SLYCHOSIS

Mississippi-based band,fomed as Karma-Kannix in 2004 in Jackson by multi-instrumentalist Greg Johnns along with bassist James Walker from the local cover band Final Spin.This band released ''Explorations In Inner & Outer Space'' in 2004 with a sound close to Classic Rock with Heavy Metal and prog elements.The band was soon to be re-named Slychosis with Final Spin-drummer Todd Sears on board and the new line-up recorded the eponymous debut at Slychotic Studios,released indepedently in 2006.

While Slychosis sound a lot like 90's MAGELLAN, not only musically but also in the vocal arrangements,their sound is more varied.There are definite influences by bands like GENESIS,RUSH,KANSAS and HAWKWIND to be traced here and there,yet the album sounds very fresh and modern.Back to vocals,these are rather mediocre with no particular color and the band tries to cover this disadvantage with plenty of distorted lines and voice effects,which often work well.Musically the album is tight with no dead moments and lots of energy.Some tracks are close to Symphonic Rock with nice use of moog synths,melodic guitars and decent arrangements,while others will remind you of HAWKWIND with spacey electronics and sampled voices.There are plenty of Heavy Rock/Prog numbers as well with groovy guitars and a combinated organ/synth department,well-played and quite energetic.Gregg Johns,responsible for both the keyboard and guitar work as well as the main arranger of the band,uses a variety of keyboards,even some mellotron can be found on a couple of tracks,while his guitar style can be jazzy,melodic,powerful and groovy,depending on the track.The result is closer to a collection of tracks than a really coherent album with links between the tracks.

''Slychosis'' is a decent debut,which has more than plenty to offer to the listener with all these different sounding compositions.Yet a better vocalist and a more specific style would certainly help the band for a push.Recommended.