HOW TO ACCEPT

With a wide variety of colors and flavors, Infinien's range encompasses Neo-Psychedelia, European folk tradition, and jazzy and Latin rhythms. Great vocals herein (the most certain focal point), and I don't think it's understated: great to hear female lead vox in Prog, especially properly seated amid the company of a very talented and capable band. I found specifically on the track "The Universe Continues?" the softness in her vocal performance to be that not only of a jazz singer, but also a potential Björk influence.

As on their debut LP three years following this EP, nice, satisfying performances and compositions. Definitely a side of Prog I feel is underrepresented today (I'm maybe a bit hard to impress when it comes to Prog Modérn). Didn't think it till later on around the midpoint, but perhaps for fans of Beardfish, perhaps Bend Knee.

A True Rate somewhere between 3.5 and 3.75/5.00, so I'll happily round up.

The debut album from very lively, jazzy, and fun female-fronted, piano-based prog band from Philadelphia, iNFiNiEN. Lead singer/pianist, Chrissie Loftus, is quite talented as composer and singer, but her bandmates are excellent in support. Like a very seasoned jazz combo.

1. "Lost My Way" (6:46) plays out like a wonderful piano jazz pop song with an amazing lead vocalist in Chrissie Loftus and an awesome guitarist in Matt Hollenberg (9.5/10)

2. "Fighting Ghosts" (5:42) campy, cabaret-like, this song is one that digs deep into one's soul and wrenches the emotions. Amazing vocal (if slightly oddly recorded) and gorgeously spacious musical foundation. Slightly disappointing instrumental section and finish. (9/10)

3. "Divine Nature" (7:44) a rock song employing some Eastern European and Arabian elements of sound and structure. It's a little gruff and monotonous--even the instrumental section in the middle--though I love the lead guitar work in the fifth minute. And the vocal melodies never really grab hold like the previous two songs. Nice drumming throughout. (7.5/10)

4. "The Universe Continues?" (5:08) a bit in the same style and feel as song #2, "Fighting Ghosts," these songs work-- mostly on the backbone of an extraordinary vocalist. Great delivery. Chrissie sings every note as if her heart and soul are completely invested. (9.5/10)

5. "Blackhole" (9:05) opens with some very unusual 'guitar'(?) chords before the band joins in with a thick foundation within which Chrissie sings a strongly musically-supported melody. Truly a heavy, dark song that just pulls you along like you're being dragged through mud, and yet, there are some magical moments (piano, vocal, chorus, guitar strums, low end bass notes) and a great ending. (9/10)

B+/4.5 stars; a great debut album and near-masterpiece of progressive rock music.