I AM

The first sign of life of this UK band featuring Rick Wakeman's son Adam - who is handling ... what? ... the keyboards of course. 'I Am' is an EP consisting of four songs which are constantly crossing the art rock and prog metal border. Oh yes ... I should not forget to mention Damian Wilson here who also contributed to bands like Landmarq and Threshold respectively diverse other projects. Both already had another collaboration by the way - for the band Jeronimo Road in the 90s. And bassist Lee Pomeroy is actually also involved in It Bites. Now this points to the fact that HEADSPACE holds prolific musicians - which is not always a guarantee for an excellent output though.

This time it is - so much about the first summary. Here we have catchy melodic songs which are surely placed in contrast to a plain heavy rock attitude. Never Let Go starts as the most accessible one I would say - however the song foreshadows the trickiness of this production by all means with changing time signatures, a remarkable refrain and prog metal adapted riffing guitars. Adam Wakeman puts in some interesting modern synth contributions but nevertheless takes a backseat here in the whole. Sane Life starts like a ballad, relaxed with electric piano and acoustic guitar, but then switches to a nice groove - Wilson is at his best here - charming as well as expressive - including some symphonic impressions - great!

Presented in a (modern) art rock outfit Symbol shows guitarist Pete Rinaldi contributing more than metal riffs and Sober finally culminates to the furious finale - alternating between balladesque and powerfully implemented parts. Yeah - this is partially damn rocking! 'I Am' is a production with really enjoyable songs - great musicanship - Adam Wakeman plays his instruments accentuated, multi-faceted. If produced as an appetizer this makes curious for more in any case - I hope something will follow. If you are interested in sophisticated heavy (prog) rock music you shouldn't miss that - recommended!