From: Andrew James Moag
Conflict and Dreams ably showcases the chops of Cairo but I felt that
overall, the songs could've benefited from a little more "structure". It
seemed to me that virtuosity came at the expense of the songs rather than
enhancing them.
From: MARABUS@aol.com
I just thought I'd share that I just picked up Cairo's (Conflict&Dreams) cd
and think it has some incredible music.The keyboardist has fingers set at
warp speed but very imaginative.The band sounds similar to Dream Theater
without the metal which makes me very happy.Definitely prog and highly
recommended.
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
I had Cairo's first disc for a while, but I can't stand Bret Douglas's voice.
Too sappy, too inexpressive. Just MHO. On the flipside, keyboardist Mark
Robertson is great, but too Emerson-ish to really stand out against the
canopy of outstanding prog keyboardists.
From: "Jeff Marx" <>
Magna Carta's website (newly redesigned at
http://www.magnacarta.net) doesn't
seem to have audio clips. Does anyone know of any clips of Cairo
anywhere?
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
I just traded away an undesirable CD with a non-E-Progger for Cairo's 2nd
disc - Conflict and Dreams. I'd originally had the first Cairo disc, but got
rid of it almost purely because I couldn't stand Bret Douglas' non-descript,
AOR-epitomized vocals (Bret would be perfect for Asia). The players were
quite proficient----particularly keyboardist Mark Robertson----but Cairo
sounded like a band in search of their sound, as mercury had burst on the
ELPometer for their debut album. Well, I decided to give their second one a
chance (what the hey, it didn't cost a dime, except first-class postage). I
don't really know how much better it is than the first (after just one
listen), but one thing's for sure: Mark Robertson has studied Keith Emerson's
style to a capital T, down to the phrasing, staccato licks, everything. Alec
Fuhrman's guitar playing seems to blend in better this time, rather than
sounding like Ian Crichton of Saga just discovering a guitar and having a
ball. And I can even sweat through Bret Douglas' straight-ahead no frills vox.
At least he's singing within his range, versus doing some pale imitation of
Geoff Tate or Steve Perry. The arrangements are a lot better, the music
overall is better. This disc is better. I doubt it'll get many spins, but at
least I feel like keeping it. Back to Mark Robertson: this guy definitely
must believe he's Keith's successor. Sh*t, he might as well be; it's apparent
he can probably play Tarkus w/o screwing up a single bar! The man is indeed
talented. Perhaps Cairo's third album will find themselves coming into their
own, with a distinctive sound. They've got the chops, that's for sure.
From: Brett Rains@
I too had trouble enjoying Bret Douglas' vocals on the 2 Cairo CDs. I thought
originally he sounded too 'pop' for the band. I did get used to his singing,
& now rather enjoy it. And it's funny you bring up Asia, because I have this
theory that Cairo is what Asia would have sounded like if they weren't so
worried about EmptyV (MTV). I think the band are progressing from album to
album as well; album # 3 shold be something special. "Conflict & Dreams"
found the band hitting their stride & getting comfortable with a sound,
whether you like the sound or not. And yes, Mark Robertson has listened to a
few ELP albums. (I have a fondness for Emo & the good ol' Hammond, so that's
cool to me!) I hear they will be featured on the upcoming Magna Carta ELP
tribute album.
From:
Just read E-Man's review of Cairo and I must disagree with his opinion (with
the caveat that opinions are like...er belly buttons, everybody has one).
Yeah, the musicians are top notch, no question, my problem is that their
compositions just aren't memorable. Now I am an admitted fan of
FISH-era Marillion, FISH, PENDRAGON, ARENA, GALAHAD... and
enjoy prog that one can hum along with but I also love YES's
Tales/Topographic Oceans and the like so I'm not sure that I'm ALL bad. To me
CAIRO is more style than substance, more hype than heart...but that's my
opinion.
From: "upnsm0ke" <>
Though it was buried in the text, my sentiments echo yours. The guys have the
chops, but when they stop aping ELP so much, they may turn out a memorable
recording. Let's hope they do that for the 3rd disc. Perhaps they should drop
Bret (no offense, Bret) and go instrumental.
