Spires - Lucid Abstractions
We featured Spires a while back, so when we were sent through their latest EP, Lucid Abstractions, we were pretty excited to see what was going on. Normally a progressive metal band based out of Manchester, this acoustic EP is limited to 500 copies only so is sure to sell out quick, offering up 5 tracks of the bands unique take on music. Seeing as the band have already achieved so much in a short space of time, and that their debut album, The Spiral Of Ascension has sold over 1,000 copies (self released with no physical distribution!), I figured I’d hit play, sit back, and see what was going on!
Opening softly and full of melody, the opening moments of Under Bloodstained Skies gets us off to a deep and powerful start. Maintaining their progressive roots to form a sound which doesn’t follow convention, this track twists and turns throughout, keeping you listening and urging you towards that volume up button. Despite the acoustic approach there’s still an incredible level of power built into this track, demonstrating that when a band take their music and take it to a new level, it can sometimes work insanely well and potentially, show a new direction that the band could consider doing more often. Dark at times yet continually full of melody and intricacies to behold, this opening track on the EP demonstrates that Spires are here, know what they’re doing and have produced something which is going to sit well in their overall career.
Moving into title track Lucid Abstractions, we’re presented with another progressive style track broken down into three different parts. From the introduction of Part One – Into The Reverie we’re led into a strange yet welcoming place, a place where the music lures you in and then envelops you throughout, simply flowing over you and keeping you involved from start to finish. Incorporating a cello (courtesy of Jacqueline Wilson) and female vocals (courtesy of Talena Cuthbert), this track roves through the different movements, all the time raising the bar for what a progressive metal band should be able to accomplish. Parts two (The Molten Depths) and three (Resignation) all follow on and continue the theme of the track, each movement of this track presenting us with depth, power and refined melody, not allowing you any escape but providing enough depth to quell any thought you might have had of stopping at this point. As a side note, listening to this it’s incredible to see how a band can take their music and move it in such a different direction with such aplomb, something which I’ve never come across yet has been achieved to perfection here.
Following on with Perception the soft and melodic theme continues, this time opening in a manner which will get you thinking, questioning what is going to follow and leading you down a dark and ominous pathway at first. Soon picking up the pace to rove into a selection of intricate guitar lines and melodies, this is another track which allows you to paint a picture in your mind of what’s going on, the music doing all of the talking that’s required at first and allowing you to sit back and absorb the melodies. Another track which stands out as a serious high point (which is an achievement in itself on such a great EP), this one once again keeps the theme of reflection moving, continuing the overall theme of the EP and continuing to push the boundaries of what you thought you understood. Inevitability once again keeps things moving and continues to leave me speechless at what I’m hearing, presenting another track which is going to take you to a new place and present you with deep, melodic music to act as a soundtrack to your dreams. Dark at times, upbeat at others, this track continues the twisting and turning method of the record to show that progressive music doesn’t have to be heavy, distorted or over the top, it can be soft and melodic and still achieve the same impact.
Closing with an acoustic version of Spiral Of Ascension the album reaches its conclusion, leaving a simple look of astonishment on the faces of those who have heard it, and a firm place in their hearts for the EP. As a closing track this is almost like the presentation of the end of the chapter, showing that the moment has now passed and the future beckons, looking out to what is to follow. As the final track came to a close I found myself simply sitting, looking out the window at the world going by and thinking wow, this wasn’t the album I was expecting, it was far better than that.
It’s hard to put into words what Spires have done here, as simply it’s a masterpiece. Taking a genre which is well established and moving it into a world of calm and acoustic guitar lines is always going to be a risky move, sometimes paying off and other times not working at all – but in the case of this one, oh it works! This is an EP which you need to go and get hold of, and need to do it fast. Limited to only 500 copies it’s going to go fast as people catch on to it, so act quick. Personally, this is an EP which I’m not only going to come back to time and time again, it’s one which I’m going to treasure, and talk of for many years to come.
To find out more about Spires, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Opening softly and full of melody, the opening moments of Under Bloodstained Skies gets us off to a deep and powerful start. Maintaining their progressive roots to form a sound which doesn’t follow convention, this track twists and turns throughout, keeping you listening and urging you towards that volume up button. Despite the acoustic approach there’s still an incredible level of power built into this track, demonstrating that when a band take their music and take it to a new level, it can sometimes work insanely well and potentially, show a new direction that the band could consider doing more often. Dark at times yet continually full of melody and intricacies to behold, this opening track on the EP demonstrates that Spires are here, know what they’re doing and have produced something which is going to sit well in their overall career.
