MEANWHILE

Atmospheric, Heavy, Melancholic - Amazing when Prog, Boring when Not

I just learned about the band Klone this year as I saw that they are opening for Devin Townsend. The album "Meanwhile" is heavy rock / metal with lots of atmospheric elements and VERY earnest vocals. Lead singer Yann Linger has a powerful tonality and an emotional delivery. He definitely has a 90's flavor in the way he bends and gravels on notes (a little like Daniel Johns from Silverchair). It works really well for a few songs. But after awhile it gets a bit grating for me. He keeps using the same melodic moves in almost every track which makes the songs run into each other a bit. I wish he would have created a rhythm and melody that was unique for each song.

The reverbs and low, distorted textures are typical of the genre but well done. When the band decides to take some risks, I found myself giving an internal "hellyeah!" My happy reaction was most prominent on the second track "Blink of an Eye" which begins with an add harmonized key part that adds a spooky layer to dirge-like opening and eventually gets to a crushing Gojira-like riff that I wish had more company on the album. The moment I begin to bob my head, and make a stank face, I know a track has connected. The opener, "Within Reach" is also strong, along with "the Unknown" which is much more riff-y than some of the other tunes that rely on sustained chords throughout.

There definitely are prog elements here, but the band is not leaning into them very much. Clearly they have the talent to add some ear candy, some surprises. I just wanted more. Overall, this would be a good one to slice and dice for playlists, but is just too monotonous for a straight listen. 3-/5