FOLLOW THE INSTINCT

Poland's Xanadu has finally come around with their sophomore album, entitled "Follow the Instinct". Their debut, "The Last Sunrise", was an emotional piece of art that focused much on atmosphere and darkness, often invoking Riverside. With their new album, however, Xanadu shrug off much of their Riverside influence, and they start off on a path all their own.

"Follow the Instinct" is dark. It's really dark. However, it's not the same type of dark hopelessness that was featured in their debut. Rather than blackened, I'd say the atmosphere is rather grey. With this as a foundation, the band---Hubert Murawski on drums, Adam Biskup on bass, Janusz Glon on guitars and keys, and Przemek Betański on guitars---head down a path of excellent guitars, an incredible rhythm section, and background keys that set a mood. The guitar tone has been changed from high-tuned to an interesting snarl, and they are used in solos and the like, but also in interesting atmospheric exercises. The drums and bass are as good as ever, and are a highlight of this album for me. Hubert is especially good with his stumbling bass beats and his ability to create fills that feel satisfying. Adam on bass seems to be playing in a higher key, and it shows in how incredibly detailed and audible his bass lines are.

Vocalist Mish Jarski has been replaced this time with Krzysztof Borek, a vocalist with a very different voice. This is probably the biggest difference in the album, as Mish's voice was fantastically emotional and distraught. However, Krzysztof has a mellower, more grounded voice that is somewhat rough at times. While he doesn't have the emotion of Mish, he does have a bigger presence and does an admirable job.

"Follow the Instinct" has a great set of tracks, though I think the second half is better. Seven tracks framed by an intro and an outro, this album has more flow and connection than "The Last Sunrise". My favorites are the excellent "Escape", the soaring "More", and the wonderfully paced "Transistor Night". My favorite of all, however, is the instrumental "Violent Dream, Part 2". This direct connection with the first album utilizes some of the riffs from Part 1, but it is perhaps the better of the two. It's familiar enough to pull me in immediately, and technical enough to impress me with its complexity and bleakness.

Xanadu's new album, then, is full of emotion, though I daresay that much of it comes from the music, rather than from the singer this time. The band has offered an immensely impressive follow-up that is solid in every way, and will probably suck me in more and more through the year. With a starker vibe and passive attitude that is punctuated by technical punches, "Follow the Instinct" is one of the better albums I've heard this year, and it won't be forgotten quickly.

XANADU were a talented five piece band from Poland who managed to release two studio albums in the first half of the 10's. "Follow The Instinct" is the second one from 2014. And while there was only one lineup change after their 2011 debut, it's a big one as they bring in a new singer. The debut "The Last Sunrise" sounded just like RIVERSIDE to a fault. Still, what an album! The singer sounded just like Duda as did the music. More of a Prog Metal album really. The new singer has a voice that surprisingly sounds like Nick Barrett from PENDRAGON, so you can imagine the change in the sound right there from that debut.

I didn't think of RIVERSIDE once despite the heavy and atmospheric sound that we get in spades on here. This is for sure more of a Heavy Prog record. We get nine tracks worth around 50 minutes. The album opens and closes with these short 2 plus minute atmospheric pieces with repetitive guitar lines. I have a top four but I have to mention the second track and how surprising it was to hear the singer for the first time. Where did Duda go? Haha! The next song "Escape" is a top four. Just a nice heavy sound to this one. Love the synths here and throughout the way they create so much atmosphere. This theme is contrasted with the more laid back sections with vocals and emotion.

"More" and the next two songs round out my top four. So much depth of sound with "More" and it's mid paced with reserved vocals. Again so much atmosphere. Check out that dirty little guitar line that comes out of that. "Violent Dream(Pt.2)" is my favourite and this one is heavy and rhythmic. Check it out after 1 1/2 minutes. Inventive stuff here and later at 4 1/2 minutes. What a song! "Chaos" rounds out my favourites. Again it's heavy and catchy and mid paced. This one does get intense. Some powerful music on here.

I really connected with this album. I'm such a huge fan of their sound and feel that both of their records need to be heard. I do prefer this one though for being more original sounding.