Progressive rock meets old influences
Spock’s Beard’s latest release Noise Floor is an amalgamation of textures, new sounds and old influences. The Geddy Lee inspired vocals, ever-shifting rhythms and rich body of the material are nothing short of spectacular and constantly wow listeners throughout the double disc release.
The album is akin to a time traveler collecting the best parts of history and compiling them in one convenient package. From the late ’70s/ early ’80s Rush inspired feel of “To Breathe Another Day,” to the hair/glam metal feel at the beginning of “What Becomes of Me” and some blues spread all throughout, there are many different musical archetypes borrowed upon to create something unique, yet familiar in the same respect. The true complexity of the music, however, is lost upon the listener. Not due to any particular missed mark, but rather due to the band’s ability to play through these sections with seamless transitions and masterful musicianship creating a false sense of simplicity to the composition.
Every piece of the band hits their proverbial mark in a way that is clear and precise but with an additional sense of life added into the mix. The ebb and flow of the rhythm almost resemble a heartbeat that pumps grooves into the speakers as the listener not only hears but experiences.
As a whole, Noise Floor is a gem lost among the endless flood of mainstream releases that undoubtedly will overshadow its genius unless prospective listeners delve deeper into the current rock scene. The individuals that take the time to sift through the flood will be greatly rewarded by a diverse and incredibly well-produced album that is as fun and intelligent as it is entertaining. The band’s 13th studio album was engineered by Rich Mouser and will be available as a two-CD digipak featuring an EP from the same recording sessions, double LP and as a digital download.
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