S.U.S.A.R.

This album is marked by pronounced strengths and weaknesses. The strengths are the high level of energy and the great ability of the group to create atmosphere and ambience. Musically, the strength here is creating moods, frameworks, etc., mostly dark and tense. Dynamics are well used throughout. On the other hand, most of the songs seem incomplete to me. They feel like they are missing a soloist on top of the great layering and building of the other instruments-- something abstract/crazy on top of the other instruments would have made this brilliant.

Stylistically, they sound a lot like Tool. Again, this album shows great potential, but it was not really realized by this group at this point. I would continue to watch how they evolve. This album is worth checking out, but it is not close to being essential.