OF ALL THE MYSTERIES

I'm still going to say i prefer "Between Sunlight And Shadow" to this their latest record but...that could change because this one is just getting better and better with every listen(10 and counting). I'm actually very surprised how much i like this compared to the first few listens."Between Sunlight And Shadow" really had the same sort of sound throughout,a sound i really like,while this one has more variety on it and is different, and as tszirmay mentions the RUSH elements are pretty much gone on this one. Fantastic lyrics as well,just like on their previous album.

Things get started with an upbeat instrumental called "Mongrel". This tune reminds me of a cross between FROGG CAFE and ECHOLYN,especially the former. Lots of piano and angular guitar. This is just a pleasure. "Smile" opens with acoustic guitar and reserved vocals. Flute before 2 minutes before a powerful outbreak of drums and guitar 3 minutes in and even more so a minute after that. Nice. The vocals remind me of Roine Stolt 5 minutes in as he gets theatrical. Piano and mellow vocals before we get strummed guitar and violin. A minute later we get some cool vocal arrangements. He then sings "I remember his smile" then all hell breaks loose ! A very pleasant and relaxed ending,as he sings "Who's smiling now ?" over and over. I can't help but think the lyrics here refer to a son who's father has left, and he says he remembers his smile, which is followed with the words "Who's smiling now". I love the guitar 13 minutes in.Amazing tune. "XOT" is the second and final instrumental. The synths are very prominant early with drums,but the bass is also chunky and the guitar has lots of bottom end. We get a RUSH moment after 3 minutes with the bass and guitar interplay. This is a very good song.

"Patchquilt " lyrically looks at how we all develope into the person we are from our past experiences,our childhood etc. This is a reserved song for the most part with vocals and piano dominating the sound. "Kaleidoscope" is mostly reserved vocals and piano for the first 2 1/2 minutes. Guitar then grinds away tastefully as a fuller sound arrives. The vocals soar as it ends with another RUSH moment. "Islands" is the 20 minute closer. Cool vocal arrangements to open as violin plays on. Solo piano 2 minutes in as solemn vocals and acoustic guitar come in. A more upbeat sound arrives after 4 minutes with synths,drums and soaring guitar. It's almost euphoric when the vocals and organ join forces 7 minutes in. Light drums,piano and synths take us in a new direction 10 minutes in. Flute and vocals eventually join in. An outburst of heaviness 13 minutes in is surprising as it settles back down quickly. Vocals and piano then lead the way before synths and drums take over. Guitar comes in playing over top of the drums and piano. Nice. The guitar/drum section 16 minutes in is great as synths join in as this just goes on and on.

I have to take my hat off to these guys,they did it again and in a different way. SINGULARITY are a talented group of musicians to say the least.