READY TO FAIL

3.5 stars. I would have given this 4 stars if it was all-instrumental and a little shorter. Anyway what a debut from these young Australians ! Instrumentally this is quite impressive and the sound quality is good too.The vocals are a mixed bag though.They don't sound good at all on the opening track and in a few other places, then in other passages they do sound good, so yes they are inconsistant.

"Out Of Time" is spacey to start then it kicks in before settling back again. It picks up before 1 1/2 minutes with vocals. Not a fan of the vocals here or the double bass drumming. "Illusion Of Progress" has a good heavy sound to start then it settles with vocals before 1 1/2 minutes. Some nice instrumental work after 5 minutes. I like it ! Vocals are back before 7 1/2 minutes. "Umbra" is just a fantastic instrumental. More please. "Ready To Fail" is laid back as the vocals join in. Piano only 2 minutes in to end this short track. "Waiting For Change" is drums, guitar and synth led then it settles with vocals before a minute. It kicks back in as contrasts continue. It's an okay track.

"Penumbra" is excellent as the guitar starts to solo before a minute then the keyboards take over. Guitar is back then some heaviness. Great sound after 3 minutes, bass follows. "Disconnect" is also very impressive especially when it kicks into gear. Vocals follow then it picks up before 4 minutes. A calm and then a different soundscape after 7 1/2 minutes. "Cloud Shapes" is spacey with piano then some heaviness. A nice heavy sound before 2 minutes then it settles back again. Double bass drumming after 4 minutes. It settles some after 9 minutes. "Stepping Stones" is the over 20 minute closer. It works for the most part.It slowly developes. We do get vocals and some piano early and later on.The tempo shifts often as well.

I'm just trying to imagine this band with a better singer or playing all-instrumental. I'm thinking they would create quite the buzz. I still think Metal fans should check this out as there's lots to like.