Style: Rock (Clean vocals)
Review by: Dylan
Country: US-NV
Release date: 09-11-2018
NOTE: This album was originally included in the November 2018 issue of The Progressive Subway
Four Stroke Baron are damn bold musicians. They went out and mixed hard rock/metal riffs with synth pop vocals, and made it work!
Upon first listen, there’s like a 50 second Depeche Mode-esque introduction, which is interrupted by a wall of chaos, followed by cohesive instrumentation which kicks off the second track. I find this intro to be, simply put, brilliant. It transitions both sounds so well, and sets the tone of the album perfectly.
The synth pop/metal fusion makes for a very cool, unique experience. You’re constantly getting fantastic riffs throughout, accompanied by beautiful, somewhat dreamy vocals. Tight drums are present throughout the whole record, and the bass is groovy and put nicely into the mix.
Only thing keeping this release from being a masterpiece is that it gets somewhat repetitive with it’s main gimmick, with the exception of the beautiful ballad “Duplex”. That aside, this is a fantastic release for those tired of formulaic prog.
Recommended tracks: Cut/Planet Silver Screen, Cyborg City Pt. 2, Duplex
Recommended for fans of: Karnivool, (late) The Contortionist, The Cure
Final verdict: 8.5/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Facebook | RYM page
Label: Independent
Four Stroke Baron is:
– Kirk Witt (vocals, guitars, piano)
– Matt Vallarino (drums)
– Dan Mandoki (bass)
0 Comments