A SHOUT INTO THE VOID

Great Wide Nothing - A Shout Into The Void Country: US Year: 2025 Time: 45:45 ****1/2

1. Utopia (5:38) 2. Rules of Engagement (5:39) 3. Chain of Command (4:13) 4. Brain of Fire (5:38) 5. One Thousand Eyes (7:13) 6. Parting of Ways (6:36) 7. You're Not In (4:39) 8. A Shout Into The Void (6:06)

What does "prog punk" sound like? If you ask me, I'd say look no farther than "A Shout Into The Void" or any of Great Wide Nothing's albums.

Great Wide Nothing has been on an upwards trajectory ever since their debut album " The View From Olympus." Mixing the instrumental passages and keyboard focus of prog rock with the DIY aesthetic and straight-to-the-point nature of punk. 2023's "Hymns For Hungry Spirits Vol. II," was an outstanding album so naturally, I was hyped to hear where they would go next.

This Atlanta-based trio of Daniel Graham (bass, vocals), Dylan Porper (keyboards, vocals) and Jeff Matthews (drums, vocals), have given us an album that is packed with energy, emotion and diversity a plenty.

"Utopia"starts off the album and features aggressive vocals, pounding drums, rambunctious synthesizers, and a beautiful piano interlude! May take the listener a few listens to truly appreciate this great song.

Follow up "Rules Of Engagement" features a wonderful chorus, and has single written all over it. Another great song.

Following "Rules Of Engagement" we have "Brain Of Fire" which has an anthemic melody that sticks in your mind for a long time. Third great song in a row.

Next We have "One Thousand Eyes" the longest track of the album. "One Thousand Eyes" is aggressive, very dynamic and shows the musical skills of Great Wide Nothing and should be played at maximum volume.

The energy continuous on "Parting Of Way" which drifts into prog self indulgence, which may be a good or a hindrance depending on your musical tastes. Might make for a future concert favourite?

The next song "Your Not In It" may be the weakest song musically on the album, but lyrically it's the most fierce. "Either everyone is in denial or everybody is fucking high."

The closing title track starts as a piano ballad. As its pace increases it continues in a calming reassuringly way, telling us that we all testify that we tried to make this world a better place which is, for me, all to the good. Great Wide Nothing has given us another unique album that stands among the year's best.

Recommended Tracks: Rules of Engagement, Brain of Fire & A Shout Into The Void.

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