EXCAVATIONS OF THE MIND

Promising young band from Rotterdam, Holland, started as an all instrumental trio in 2006 with Wabe Wieringa on guitars, Rik van Honk on keys and multi-instrumentalist Christiaan Bruin on drums.Later bassist Guus van Mierlo and vocalist Tom Luchies joined the band to form a stable quintet around 2008.Before they released anything,Bruin released his first solo album under the name ''Chris'' (''A Glimpse Inside'',2009,Musea Records) and the next year Sky Architect debuted with ''Excavations of the Mind'' on ProgRock Records.

Drawing influences from both the vintage (KING CRIMSON,GENESIS,GENTLE GIANT) and the contemporary prog scene (PORCUPINE TREE,RIVERSIDE,DREAM THEATER,PAIN OF SALVATION), Sky Architect present a mix of complex Heavy Prog with Indie and Psychedelic elements.The band tries to blend sensational,easily accesible but deep lyrical moments with complicated interplays and unusual patterns with a heavy edge,characterized by atmospheric passages and strong interplays.The retro aesthetics with the use of analog keys like organ and mellotron is constantly on battle with the use of sound effects and vocal distortions.The opening 20-min. epic ''Deep chasm'' is a great example of these characteristics with changing climates, strong instrumentation, heavy soloing but also an intense lyricism throughout.The rest of the tracks are more or less in the same vein, completing a semi-personal work,not always conveincing but definitely well-played.

If you like your prog menu to contain a both atmospheric and complicated dish with a modern taste,Sky Architect is your band.''Excavations of the Mind'' is an album,which shows a band with potential,good composing skills and talent and should be not overlooked.A recommended debut.