THE SHAPE OF COLOUR

Intervals is a well established jazz fusion metal/math/djent project from Ontario, led by Aaron Marshall. Their 2nd full length release "The Shape of Colour" was birthed after some significant turmoil in the group, including an entirely new line-up (except for Marshall) and the change to an entirely instrumental release. Reading a bit about them online the reviews of "Colours" are mixed but more positive than negative. Most the negative ones came from those who really enjoyed the previous incarnation and vocalist-since I've not heard that album I can enjoy this one on its own merits. And I did enjoy the ride.

"a delicious blend of metal, jazz, and virtuosity -- the crunchy grooves will grab you; the melodies will serenade you; and the power plays will enrapture you. Each track has its own flavor, whilst maintaining Intervals' confident sound, rhythm, and strength." -Jonathan Lin

Lin's flash assessment is good and I mostly agree. This is highly technical instrumental rock with those furious, shredding solos on every track that recall Satriani or Chris Poland in their purity and blaze. Though the players are all so technically gifted that as crazy as it sounds, it can sometimes get bit mechanized in feel. But it's a two way street and if you happen to like listening to highly proficient players shred wall to wall, floor to ceiling, this is your album. The music itself was pretty good in my book: melodic, engaging, hard hitting and consistent. The songs have moments of groove, even dreamy sections, but usually such intricacy/space to breath moments are steamrolled pretty quickly by the occasionally annoying technical rigidity and heaviness. Because of the relative uniformity of the tracks I think some listeners will find the album unmemorable. But for me there were more than enough beautiful moments of spirited interplay and melodic fusion to put this band on my radar, and I'd recommend to fans of instrumental rock without hesitation. 7/10.