NEGATIVE SPACE

It was just a year ago when the quartet, hailing from Lakewood, Washington, dared to release their debut album 'Negative Space'. After researching a bit I'm overly surprised that this one has missed nearly any praise so far from the diverse prog realms all over the world. What a great find anyway! It's quite impossible to unveil some reliable credits, for example who is responsible for which instrument exactly, or the vocals. All what we know for certain is that Joe Crandall, Nabil Fadili, Rylie Nelson and Austin Schend are the composers and musicians behind this project. And the latter managing the orchestral duties at least, including more than ten instruments and a choir.

That would mean here we have an epic symphony at hand, though certainly featuring proper prog metal and art rock elements, plus some dazzling jazzy interludes. Promises quite unique stuff, or what? With Skin Deep it will start a bit innocent. But stay tuned, the compositions mature for sure, with the majestic The Advocate as the ultimate masterpiece. This track offers a somewhat all-in service, complex and gripping, heart-wrenching, melodic, charming and heavy at once. Fantastic one! 'Negative Space' delivers more than one hour of virtuoso instrumental presence overall. Really really fine due to exceptional song writing skills on top. 4.5 PA stars.