I AM

Released some five years before their debut album, 'I AM' is the 2007 debut EP by English progressive metal band Headspace, fronted by Damian Wilson, and featuring the talents of Adam Wakeman handling all the keyboards, guitar player Pete Rinaldi, bassist Lee Pomeroy, and drummer Rich Brook (the same five-piece band that did 2012's 'I Am Anonymous'). The style of this four-track extended play is precisely what one might expect from the band upon hearing their debut album (or even their sophomore release) - melodic progressive rock with heavy guitars, upfront riffs, dazzling keyboard leads and occasional acoustic interludes. All of this is topped by the excellent production on any Headspace release as well as the fine songwriting, emotional depth and instrumental intricacies that these Englishmen do offer.

Opening track 'Never Let Go' is the most conventional song on this EP, definitely a more accessible progressive metal number with a strong chorus and flamboyant riffs, or in a word, nothing overly mind-blowing. 'Sane Life' then starts off rather softly and we have a lovely interplay between the acoustic guitars and the stabs of electric piano in the beginning, as the songs then follows with a fine groove and some tremendous vocals from Damian Wilson. Wakeman also manages to grace the song with some symphonic notes that work quite well in this set-up. Third track 'Symbol' features some heavier guitars and introduces a more alternative rock flair to the EP - this is a good example of the strong songwriting of the band. Final track 'Sober' impresses with its Yes-like vocal harmonies and quirky acoustic interludes, and with its eight minutes of running time stands as the most sophisticated and melodic piece on here. Headspace really do manage to craft an intelligent mixture of melodic progressive rock with heavy tendencies here, as the music does not necessarily go into a prog metal direction all the time, and this four-track debut EP is the perfect taster for what this five-piece band is best at.

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