Moving into title track Lucid Abstractions, we’re presented with another progressive style track broken down into three different parts. From the introduction of Part One – Into The Reverie we’re led into a strange yet welcoming place, a place where the music lures you in and then envelops you throughout, simply flowing over you and keeping you involved from start to finish. Incorporating a cello (courtesy of Jacqueline Wilson) and female vocals (courtesy of Talena Cuthbert), this track roves through the different movements, all the time raising the bar for what a progressive metal band should be able to accomplish. Parts two (The Molten Depths) and three (Resignation) all follow on and continue the theme of the track, each movement of this track presenting us with depth, power and refined melody, not allowing you any escape but providing enough depth to quell any thought you might have had of stopping at this point. As a side note, listening to this it’s incredible to see how a band can take their music and move it in such a different direction with such aplomb, something which I’ve never come across yet has been achieved to perfection here.
Following on with Perception the soft and melodic theme continues, this time opening in a manner which will get you thinking, questioning what is going to follow and leading you down a dark and ominous pathway at first. Soon picking up the pace to rove into a selection of intricate guitar lines and melodies, this is another track which allows you to paint a picture in your mind of what’s going on, the music doing all of the talking that’s required at first and allowing you to sit back and absorb the melodies. Another track which stands out as a serious high point (which is an achievement in itself on such a great EP), this one once again keeps the theme of reflection moving, continuing the overall theme of the EP and continuing to push the boundaries of what you thought you understood. Inevitability once again keeps things moving and continues to leave me speechless at what I’m hearing, presenting another track which is going to take you to a new place and present you with deep, melodic music to act as a soundtrack to your dreams. Dark at times, upbeat at others, this track continues the twisting and turning method of the record to show that progressive music doesn’t have to be heavy, distorted or over the top, it can be soft and melodic and still achieve the same impact.
Closing with an acoustic version of Spiral Of Ascension the album reaches its conclusion, leaving a simple look of astonishment on the faces of those who have heard it, and a firm place in their hearts for the EP. As a closing track this is almost like the presentation of the end of the chapter, showing that the moment has now passed and the future beckons, looking out to what is to follow. As the final track came to a close I found myself simply sitting, looking out the window at the world going by and thinking wow, this wasn’t the album I was expecting, it was far better than that.
It’s hard to put into words what Spires have done here, as simply it’s a masterpiece. Taking a genre which is well established and moving it into a world of calm and acoustic guitar lines is always going to be a risky move, sometimes paying off and other times not working at all – but in the case of this one, oh it works! This is an EP which you need to go and get hold of, and need to do it fast. Limited to only 500 copies it’s going to go fast as people catch on to it, so act quick. Personally, this is an EP which I’m not only going to come back to time and time again, it’s one which I’m going to treasure, and talk of for many years to come.
To find out more about Spires, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
Spires
Paul from Skratch The Surface was good enough to send me through a download link for the album Spiral of Ascension from Manchester based Spires. Describing their sound as progressive metal, the band has remained with a stable line up since early 2008 and since then, built up a reputation for blistering live shows and a dedication and passion for their music. Often being compared to the likes of Opeth and Mastadon, the band say this barely touches on the kaleidoscope of influences than combine to deliver a truly original, mesmerising and often transcendental sound – which to me sounds like pretty tough talk – so let’s see!
Equilibrium opens the album and straight away throws you into a syncopated pit of guitars, rolling drums and bass rhythms, the initial sound coming across as a little messy yet somehow organised. Building up through some incredible double bass drum action, you’re soon thrown into a truly awe-inspiring mix of offbeat guitar lines and hammering bass lines. The vocal line really caught me of guard here as well, coming in much softer initially but showing off the vocalists ability range from soft to distorted at times, seriously setting the bar high from the moment the album kicks off. What becomes clear here is that the comparisons are well founded, with moments coming across akin to Mastadon, but that’s by no means saying they’ve copied their sound – this is almost harder and more full on if that makes sense.
As if to contrast the hammering style of the first track, The Infinite Descent comes into being sounding almost like Dream Theater initially, adopting a dark yet clean guitar line but hinting at much more to come. Soon enough though we’re back on the rollercoaster ride of insanity with the band, the beats continuing to pummel away as the vocals take on a far harsher undertone – gone is the soft approach and firmly in place is the simple, downright raw aggression! Simple is the wrong word though as quite honestly, this is some seriously complex music! Once again though, you’re soon brought back to earth to chill out with the lead in to Nightfall, this time opting for some atmospheric rain sounds and a soft, Spanish style guitar line. There’s something enchanting about the combination here, almost like it’s showing you a dreamscape on which to base the images which go with the music. What ever it is, this is a beautiful moment on the album, and one which will stay with you for sure. Acting almost as an introduction track to Broken Hourglass, the soft guitar line continues into the track and keeps everything firmly chilled out, this time though beginning to adopt a darker tone with the chord progression thrown in. As ever though, don’t be deceived by the chilled out softness – soon we’re launched back into some rolling double bass pedals and some of the most insane riffs you’re likely to find this side of Petrucci himself. Alternating between the all out powerful approach and the toned down chilled out sound, this is a track which will really engage you and just make you sit back, questioning why you’ve not heard it sooner.
