promise of Tomorrow", the longest track on the album (4:28) with a classic rock intro, solid vocal delivery, and funk laden guitars.

The singer carries an excellent smooth range with a lot of variety and potential. The musicianship is good, the band combines elements from the past present and future in their music. While I'm not sure there's a lot of mainstream potential for this album, I think it does have a certain market value, and I'm sure they will never hurt for places to play with their consistent sound.

The album is well thought out, arranged, and produced. Overall, Pipe Dreams has a groovy, fun sound that I'm sure many will find appealing. Personally, I give them props for rocking on, and sticking to what they believe in; their music. Sometimes marketability just doesn't matter. Never Stop, guys, you picked your poison.