September 9, 2021

The Alea Dilemma

Summary:

The Alea Dilemma plays progressive rock with complex jazz harmonic structures and a symphonic classical brilliance infused with a high energy rock sound. One can imagine the intricate instrumental interplay of Yes and Mahavishnu Orchestra, with the advanced harmonic progressions of Chick Corea and Steely Dan, held together by an aggressive rock sound akin to Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, and King’s X.

The Alea Dilemma is an eclectic progressive rock band based out of Kansas City, Missouri. The seeds of The Alea Dilemma were sown in Denver, Colorado in 2007 through the formation of Strativarium, a prog rock band which featured guitarist/vocalist Danny Brymer and bassist Ryan Sloan. After Strativarium folded in 2009 and the members moved to different locations, through a twist of fate, the two friends and former band mates ended up in the Kansas City area in 2013. [pullquote]alea (ey-lee-uh) n. dice, a game of chance
dilemma (di·lem·ma) n. an argument presenting two or more equally conclusive alternatives against an opponent[/pullquote]Eager to reunite and make music again, they started a new progressive rock outfit calling themselves The Alea Dilemma. They began to write music and shortly added Todd Crookston on drums to complete the lineup.
In January of 2015, they started recording their debut album, Within The Clamor of Voices, which was released in November of 2015 to critical acclaim. They also began to play the Kansas City rock circuit that spring establishing their presence in the region. In April of 2016, Todd left amicably to pursue other interests and Ben Shwedler successfully auditioned for the drum chair.The Alea Dilemma plays progressive rock with complex jazz harmonic structures and a symphonic classical brilliance infused with a high energy rock sound. One can imagine the intricate instrumental interplay of Yes and Mahavishnu Orchestra, with the advanced harmonic progressions of Chick Corea and Steely Dan, held together by an aggressive rock sound akin to Led Zeppelin, Soundgarden, and King’s X. The influence of classical composers such as Stravinsky, Bartok, and Bach cannot be mistaken either. Their music is characterized by their virtuosity as well as their intricate, yet emotionally engaging compositions. Through the unique amalgamation of styles and sounds through their chance encounter, they strive to produce their finest compositions and performances.

 

 

Further reading

Xander Rapstine, Symphonic Prog Rock

In Episode 7, we speak with Xander Rapstine about his work, inspiration and influences as a prog rock composer and songwriter, including with Proud Peasant, the Austin-based symphonic prog rock outfit.

Transit Method, Alt Prog Rock

In Episode 6, we talk to Transit Method, a band from Austin, TX that brings together the complexities of progressive rock with the unrefined grit of grunge and heavy metal. They recently released their sophomore record, The Madness, on Brutal Panda Records drawing comparisons to the likes of Soundgarden, Rush, The Mars Volta, and Motorhead. They’ve also been described as “a powerfully epic...

Black Ladder, Progressive Instrumental Rock Trio

Black Ladder is a progressive rock trio based in Austin, TX. Members include Shane Lamb (keyboard), Clarence Riley, IV (bass), and Ray Cardenas (drums). The band’s sound developed from a merging of Shane’s classically influenced licks, Clarence’s heavy funk bass lines, and Ray’s well crafted rock grooves.

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