A few years back, local poet Adam Gregory Pergament began peppering the blues-grunge of Stonefloat with theatrical poetry. The combination worked, largely because songwriter Tate Mclane knew exactly how to leave room in his songs for Pergament's verses to soar. He also knew when to park the poetry and let the music fly.
Pergament's latest venture, Venice Gas House Trolley, is not without instrumental support. There's just not enough of it. Sure, Tim Peeters plays bass and Benny Seger plays drums, but this self-titled debut finds few moments where the instruments serve as more than window dressing. "Court Jester" is one track that successfully carries a tune, but it ends before the music goes anywhere.
Pergament is one of the most creative and engaging personalities in our scene. He's a commanding poet who needs a strong supporting band to turn his work into music.
