Despite their backwoods-evoking moniker, the Connecticut-based quartet known as Bushwhack devotes its energies to performing a refined mixture of accessible progressive rock and metal. Founded in 2005 by keyboardist Frank Sacramone, drummer Ben Shanbron, and guitarist Jamie van Dyck, Bushwhack later added bassist Sean McCusker and released an eponymous, notably instrumental debut album in 2007. This revealed strong influences from the likes of Porcupine Tree, Spock's Beard, and Dream Theater, all of which only intensified on the group's next effort, a 2009 EP named Canvas, which saw Shanbron taking on lead vocal duties, and van Dyck backing vocals. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia