Style: progressive/art rock, indie (clean, female vocals)
Review by: Sam
Country: US-TX
Release date: 30 August, 2021
Sometimes I like to branch out a bit reviewing-wise. My comfortzone lies roughly in things that sound either like Dream Theater, Opeth, or power metal, and this is pretty far removed from all three. I was told by fellow writer Nick that this is for fans of The Mars Volta and Bent Knee. Of course, I listen to neither band. Otherwise this wouldn’t be outside my comfortzone now would it? Either way, this album is pretty interesting, and the band in question shares two members with the aforementioned The Mars Volta. So as a proper reviewer I did my research and did NOT listen to them for reference because I’m going in blind for a change.
The record kicks off pretty ominously with an atmospheric guitar melody, dramatic spoken word, and spooky synth noises. A minute or so in it explodes with a busy drum groove and commanding vocals from Alexa Rae as she immediately goes into the chorus. It’s one of the most memorable things on the album, and sets the tone well for what is to come. Not that my math-based brain cells are particularly adept at deciphering poetry, but “Chase the night \\ Laced in light \\ It’ll break the knife (x2) \\ It’ll break you” sounds plenty poetic to me, and it’s damn catchy. Combined with the big synths, and Baard Kolstad-esque fill-happy drumming it left a big impression on me. The song ends a bit weirdly with some sort of half-solo-half-broken up prog thing, but it fits the song well and keeps the momentum up.
The second song is more ominous and atmospheric. They do some cool overdub in the verses, and the China cymbals in the chorus give it some lovely dramatic oomph. Although, it’s disappointing that much like the opener, they come with a very cool proggy sounding bridge but the song ends before it truly goes anywhere. And that seems to be a common thread throughout the album. Aside from the drummer, the band seems afraid to loosen up and let the prog go wild. The compact nature of their songwriting makes sure no song will stink in any capacity, but it does leave me wanting more. They’re clearly capable of immense technical passages. Just gotta let go more. As the album goes on the songs blend together slightly because of this.
One thing I must absolutely applaud this band for though is their creativity. It’s hard to predict where each song will go. Horn solos, sudden Hammond keys, weird effects, an increase in intensity where you expect a dropoff, etc. They always keep it interesting, and you can always hear everything because the mix is phenomenal. The drums especially are amazing. There’s always a good groove going on, and he’s constantly adding little fills and variations making it highly entertaining. I sometimes forget there are other things going on because I’m so mesmerized by this dude’s playing. Alexa’s vocals are also a real highlight grabber. She has this smooth, kinda sexy way of singing with great articulation and creative delivery that’s very enticing to listen to. I absolutely adore her tone too. Together with the drums, the album almost becomes repetitive… in how much they kick ass.
I struggle to rate this album. I wish they would let go a bit more with the prog. Especially the lead playing could have been more explosive for my liking, but at the same time the atmosphere they create is precisely what allows the vocals and rhythm section to shine. Hence the restraint becomes both this band’s greatest strength and their greatest weakness, because in spite of their creativity I’m left wondering each time I spin this album if there was more in the tank, and I just get frustrated near the end. Overall, I’m glad I reviewed this album. The sound is very interesting and I think anyone with an open mind should check this out. And being the hipster that I am, I will continue ignoring Bent Knee because The Mask of the Phantasm is where it’s at.
Recommended tracks: Red/Blue/Black/White, Last Call, for Anxiety; Dreams Dying on a Dance Floor
Recommended for fans of: Bent Knee, The Mars Volta, Leprous, The Dear Hunter, Meer
Final verdict: 7.5/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | Instagram | RYM page
Label: Independent
The Mask of the Phantasm is:
– Alexa Joan Rae (vocals)
– Omar Ghaznavi (guitars, composition)
– Thomas Pridgen (drums)
– Adrián Terrazas-González (horns)
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