Sorry No Ferrari
Ternary
Stickfigure Recordings
By Eric Chavez
In case you create a band that uses absolutely no lyrics or vocals, period, in your records, there is only one thing to do: create an instrumental album to rock the senses. That is just what Sorry No Ferrari does on their debut full-length LP Ternary. Rarely does American contemporary rock take such risks, but Sorry No Ferrari takes on the challenge and the results are winning at times, not so great at others, but for a debut album, especially an instrumental one, Sorry No Ferrari has really nothing to be sorry about.
One of the few non-suite songs on the record, “Ashar,” dives in first for the most haunting track on the record. Filled with the type of passion and emotion, with vocals, teh song would have surely been a radio hit for the band. But because of its lack of lyrics, the electric guitar becomes the voice of the song (and the record itself), allowing for a more free-flowing adventure that may have been limited by vocals.
“Setun” sounds like an instrumental track on an early 80’s power-rock record, and the opening song “Ternary” sprawls over three tracks, with influences from a few eras of rock music, mostly contemporary and ’80s. While one can see the attempt to create an epic opening track for a debut album, what is missing from the songs are any real surprises. Perhaps a little more experimentation could have been done with such a long opening, something along the lines of “Ashar” only, well, different. Even so, the opening is an interesting ride.
Truth be told, the album does end on a sour-note. “Talos II” takes the least risk on the record, sounding more like a common backing rock track than a musical tapestry like most of the other tracks. What’s baffling is the difference between “Talos I” and “Talos II.” While “II” is a disappointment, “I” gets down and shows all what the band has got. “I” sounds like a free-for-all jam session; on the other side, “II” sounds cold, calculated, and rehearsed to death.
In the end, this is an instrumental album, making it less likely to be on your most played list, but that’s the magic of the record. The music itself isn’t made to be worn out, but to be enjoyed when the mood strikes the listener, allowing the music to get the attention it deserves.
Sorry No Ferrari play The Drunken Unicorn on October 23. Tickets are available at the door only and admission includes a copy of the CD.
Great music. This is where to go to listen to instrumental music tracks