DUALITAS

When it comes to Mexican progressive rock, Alpha Lighting System has long been a touchstone for me. I've followed their trajectory for years, and it's been a joy to witness their evolution. Now, in 2025?ten years after the release of their debut?they return with Dualitas, an extraordinary album that reflects not only their musical prowess but also their personal resilience. Life has tested them: two members relocated for work and academic pursuits, and yet, they've emerged with a record that's as mature as it is moving.

Dualitas consists of five exquisite compositions spanning 35 minutes. It's a rich blend of styles?jazz, rock, prog, pop, ambient, even touches of metal?woven seamlessly into a cohesive, genre-defying whole. The opening track, The City of Light, leans heavily into jazz, with flawless musicianship and a pristine mix that allows every nuance to shine. I'm particularly taken by Juan Gabriel Hernández's drumming: elegant, colorful, dynamic?absolutely delicious. While the jazz influence is pronounced, the keyboards add layers of atmosphere, evoking a dreamlike intersection between Rick Wakeman's more ambient work and Brad Mehldau's imaginative spirit. Midway through the track, a post-rock moment emerges, driven by tastefully restrained guitar work that adds yet another dimension.

One of the boldest choices on the album is its linguistic structure: beginning and ending with English lyrics, while the three middle tracks are sung in Spanish. It's a risk, but one that pays off. To me, it speaks of the band's freedom as composers and their growing confidence?they are no longer bound by expectations, only by authenticity.

Astro, the shortest track on the album, is no less powerful. Released as a single back in 2023, it's a tightly constructed burst of energy. The band's chemistry is palpable here?each member shines without overshadowing the others. This is what a true band sounds like: balanced, democratic, and intentional. Sung in Spanish, the track carries a distinctly Mexican or Latin American essence, blending neo-prog and rock in a vibrant, resonant way.

The album's third and final single, Salto de fe, was released just days before the full record dropped. It begins as a soft, ballad-like piece, its guitar work reminiscent of Marillion, before building into something far more expansive. The song morphs beautifully over its eight minutes?sometimes tender, sometimes intense, always colorful, emotional, and even mystical. Please, listen to this one with headphones. I guarantee there will be moments where your eyes close involuntarily and your soul feels held. Joshua San Martín's guitar work is especially noteworthy here, delivering exactly what's needed at precisely the right moment. The backing vocals return, wrapping around Alam Hernández's lead voice to create a lush, immersive atmosphere.

Sombras, the album's second single, appeared in 2023 as a preview of what was to come. It's a deeply moving tribute to the victims of a tragic episode in Mexican history. Sung in Spanish, the song carries an unmistakable sense of protest and purpose. Music and art are powerful tools for resistance, and ALS uses them to speak out? boldly and beautifully. While the first half of the track is quite restrained, the instrumental explosion that follows? where prog and metal collide?is nothing short of cathartic.

The album closes with Dancing on an Earthquake, a darker, heavier piece than its predecessors. Odd time signatures, a brooding atmosphere, and a Porcupine Tree-like edge give way to moments of elegance and clarity. Jorge Jácome's bass lines in particular are emotionally rich and fluid?never forced, always organic. This track is a masterclass in compositional balance and a fitting conclusion to the album. If I had to recommend just one song to someone unfamiliar with ALS, this would be it. It encapsulates everything they do best: energy, virtuosity, emotional depth, and cohesion.

Congratulations to Alpha Lighting System on another outstanding release. Please, never stop creating. The world needs this kind of music.

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