Southeast Performer....November 2005

written by: Shawn M. Haney

 

The Carrot and The Stick is a breathtaking and compelling rock orchestra that levels the playing field of so-called independent local bands. Juan Prophet Organization, a family of seven musicians, spent over a year between Spring of 2003 and Summer of 2004 laboring to sculpt this creation of tremendously dynamic wonder. Filled with alluring elements of modern rock, hints of jazz, and strong influences in classical modal scale structures, this record contains over twenty songs, yet breathes and flows and moves sometimes swiftly, sometimes slowly, but always smoothly from song to song.

The work behind this record is genuinely laced with a passion for creative musicianship, with each member carrying an equal amount of powerful melodic and instrumental command. To describe the music or its mood is quite a strange task. Overall, it is dark in atmosphere, ethereal, and melancholy in scope, yet at times humorous and full of shades of color, conjuring images of a year spent touring with a traveling circus. Well, this circus delivers well-crafted songs containing a broad tapestry of changes, both in key and tempo. The record could also be called "really weird" and may be hard to understand to the average listener, but further listening is recommended to fully appreciate the band's unusual style.

For more courageous and sophisticated listeners, The Carrot and The Stick is a feast to be devoured and savored for the ages. This is the kind of music that can change one's manners and moods largely, no matter what a person may initially be feeling upon popping in the disc. It deserves more time than it's whimsical title may suggest. This final product is certainly without a doubt a strong effort by the entire group.