Washington State by Ben Averch

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Drawing upon both the molten metal of early '90s grunge in Seattle and the futurist, high-I.Q. progressive rock of Rush and Yes, Averch raises the bar for today's modern rock bands. The only difference is that Averch doesn't have a group. Each note on "Washington State" was played by Averch himself. If you didn't know that, it's doubtful that you would've figured it out as Averch has exceptional skills.

Much has been written about Rush being a super-powered trio, but what can you say about a solo act such as Averch, who can minimize Pearl Jam's amp wallop on "Reset the Clock" without any additional player? Averch must be an octopus, each tentacle having mastered every instrument, from guitar to drums to Moog synthesizer to bass.

This is a truly impressive effort, produced with muscle and smarts.

From Ink19

Averch is a one-man symphony of prog rock, utilizing Rush, King's X and Queensryche as reference points to launch his own vision of thinking man's metal.

Playing every instrument himself, Averch manages to splice the parts together and produce an album that is cohesive and intelligent. This is some pretty brainy music, taking listeners back to the time when rock bands could make people think. To today's generation, the modern blueprint for that belongs to Radiohead. Not to Averch, though. Averch's musical heroes are obviously in the progressive rock camp, top-notch musicians that believed in stimulating the brain, not annoying us with pointless avant-garde moves.

Averch includes the lyrics in the CD. Read as you listen. In order to properly experience this record, you have to absorb everything -- the words, the music, the production, which is sparklingly clean and beefs up the instruments, resulting in an epic rollercoaster ride for the ears.

From CDReviews.com

Averch applies life-affirming lyrics to hard rock that echo the Emerald City’s thunderous icons in volume but not in precision. Instead, one can hear the science-lab clarity of Rush, especially on the thrilling “Cloud Cover” and the toe-tapping “No Division.”

Those who are alienated by progressive rock for its coldness and lack of pop hooks will find Averch’s take on the genre to be highly accessible. Being a writer myself, Averch’s ability with a pen was even more impressive.

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Seattle-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ben Averch stands to build a devoted following in the rock community with his debut album, "Washington State". Featuring ten tracks, including the progressive riff rocker ‘In a Dream State’, the anthemic ‘Cloud Cover’ and the plush, evocative ‘A Chance for Me to Stay’, "Washington State" introduces Averch as an accomplished solo artist.

Formerly the guitarist/vocalist for Boston hard rock band Bison, Averch cut his performing teeth touring across the country during the ‘90s. In addition to serving as the frontman for Bison, Averch made a living delivering high-energy, passionate acoustic hard rock in Harvard Square, Cambridge as one of Boston’s premier street musicians. This period was marked by his recognition from Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder, who gave Averch a $50 tip in exchange for a Bison demo tape.

"Washington State" was recorded and mixed from August 2005 through April 2006 in Sammamish, Washington and was mastered by John McCaig at Panic Studios in Seattle. Produced, performed, recorded and mixed entirely by Averch, "Washington State" is a showcase of masterful songwriting, featuring complex arrangements that interweave driving hard rock and creamy, blended vocal harmonies. The album lyrics are thought provoking and highly visual, describing personal and spiritual growth, resplendent with the natural imagery of the Pacific Northwest. The album is distinguished by Averch’s remarkable melodies, universal lyrics, and powerful vocals layered over broad swaths of crunching, textural guitars, angular drumming and propulsive bass playing, forming an extraordinary and distinctive sound sure to find a place in the hearts of rock music fans.

"I wanted to create something that was autobiographical and universal at the same time," said Averch. "This record achieves what I set out to do – create a unique hard rock album that describes the possibilities in life that are open to each of us. The common thread through all the songs is the idea that every moment in life offers the chance for renewal and a new direction."

For more information, including pictures, lyrics and commentary by the artist, please visit the Ben Averch Music Blog at http://averch.blogspot.com.

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Fans rave for "Washington State":

from StevePavlina.com:

Erin Says: Ben, this is wonderful. You’re a fantastic musician. Lots of passion in your song writing. Awesome job!

Raj Says: Ben, Awesome !! This is amazing!! You have a lot of talent and I am sure that this talent will take you to far off places !!

Dru Says: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. “No Division” is fantastic! God bless you. With immense thanks, Dru

Elaine Says: This truly is wonderful. Ben, you certainly are talented! And it’s nice to hear a song with meaningful lyrics.

from MySpace.com/Averch:

David Vector: You never cease to amaze with your cool musical ideas and arrangements, especially your fantastic guitar work. "In a Dream State" is a killer track - it's the kind of thing I had hoped Rush would come out with when they went back to a more guitar-dominated sound.

from RushMessageBoard.com:

Constant Change: That was very sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet to my listening ears.

CavesOfIceman: Impressive production, passion.

PPGWave: Sounds like you had Alex [Lifeson] come over and record the guitar tracks. Nice Work!

THE Rushgirl: Total RUSH influence. That RAWWWKS!!!!!!!!! Awesome!!!

Toothpick2112: awesome song that rocks

CygnusGodofBalance: enjoyed it thoroughly

Average Customer Review: