FOLLOW THE INSTINCT

Poland's Xanadu has finally come around with their sophomore album, entitled "Follow the Instinct". Their debut, "The Last Sunrise", was an emotional piece of art that focused much on atmosphere and darkness, often invoking Riverside. With their new album, however, Xanadu shrug off much of their Riverside influence, and they start off on a path all their own.

"Follow the Instinct" is dark. It's really dark. However, it's not the same type of dark hopelessness that was featured in their debut. Rather than blackened, I'd say the atmosphere is rather grey. With this as a foundation, the band---Hubert Murawski on drums, Adam Biskup on bass, Janusz Glon on guitars and keys, and Przemek Betański on guitars---head down a path of excellent guitars, an incredible rhythm section, and background keys that set a mood. The guitar tone has been changed from high-tuned to an interesting snarl, and they are used in solos and the like, but also in interesting atmospheric exercises. The drums and bass are as good as ever, and are a highlight of this album for me. Hubert is especially good with his stumbling bass beats and his ability to create fills that feel satisfying. Adam on bass seems to be playing in a higher key, and it shows in how incredibly detailed and audible his bass lines are.

Vocalist Mish Jarski has been replaced this time with Krzysztof Borek, a vocalist with a very different voice. This is probably the biggest difference in the album, as Mish's voice was fantastically emotional and distraught. However, Krzysztof has a mellower, more grounded voice that is somewhat rough at times. While he doesn't have the emotion of Mish, he does have a bigger presence and does an admirable job.

"Follow the Instinct" has a great set of tracks, though I think the second half is better. Seven tracks framed by an intro and an outro, this album has more flow and connection than "The Last Sunrise". My favorites are the excellent "Escape", the soaring "More", and the wonderfully paced "Transistor Night". My favorite of all, however, is the instrumental "Violent Dream, Part 2". This direct connection with the first album utilizes some of the riffs from Part 1, but it is perhaps the better of the two. It's familiar enough to pull me in immediately, and technical enough to impress me with its complexity and bleakness.

Xanadu's new album, then, is full of emotion, though I daresay that much of it comes from the music, rather than from the singer this time. The band has offered an immensely impressive follow-up that is solid in every way, and will probably suck me in more and more through the year. With a starker vibe and passive attitude that is punctuated by technical punches, "Follow the Instinct" is one of the better albums I've heard this year, and it won't be forgotten quickly.