IT'S HERE, BUT I HAVE NO NAMES FOR IT

Sleepmakeswaves is from Australia and has been billed as a 'post-rock' band. Well, on this album I hear plenty of rock, as in modern prog rock, but I don't hear anything really 'post'-like. This is essentially an all-instrumental album (some ethereal background vocalizing on a couple tracks) that is bold and dynamic, very accomplished musically, nicely arranged, which I very much enjoyed. Lots of energy and dynamics, heavy crunchy guitars, big drum sound, as well as some needed quieter moments and interludes. However, it comes across to me very much as the backing tracks for a great album, but what is still missing for what it needs to BE a great album, are strong melodies and lead lines. Great songs that just seem to be missing the main vocal or instrumental melodies. Perhaps that is their point, that they don't need vocal or instrumental lead melodic lines to be great. But if that is the case, their music undermines that very point, because most of these songs seem to be crying out for a strong lead vocal or instrumental melodic lead laid down over the top of these excellent tracks. Sure, some work just fine as atmospheric interludes (such as Verdigris), but most still need that melodic line to anchor the song and make it really memorable. It just seems unfinished. Every time I listen to this I find myslf trying to add in the vocal, lead, or solo lines that seem like they ought to be there, but aren't. Still very enjoyable, great sound, but can't shake the feeling that this hasn't yet lived up to its full musical potential. Best Tracks: Super Realm Park, Ritual Control, Verdigris, Black Paradise, title track. Rating: 3.5 stars