TRACES

Tszirmay suggested that this album would be right up my alley and as usual he was right. There was a little blurb either from the label or the band telling us what this album is about : "A journey through loss, growing up and getting older. Letting things go and learning how to move on." It's a dark melancholic work to be sure, bringing to mind latter day MARILLION and TALK TALK as well as PINK FLOYD and PORCUPINE TREE.The singer reminds me a lot of Mark Hollis. Lots of atmosphere and melancholy on this one.

"Reality Check" has this laid back guitar to start as the sound slowly builds. It kicks in before 2 minutes then we get some passionate guitar a minute after that in this opening instrumental. "Threads" has this soaring guitar with a beat to open then these reserved but emotional vocals come in when it calms down. A guitar solo before 5 minutes with deep bass lines and drums as the organ floats in the background. Nice.Vocals are back before 7 minutes. More guitar late lights things up in the dark atmosphere.The sound of waves and seagulls ends it.

"Falling To Pieces" has strummed guitar and atmosphere before the vocals arrive just before a minute.The guitar cries out after 3 1/2 minutes with vocals doing the same then it settles back. "Traces" opens with reserved vocals and laid back guitar. Strings help out too then we get drums and a fuller sound 1 1/2 minutes in. It settles a minute later as contrasts continue. We get a guitar solo before 5 1/2 minutes until almost 7 minutes. Atmosphere and vocals end it. "Thicker Than Water" opens with guitar and vocals as drums join in. Great sound 2 minutes in. A calm before 5 minutes then it builds. It turns heavy before 8 1/2 minutes and we get some organ too. Ripping guitar follows.They sound like a Metal band 10 1/2 minutes in. It then starts to settle back after 13 minutes.

If your a fan of this style this is certainly worth checking out because they do it very well and with sincerity.