WANDERLOST

DIZZY MYSTICS is an Eclectic Prog band formed in 2017 and based out of Winnepeg, Manitoba in Canada. The band is fronted by Kyle HALLDORSON who mentions that he had several songs that he had written and he wanted to get them recorded, so he recruited the help of Aaron EDGAR to record the drums and track them to his music, each one of them doing the mixing in their own home studios. During the mixing process, Kyle recruited a touring band in order to play the music live, this line up consisting of Kyle (vocals, guitar, mandolin), Alexandre JOYAL (guitar), Aaron BACON (bass), and Robert SCHAU (drums).

The band's debut album "Wanderlost", however, was recorded by Kyle, who plays all of the instruments in this instance, except for the drums who were played by Aaron. The only other musicians on the album are the guest vocalists that appear on the track "Diamond Duller". This album consists of 10 tracks and has a total run time of over 56 minutes. The music is definitely eclectic and eccentric, adding splashes of psychedelic music, some folk aspects, hard rock, jazz and just a dash of indie folk. The music takes a lot of inspiration from everything from KING CRIMSON to UMPHREY'S MCGEE, and adds just enough alternative flair to keep it all current.

The album starts off with a great example of their music in the first single "Letter" (4:42). The music is a swirling layering of guitars that take their cue from Crimson, adding heavy drums and progressive rhythms, even though the meter is pretty standard, it still sounds complex and definitely quirky. This is a great heavy rocker with a kaleidoscope of sounds and the vocals are also top notch, matching the style exactly the way you would hope. Umphrey's McGee fans will also notice the carefree, rocking attitude which retains an excellent use of dynamics. "Shindigjig" (4:43) begins with a fast pace drum solo which leads into a guitar pounding out chords right along with the beat. When vocals come in, they are layered into some cool sounding harmonics and the music continues to match the name of the band, at least in the dizzying fast pace of the attacking guitars. Add in a mandolin keeping up with the guitar attack, and you got this quirky song.

"Fallasophy" (5:02) begins with drums and bass establishing the more moderate beat, that soon switches up meters and beats. There is a taste of the quirkiness of PRIMUS in this track, but with a jazz-oriented melody, it makes for a great combination. There is also a great example of Kyle's vocal abilities, almost sounding like several different singers with his ability to change tone and register at a moments notice. "The Frequent See, Consistent Seas" (2:50) continues with that tricky sound with interweaving melodies and complex guitar riffs and drums keeping time with the complexity, also playing very dynamically. It's a shorter track, but it still packs a wallop. "The Anti-Dream" (5:09) doesn't give you a chance to catch your breath as it takes right off, and builds to a heavier sound with rolling guitar interludes between the frantic and wild vocals. This is one of my favorites from the album as it swings from tapping jazz sections to heavy and quirky rock without hardly any warning. Yet, with all of this ever changing sound, everything still remains interestingly melodic. The instrumental break switches to a more moderate beat, and the change in tone continues as if it never happened.

"The Scythe Pendulum Swing" (7:33) slows things up a bit, but still doesn't let up on the progressive sound, sticking this time to a laid-back jazz style with some great dynamic vocals that also include counterpunctual harmonies that at times contradict the main melody. The vocals swing around like some of the wordless scat jazz vocals from some of the best jazz singers, but there are actually lyrics. This, along with the ever changing vocal tones make this complicated even with its groovy laid-back attitude. Vocal lines start at deep whispers to soaring high notes like some kind of acrobatic (insert your favorite bird). "Diamond Duller" (4:56) utilizes the guest vocalists who sing along with Kyle's vocals. The song is heavier than the last, but the complexity continues with ever changing meters and shifting energies. The additional vocalists bring another dimension to the album in this track.

"Jaunter" (5:26) begins with contradicting guitar lines which soon give way to a funky bass and guitar. The rhythm section drives this track from funk to off kilter beats without hesitation. Melodic hooks rule on this one, but don't count on a rest from progressive heaviness as the music continues its quirkiness, taking the listener away on its many guitar hooks and riff with acrobatic vocals. A sudden end with some sound effects take us into "Rester (Analog Chameleon)" (5:01) which moves along a bit more smoothly, but only a bit, as it returns to a laid-back attitude, with jazz intervals thrown in to keep it all interesting. There is some great guitar picking on this track between the stanzas, and if you are listening closely, during the vocals. Excellent! The album ends with the title track "Wanderlost" (11:09). The band definitely saves one of the quirkiest for the last track, and again the music flows from heavy to soft, changing styles smoothly or at times without notice, all of the time still remaining melodic and interesting. The interplay with the different instrumental layers that start in the 3rd minute is astounding. There is so much to hear and dissect that you could almost write a complete and long review on this track alone. Jazz harmonics take over at 5 minutes, then suddenly build to a heavy guitar onslaught, all the while the vocals keeping up with the sudden changes. Simply amazing! This track alone is a masterpiece, but then so is the entire album.

The music here is complex, yet surprisingly melodic. There are so many layers in the songs, yet it doesn't drown itself in sound as each layer of the music is easily followed and not buried like some other bands have done. The mixing and production is done so well, that each layer is easily heard and you can choose whether to listen to the music as a whole, or delve into the music and listen to a few lines and layers at a time to really hear the complexity in the music. Each time you hear this, you can hear it differently and have a completely different experience. Or you can just put it on and marvel at its progressive complexity and quirkiness. The vocals are wildly dynamic, the musicianship is far above the norm and will leave you with your jaw hanging open. It's so hard to believe this was all done mostly by one person, and from what I hear about their concerts, the touring band is also amazing, but then they would have to be to keep up with this music. Oustanding and defiantly one of the best of 2019! I will be looking forward to more releases from this new band.