CHOIRS OF THE EYE

Kayo Dot is the project started by former members of progressive metal band Maudlin of the Well, with Toby Driver being the main composer once again. Toby Driver's musical vision with this project is merging classical music with many jazz influences, avant-garde touches with elements of minimalism and post-rock. The music is heavily structured, but comes off completely opposite, as the record feels relaxing and chaotic multiple times even in songs and doesn't sound like a tight 'jam-band'.

The album opens up with Toby Driver's trademark dissonant guitar which he can make sound beautiful and a pounding of the drum kit by Sam Gutterman, instantly Toby adds his screaming vocals that are reminiscent of the hardcore genre. This is potent through the first half of the track with a saxophone placed in between some of the most brutal sections showing a sharp contrast in mood. The second half is a smoother one with some atmospheric guitar and keyboards. A track that can describe this band quite well.

'A Pitcher of Summer' is a personal favorite because of the context of the song. I can certainly get the image of this song and what it is trying to convey. The track is driven by Toby's vocals and some beautiful single note leads by his guitar. The drumming is laid back as well working likewise with the guitar. The ensemble gets gradually louder into the chorus which is the best part, giving me the portrayal of a calm relaxing summer day. The random breaks of the harsh dissonance give this song an occasional jump or two.

'The Manifold Curiosity' is the most progressive song on the disc. There are so many variations in this 14 minute piece that it is bothersome to count. This track ends especially well, when the track begins to run out of seconds, a heavy section comes in the really shows Drivers ability to play the guitar quite unconventionally.

'The Wayfarer' is possibly the best track on the album. Another beautiful chorus lays the groundwork to the song, with a building up section before it and some chaos after it.

'The Antique' is hands down the heaviest track on the album. For nearly ten minutes the track is filled with high pitched screams, dissonant guitar and crashing drums like the first track. The piano finally gives an edge after the chaos, accompanied later by a cello and then a trumpet finalizing over both of them. Toby's passionate vocals whisper through and end the track beautifully.

After hearing an album like this, I can only remain silent; it is an experience, not something you can get across through words.

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