Without trying to sound negative, progressive rock and metal, or, simply "Prog" as it's more easily categorised, is and always has been an acquired taste. With the majority of bands utilising vast conceptual soundscapes, poly-rhythmic song structures incorporated into often incredibly lengthy songs...it's not for everyone. Some would go as far as saying it's music for nerds, other than "mathcore" of course...(seriously, what is that?)...but what you simply cannot deny, is that prog houses some of the most talented and technically gifted musicians to ever pick up an instrument and play. Artists like RUSH and DREAM THEATRE paved the way with their exuberant song writing, inspiring many a band to go that one step further...bands like MEMOREVE. The Leeds based sextet, who were completed by Irish vocalist Colin Callanan are preparing to unleash their new EP "Insignia"...a symbol of greatness? Or do they just have a thing for Vauxhall motors? Let's find out...
To say we kick off with the title track could have me done for false advertising...it's ambient, and almost dreamlike the way it delicately flows through your speakers, it's a very calming instrumental piece initially, and only then at the two and half minute mark, do we begin to feel more of an actual song emerging, the drums and vocals enter the fold and give this opening piece a little more substance. The tempo barely changes for the most part, a brief spell of chugging guitar adds weight but really it's an underwhelming intro. The slow, enticing intro technique works but, at this length you can't help but feel impatient.
Thankfully then, "These Reflections" really does bring this EP to life immediately afterword. It's got the heavy riffs coupled with layers of electronica courtesy of keyboardist Adele Pease and it's got a sense of SCAR SYMMETRY about it. Colin's voice is powerful and emotive, he holds his notes with consistency and as a whole this is much, much better; the combination of the musical heaviness, the haunting backdrop of the synth elements and the harmonious vocal tones take you on a journey through the song, restoring faith in this EP.
The "Descendant" then takes that one step further...having followed through directly from the previous track as a continuation of sorts, not breaking any stride, you're hit with some truly pummelling almost, GOJIRA inspired drumming. There are tempo changes throughout this seven-minute-plus monster of a song and musically you cannot fault them; the structure, the production quality...it's all been done very well, before we once again blend tracks into EP closer "Alleviate" and generally, there's little in the means of difference, or at least not enough to make either stand out in any way. Again, musically it's solid, but by now you can't help but feel Colin warbles on a bit...a lot of drawn out notes, he's emotive yes but also manages to, over time, sound repetitive and boring at the same time, which is a shame because the band are great. With artists like TESSERACT and PERIPHERY finding success of late, Memoreve have all the potential to tap into that audience and grow. They aren't quite on that level, but that's the thing with prog metal...the orthodox option is never an option. "Insignia" isn't quite the mark of brilliance just yet, but they will make PROGress...get it? PROG-ress? Ahh never mind...[5]
To say we kick off with the title track could have me done for false advertising...it's ambient, and almost dreamlike the way it delicately flows through your speakers, it's a very calming instrumental piece initially, and only then at the two and half minute mark, do we begin to feel more of an actual song emerging, the drums and vocals enter the fold and give this opening piece a little more substance. The tempo barely changes for the most part, a brief spell of chugging guitar adds weight but really it's an underwhelming intro. The slow, enticing intro technique works but, at this length you can't help but feel impatient.
Thankfully then, "These Reflections" really does bring this EP to life immediately afterword. It's got the heavy riffs coupled with layers of electronica courtesy of keyboardist Adele Pease and it's got a sense of SCAR SYMMETRY about it. Colin's voice is powerful and emotive, he holds his notes with consistency and as a whole this is much, much better; the combination of the musical heaviness, the haunting backdrop of the synth elements and the harmonious vocal tones take you on a journey through the song, restoring faith in this EP.
The "Descendant" then takes that one step further...having followed through directly from the previous track as a continuation of sorts, not breaking any stride, you're hit with some truly pummelling almost, GOJIRA inspired drumming. There are tempo changes throughout this seven-minute-plus monster of a song and musically you cannot fault them; the structure, the production quality...it's all been done very well, before we once again blend tracks into EP closer "Alleviate" and generally, there's little in the means of difference, or at least not enough to make either stand out in any way. Again, musically it's solid, but by now you can't help but feel Colin warbles on a bit...a lot of drawn out notes, he's emotive yes but also manages to, over time, sound repetitive and boring at the same time, which is a shame because the band are great. With artists like TESSERACT and PERIPHERY finding success of late, Memoreve have all the potential to tap into that audience and grow. They aren't quite on that level, but that's the thing with prog metal...the orthodox option is never an option. "Insignia" isn't quite the mark of brilliance just yet, but they will make PROGress...get it? PROG-ress? Ahh never mind...[5]
RSS Feed