ENTROPY

Hailing from Melbourne, and fronted by a female singer, this band is standing for a specific hybrid of heavy art rock and some prog metal ingredients. Their debut EP 'Shades Of Black' was released in 2016. 'Entropy' marks the full-fledged follow-up, a definite step forward in its entirety. In between they had a two years lasting hiatus, but then Morgan-Leigh Brown (vocals) and Jason Grondman (bass) formed a re-newed five-piece line up which is delivering a fresh and highly recommended effort. Nine tracks with a total length of 56 minutes, distributed by Wild Thing Records in double vinyl, compact disc and digital format. Producers are the acclaimed Prasheen Naran and Forrester Savell, who also have worked for Karnivool, Dead Letter Circus aso. The formidable artwork was contributed by award winner Liz Gridley.

There is a concept behind that, '... dark, lonely and cold in its tone and attitude ...', Brown explains particular aspects of the ambitious context, '... presented like diary entries, the record ebbs and flows through an array of actions, feelings and emotions'. Stylistically seen, of course there are lot of bands underway with a similiar approach. Anyhow, the musicianship is excellent. And not always a matter, the compositions are stunning all the way through, without exception. Quite a sensation. Where Morgan-Leigh Brown's singing voice perfectly fits the overall sound. Either powerful, expressive, or sensitive, warm, introverted. And everything in between. Fantastic! Chunky metal riffs or soaring psychedelic dreams - Brandon Valentine's guitar is serving impressions with a great range too.

The art rock atmosphere is strongly granted by David Van Pelt, responsible for the organ and piano. Exemplarily to note the highly relaxing Recovery. Oriental tinged synths, Chris Cameron's sensitive drumming, my favourite, the wonderful melancholic Clarity has less in common with metal too. Includes an exceptional male/female vocal collaboration due to the presence of Ben Rechter from the band Circles. Alternatively we also have the heart-wrenching folk ballad Resilience. And then the title track comes as another album highlight, seeing the band engines on full power. 4.5 stars on the PA scale. A new contender for my private Album Of The Year contest.

A great album produced by Prasheen Naran and Forrester Savell who have also worked for Karnivool and Dead Letter Circus, they perfectly captured every member of the band, starting with the exciting and powerful voice from vocalist Morgan-Leigh Brown. Keyboards and synths find the perfect space in each song allowing to hear each melody created by Dave Van Pelt like in the Clarity and Recovery songs for example. Acceptance song is one of my favourites, i think this song encapsulates all the elements (bass and guitar are remarkable) that make Entropy an excellent album, this song define the style of Acolyte, one of the best albums of the year, and i would like to see it in the top 2021, that's why i was encouraged to write this review.