STRANGER HEADS PREVAIL

This is my first review on this site. I've been reading reviews and getting a lot of good guidance for years, so finally joined! And this couldn't be a better first album for me to review. I actually just ran across TYS from a FB post from The Prog Report listing their top 15 albums of 2016, and this was one of the bands I hadn't heard of. Wow, pretty much from the first few songs I was hooked. Also watched a 35min. or so studio broadcast thing they did that showed how tight and ridiculously talented this band is. They incorporate so many different styles, ideas, and influences-almost too many to list. But if I were to classify them I would call them: Modern Progressive Ska Jazz Fusion Melodic Metal. And that covers about half of it. There's so many elements of Prog that seem to work here like ridiculous musicianship, time signature changes out the wazoo,and intricate instrumental passages mixed with melodic vocals. There are definitely nods to Zappa, Chicago, Steely Dan, Queen, Gentle Giant-and so many Prog giants of the 70s, but thet definitely put a modern edge and twist to it, much like Umphrey's Mcgee. I have listened to this album and their first 3 or 4 times each just in the last few days since I discovered them, so I'll have a lot more to say later, when it all sinks in. But I am so blown away from the originality, uniqueness ,musicianship, songwriting, and most of all take all of their influences, throw em in a pot, and come up with a totally original stew. My favs on this album are: the somnambulist, caverns, Mr. Invisible, and Rube Goldberg Variations but there is not a weak track in my opinion. and as far as the vocals are concerned; I'm getting more comfortable with them with repeated listets. It is not a matter of vocal quality- Sal's got a great voice that is very expressive and intense and fits the music perfectly. The range and timbre just take a little getting used. Love this band so much already. Reminds me when I first discovered Umphrey's.