PART THE SECOND

I'd like to take a moment, if I may, to review this absolutely wonderful collection of compositions by Maudlin of the Well. Although MotW is generally considered an avant-garde prog metal band, "Part the Second" is most definitely NOT metal of any kind (although it has its moments). In fact, it's not really definable as any specific genre. The closest thing I could relate it to is the "chamber rock" style pioneered by Univers Zero. Classification issues aside, "Part the Second" is an absolute gem. If one is familiar with "Bath" and "Leaving Your Body Map", he will recall that the sound alternates between beautiful, spacey passages and technical death metal. Now, remove the death metal, extend the average length of the songs, and put more emphasis on the string section and you'll basically have something like "Part the Second". Toby Driver is basically at the top of his game here compositionally. He plays and sings quite well too (although the vocals are usually mixed behind the instruments). The songs ebb and flow in intensity beautifully and naturally, sometimes maintaining a groove, other times breaking into sparse instrumental segments, always incredibly well-arranged. I won't review this album track-by-track because I want YOU, that's right YOU, to go and listen to this album (absolutely free) and be surprised.

10/10 - For fans of avant-garde prog, space rock, post rock, and unique music in general.