OF ALL THE MYSTERIES

Colorado's Singularity releases its third different line-up on its third release. Matt Zifiratos left while Jonathan Patch and Scott Cleland joined original members John Green and Jamie McGregor. The results are positive, giving the band more depth and enhancing the sonic palette to include flute and cello, along with additional vocalist. Production-wise, "Of All the Mysteries" is not much different than "Between Sunlight and Shadow." Cleland was involved in the recording of BS&S and the production, to my ears, remains consistent, kind of a closed in sound, which, for me is the low point of the disc. The high points, quite a few, really make listening to this CD an enjoyable experience.

First off, the two instrumentals, "Mongrel" and "XOT," are excellent showcases for the bands muscular chops and melodic imagination. Each musician gets space to shine. McGregor and Patch lock in tightly and provide superb foundation for Cleland and Green to solo and breakout some inventive ear-candy.

The top vocal track, for me, is "Smile." Everything that makes this line-up of Singularity the best yet, is contained in this one tune. John Green uses a variety of keyboard sounds (piano, Hammond, moog, synth.) to great effect, layering tones and creating moving backdrops. Jonathan Patch sings lead, and his delivery is theatrical and strong and the rest of the band lends harmony voices. Patch also delivers the theme with flute, before Scott Cleland's powerful guitar chording changes the momentum and breaks open into wicked John Green solo. This tune contains a multitude of shifting time signatures, with Jamie McGregor's drum kit leading the way, from blistering rock to gentle balladry.

"Patchquilt" is a gentle piano led ballad with two beautiful guitar solos. The vocals are out-front and definitely show how much the band has progressed in this area. "Kaleidoscope" is a segue track, leading the way to the epic "Islands," which re-introduces themes from earlier tracks. Over 20 minutes of layered vocals, acoustic and electric moods, rhythmic fluctuations and exploratory solos, Singularity has stepped up to the challenge and delivered.

3.75 STARS.