THE ENVISAGE CONUNDRUM

UK trio GODSTICKS was formed back in 2006, initially as a cover band. They released their first EP with original material in 2008, followed by their full length debut album two years later. Come 2013, and they reappear with a new bassist in the shape of Dan Nelson, and their second album "The Envisage Conundrum". As with their previous productions this CD was self released by the band.

Accessible, melodic progressive rock is what the UK trio Godsticks provides on their second album. Dominated by carefully controlled, yet powerful melodic lead and backing vocals smoothing over an instrumental backdrop that is frequently more challenging and demanding than what you suspect first time around. A fairly intricate disc all in all, but with what one might describe as a mainstream sensibility to it. A creation to check out if accessible progressive rock with jazz-rock details and a firm emphasis on melodies and harmonies sounds like something you'd enjoy listening to.

I remember when GODSTICKS were added to the site here and the buzz around that. I did pick up their debut album at the time which I thought was a good 3 star album. This is their second release and there's not a lot to pick between the two hence my 3 star rating here. In a way this recording feels like it's in no-man's land as it's not heavy despite the hints of it, neither is it too mellow, it's somewhere in between. By the way the band feel that their latest "Emergence" released in 2015 is finally the album where they found their sound. And it's heavy! I like the Alternative vibe on here which comes mostly from the vocals.

"Convergence" is the short intro track that is quite spacey. "Caught In A Bind" is a top three track for me and I like the heaviness early on with the crunchy guitar. It settles back as the vocals join in. Nice bass and drum work here. It becomes fuller with backing vocals until we get this short but enjoyable instrumental section then the vocals return. "The Envisage Conundrum" has this heavy, rumbling soundscape as the guitar plays over top. Vocals join in. A top three tune. "In A Way That Ended Me" has this piano intro before it turns fuller. I like the soaring guitar as well as how understated this song is. Vocals do arrive as well. "Benchmark" is another restrained vocal track and I enjoy the intricate instrumental work. "Submerged" has some energy to it as the vocals join in, but it settles into a mid-paced vocal track.

"A Brief Foray" is another mid-paced vocal track but perhaps more laid back than the earlier ones. "Disclosure" is a nervy attempt by the band in my opinion as we get piano melodies throughout. By the way they got rid of the keyboards on their next album. "Borderstomp Pt.1" has a heavy intro to it that I like as the vocals join in in this Alternative sounding piece. "Borderstomp Pt.2" has this restrained heaviness that I like with vocals. Nice guitar solo after 3 1/2 minutes and before 5 1/2 minutes. "Borderstomp Pt.3" is my final top three song and it's because of the heaviness, love the riffs. Soaring guitar after 4 1/2 minutes when the vocals have stopped. The guitar goes on and on, so good! "Raised Concerns" opens with acoustic guitar as the reserved vocals join in. It's a little fuller after 1 1/2 minutes. Then we get a nice piano interlude before 3 minutes and vocals are back a minute later. Some violin late.

Another good one from this band but they really did find their sound with the latest "Emergence".