by Martin England, Foster's Daily Democrat, 2.13.03

Portland-based pop rockers Now Is Now will bring their melodic musings to Portsmouth tonight in support of their first full-length compact disc, "Transitions."

The performance is part of a multicity New England tour stretching from Naples, Maine, to New York City, and all hollows in between.

Now Is Now consists of singer/songwriter/guitarist Mitch Alden, bassist Dan Paul, and drummer Neil Carroll. This trio promises to bulldoze the foundations of conformity, fraying from the play-it-safe formula so prevalent in today’s serried musical realm.

The band’s influences are varied, but after exploring "Transitions," one defiantly stands alone: Rush. This comparison is embraced by Alden. "The first time I put the needle down on Rush’s ‘Permanent Waves,’ ‘Spirit of the Radio’ blew my mind!" says Alden, who also names The Indigo Girls, Bob Marley, Jerry Garcia and Led Zeppelin as other influential currencies. He added, "I try to keep the bar up to these artists, but I don’t try to be them when composing a song."

The Rush comparison does not include 50-minute drum solos, but is anchored more on the similar resonant vocal style Alden shares with Rush front man Geddy Lee. The styling catches the listener off-guard at first, but in an age of Creed-esque carbon copy singers, Alden’s voice is refreshing and energetic.

Now Is Now’s music also smells a bit like Rush: their boundless melodic romps through richly textured musical landscapes are reminiscent of "Moving Pictures." Coincidentally, "Transitions" was recorded in Toronto (Rush’s backyard), although this connection was unplanned. "We could have made this record anywhere," Alden said. "But the fact we made it in another country definitely had some positive effect on us."

"Transitions" contains nine original songs, all memorable. The songs are just sticky enough to catch your attention, but like all good records, it takes a few listens to appreciate them. Alden doesn’t wear his listener down with the tried and true, but instead delves into the unfamiliar, a risk all too worth the journey.

The record’s second track ("Into Darkness") was inspired by Tom Robbins’ "Jitterbug Perfume." According to Alden, the song’s inspiration is derived from a love shared by its two main characters, Alobar and Kudra. The love is infinite: it crosses over the threshold of centuries. "It all sounds very Danielle Steele," says Alden, "but it’s not!"

The practice of pulling lyrical substance from literature is now customary for Alden. "Most inspirations on ‘Transitions’ come from novels," Alden said. "I put myself in the first person narrator of some of my favorite characters, and tell their story from a musical perspective. I was tired of writing about destiny, adolescent anger and women. Putting myself in my favorite character’s perspective gave my lyrics a totally new feel."

Alden’s method is not without risk: listeners must often dig for each song’s meaning, especially those rooted in his first-person character perspectives. If you haven’t read the book, you may be left out in the cold. But at second listen, Alden’s interpretation takes a human shape, and the song’s origins become irrelevant. The human condition is layered with confusion, fear and insecurity, and Alden covers all of these soul elements with remarkable precision. And while these songs outwardly reek with positive rhythms, they inwardly pulse with tumultuous currents, coursing through both sweet and bitter soul stretches. In a world fashioned with songs of disconnect, "Transitions" stands as Alden’s heart sleeve, an unapologetic map-maker certain to land this trio much deserved recognition.

Now Is Now will perform at The Coat of Arms in Portsmouth tonight at 9 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, call The Coat of Arms at 431-0407.