SINGULARITY

While I enjoyed this Brazilian instrumental group's 1998 debut well enough, it wasn't until I brought them to the attention of progarchives a few years ago that a more astute member apprised me of their follow up, 2014's "Singularity". With 3/4 of the earlier lineup intact, the style remains similar, but with a more assertive jazz fusion aspect and an abandonment of new age excursions in favor of rock. The bass and keyboards dominate but occasionally guitars navigate the many detours. SIGMA has been compared to CAMEL and this is superficially appropriate but SIGMA does not tend to parlay their hooks to maximum if not excessive effect. In fact, while the playing is competent and patchily inspired, particularly some of the keyboard work on the closer, not much is memorable or at all unique. It would also be a disappointment to neo prog fans even if the almost total lack of vocals wasn't a turn off, so in summation I recommend the band's previous outing if you insist on starting somewhere.