From: Brett Rains@
In reply to your post on Cairo, you question their 'balance' & talk of
'reviewer clich?'. Define 'balance'. I find a band's 'balance' the biggest
cliche there is! What exactly does 'balance' mean? If you can define it as a
measurement of the quality of the artists material, I see plenty of 'balance'
with Cairo. And on the 'taste' issue, why are Cairo lacking in taste? I think
calling them 'tasteless' is putting them in a category with bands like
Marilyn Manson & that ilk. I wouldn't compare the two. I don't think 'taste'
is the correct adjective here. Maybe 'substance' as you said, though I would
disagree with that as well. The nature of symphonic prog is to lean toward a
very grandiose, almost over-the-top presentation, ala most good classical
music. Bands like ELP, Yes, & Genesis have been practicing this approach for
years. Would you consider them "over-blown"? Maybe--it's certainly
subjective. But Cairo aren't any more "over-blown" than their predesessors.
And as far as I'm concerned, that's pretty good company.
From: "tom george" <> Subject: Cairo has anyone heard this self titled cd on the Magna Carte label? i was browsing thru my local Best Buy store and the cover of this caught my eye. i had never heard of them so i turned the cd over and saw 6 songs with the longest being 22 + minutes. so right then i knew it either had to be prog or space music. so i took a chance and bought it and it is growing on me. it reminds me of ELP and Dream Theatre. the players are excellent craftsmen. i would like to hear some other opinions of this album which was made in 1994 and i would like to know if they have any other releases. thanks.
From: "Richard Stockwell" <> The second release was called "Conflict and Dreams". Not sure if there has been anything out since then.
From: "Stephen & JoAnn" <> Love their first, second attempt falls short.
From: Jeff Marx <> Mark Robertson is a keyboard-playing demon, downright Emersonian. Get Conflicts and Dreams, their second album for more killer keyboard/guitar symphoid bliss. I've always wished that Robertson would go with the keyboard power-trio format. Take the Niacin route, but stick closer to the vintage prog sound ala ELP, Refugee, Arsnova, and friends. Robertson has to be the most under-appreciated keyboardist in the entire genre.
From: "Richard Zywotkiewicz" <> I have both. I think the first is the best because it has a few lighter moments. The second is relentless and bombardistic. Great playing but God I miss some melody.
From: FlyingBlueDream@aol.com I haven't heard Cairo's self-titled album, but their second CD, "Conflict and Dreams", is definitely top notch.
From: Yes, pick up album #2, "Conflict And Dreams"....if you enjoy the first album, you'll love this one. Great stuff. As Jeff said, Mark Robertson is killer on the keys. His work on the Hammond is the closest thing you'll find to Keith Emerson, bar none. This guy smokes. The band are working on their 3rd album at the moment, & apparently there have been some personnel changes. Should be out sometime in the summer, & the band have hinted that there may be a tour for the album (finally!). Here's hoping; my fingers are crossed :)........
From: all4rains@webtv.net Subject: Re: Cairo
<>>
Big fan here too, Pete. Mark Robertson is the second coming of Emo, IMHO. But
like Rob said, Cairo doesn't tour....yet. They would_like_to tour, but they
are part of Magna Carta's stable, & Magna Carta doesn't exactly support their
bands with $ for tours. The band has been trying to get hooked up with a
bigger name & do a package tour, but nothing yet. The newie "Time Of Heroes"
should be out soon, & it looks like there's been some changes--guitarist Alec
Fuhrman is out of the band.
From: "Jeff Marx" <>
Subject: Cairo; cross-posting myownself's quick-take
<>> Hiya Jeff...haven't gotten "TOL"
yet; the suspense is killing me! :) Mini-review please!
Well, some early thoughts, as I've only heard it twice, on my third take
now. The album has two basic structures which oscillate between the different
tracks. There are the tracks that feature Bret Douglas on vocals (4 tracks)
versus the instrumental tracks (3 tracks). The differences are striking, the
vocal-oriented tracks are a continuation of the formula on their first two
albums, done very well actually. The instrumental sections on all of the
vocal tracks are amazing...Hammond, synths, and guitars (there are guest
guitarists who are very intriguing in their own rights. Excellent
vintage-sounding YES/ELP like moves, seemingly more of a YES influence this
time, subtle, but there. But I'll never be a big fan of Bret Douglas...I put
up with him as I listen to Mark Robertson coming into his own more and more.
It is as always, a great showcase of Robertson's technical skills on Hammond,
and really for the first time, having him stretch out and use lots of synth
playing. Wait till you hear cut 5, "Cosmic Approach!" He seems to be using
Korg synths, probably including a Triton with the analog Moss-board and the
PCM vintage card. The lush qualities of the strings, and flute programs
especially are stunning, and his soloing is titanic...
Emersonian yes, but some of his own phrasings...good growth on his own style
by the way. You will be very pleased Brett...I think they've got a real
winner here :)