Review: East of the Wall – A Neutral Second

Style: Progressive Metal, Math Rock, Post-Hardcore, Post Metal (Mixed vocals)
Recommended for fans of: Thrice, Karnivool, Mastodon, Intronaut
Review by: Christopher
Country: US-NJ
Release date: 30 June, 2023

We think of the underground as a place where new talent is nurtured; where wide-eyed, naive musicians have their mettle tested and hopefully avoid getting into drugs (well, the bad ones). And as much as that’s true, the underground can become a safe haven for veterans too. Some bands simply never blow up as much as others, and yet they continue to compose and perform and live their art. 

East of the Wall have been plugging away in the underground for the best part of two decades (before that, many members were in The Postman Syndrome, who formed in 1996), and A Neutral Second is their sixth outing. Rooted in math rock and post-hardcore stylings but infused with a very progressive energy, their sound reminds me of the post-hardcore of Thrice blended with the complex prog of bands like Karnivool. Their first two albums were instrumental, and that ethos still suffuses their sound—one feels as though the instruments are prioritised and that lead vocalist, Greg Kuter, threads his hoarse vocals (reminiscent of Dustin Kensrue in Thrice’s early years) into the sonic weft thereafter. 

This means that at times A Neutral Second feels more improvisational in tone, verging on chaos—as on the opening of “Momentum Mori” or in the bridge of “Hegemony’s Dilemma” where every member sounds like they’re playing against every other member—and at others more meticulously composed. Pulsating and ambient synthwork also adorns A Neutral Second working dually as post-rock style tension and breathing room in and between tracks. All of those elements could become unwieldy in less experienced hands, yet East of the Wall never lose you in noise; everything flows beautifully, with the key melodies always shining bright. 

Kuter’s vocals are backed by bassist (among other things) Chris Alfano and guitarist (among other things) Matt Lupo and East of the Wall also offer some great guests, including vocalist Martin Howth who gives a sublime turn on “Hegemony’s Dilemma” where she’s joined by Lupo on trumpet (he also provides trumpet on the interlude track “Spirit of Icarus”). Meanwhile, Craig Cirinelli provides gruff harshes on “Autosomal Recessive”, conferring Mastodon heaviness on the track. 

The production is capacious; every instrument feels like it occupies its own little place in the mix and the band utilise this for a very pleasing dynamic range, knowing when to hold back, and when to play hard. Additionally, this allows for maximal enjoyment of the polyrhythmic playfulness and the way in which each member manages to somehow play both with and against all the others. I’d be remiss not to mention drummer Seth Rheam’s metronomic performance which is vital to the success of East of the Wall’s pandemonic composition, and Alfano’s constant exploration of his bass which proves the most unpredictable element of the group.

A Neutral Second scratches an itch I didn’t know I had, testament to the little niche East of the Wall have carved out for themselves. While they don’t reach transcendent heights for me, their blend of technicality and melody is a breath of fresh air. These guys are one of the progressive underground’s best offerings—try not to keep it a secret.

Recommended tracks: Detonator Gauntlet, Autosomal Recessive, Hegemony’s Dilemma
You may also like: Tetrafusion, Hypnagone, Our Oceans, The Mercury Tree
Final verdict: 8/10

Related links: Bandcamp | Spotify | Official Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Label: Translation Loss Records – Bandcamp | Facebook | Official Website

East of the Wall is:
– Seth Rheam (drums)
– Chris Alfano (bass, guitars, synths, programming, vocals)
– Matt Keys (guitars, synths)
– Matt Lupo (guitars, trumpets, synths, vocals)
– Greg Kuter (guitars, vocals)