After the combined heavy and soft approach, Symmetry is no surprise as it opens, opting to keep the guitars soft and melodic, the bass backing the sound up but never becoming over bearing. I love how these guys have managed to mix the sounds they’ve got to create such a soft and accessible sound at times, whilst at others throwing caution to the wind and going all out. This is quite possibly my favourite track off of the album, purely for the guitar work which is quite frankly sublime. Combined with the soft and harmonic vocal line you’re in for a real treat here. Leading in to Martyr, once again there’s that Spanish style sound to the guitar line, the bass rumbling around in the back ground with an almost eerie sense of thunder brewing in the distance – and then it hits. Launching into a powerful riff based section accompanying the lead line – this is a moment of pure drama on the album which is sure to have live crowds simply thrown back in awe. Powerful yet at no point over the top, this is another high point on the album, and a moment which I highly recommend you check out.
Spiral Of Ascension is another high point for sure, opening with those soft guitars which are so welcoming before adding in a building bass line, the whole mix simply engulfs you and leaves you sat back, mouth agape as you question why these guys aren’t more well known. The progression of the track works at a relatively slow pace, allowing the sound to grow naturally and not forcing anything upon you, just allowing you to slip under the spell of the music. As always, there’s a hard hitting moment within the track as well, and once again it matches the style perfectly, not over doing it or making you think you’re on a new song. Closing the album with bonus track A New Prayer, there’s really not a lot else to say other than wow. From start to finish this has been an album which is soft, hard, reflective, progressive and downright technical at every turn. Supporting slots are sure to get bigger and better as people cotton on to these guys, definitely one to watch out for.
What can I say about Spires other than the album is awesome. I know that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and there will be those that say it’s over the top, but I beg to differ. What you’ve got is a progressive band showcasing their talents on an album, purely doing justice to their skills and abilities. I for one have to get out and see these guys to see if they can pull this off live, as if they can – then my word this is the start of something big!
To find out more about Spires, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Equilibrium opens the album and straight away throws you into a syncopated pit of guitars, rolling drums and bass rhythms, the initial sound coming across as a little messy yet somehow organised. Building up through some incredible double bass drum action, you’re soon thrown into a truly awe-inspiring mix of offbeat guitar lines and hammering bass lines. The vocal line really caught me of guard here as well, coming in much softer initially but showing off the vocalists ability range from soft to distorted at times, seriously setting the bar high from the moment the album kicks off. What becomes clear here is that the comparisons are well founded, with moments coming across akin to Mastadon, but that’s by no means saying they’ve copied their sound – this is almost harder and more full on if that makes sense.
As if to contrast the hammering style of the first track, The Infinite Descent comes into being sounding almost like Dream Theater initially, adopting a dark yet clean guitar line but hinting at much more to come. Soon enough though we’re back on the rollercoaster ride of insanity with the band, the beats continuing to pummel away as the vocals take on a far harsher undertone – gone is the soft approach and firmly in place is the simple, downright raw aggression! Simple is the wrong word though as quite honestly, this is some seriously complex music! Once again though, you’re soon brought back to earth to chill out with the lead in to Nightfall, this time opting for some atmospheric rain sounds and a soft, Spanish style guitar line. There’s something enchanting about the combination here, almost like it’s showing you a dreamscape on which to base the images which go with the music. What ever it is, this is a beautiful moment on the album, and one which will stay with you for sure. Acting almost as an introduction track to Broken Hourglass, the soft guitar line continues into the track and keeps everything firmly chilled out, this time though beginning to adopt a darker tone with the chord progression thrown in. As ever though, don’t be deceived by the chilled out softness – soon we’re launched back into some rolling double bass pedals and some of the most insane riffs you’re likely to find this side of Petrucci himself. Alternating between the all out powerful approach and the toned down chilled out sound, this is a track which will really engage you and just make you sit back, questioning why you’ve not heard it sooner.
After the combined heavy and soft approach, Symmetry is no surprise as it opens, opting to keep the guitars soft and melodic, the bass backing the sound up but never becoming over bearing. I love how these guys have managed to mix the sounds they’ve got to create such a soft and accessible sound at times, whilst at others throwing caution to the wind and going all out. This is quite possibly my favourite track off of the album, purely for the guitar work which is quite frankly sublime. Combined with the soft and harmonic vocal line you’re in for a real treat here. Leading in to Martyr, once again there’s that Spanish style sound to the guitar line, the bass rumbling around in the back ground with an almost eerie sense of thunder brewing in the distance – and then it hits. Launching into a powerful riff based section accompanying the lead line – this is a moment of pure drama on the album which is sure to have live crowds simply thrown back in awe. Powerful yet at no point over the top, this is another high point on the album, and a moment which I highly recommend you check out.
Spiral Of Ascension is another high point for sure, opening with those soft guitars which are so welcoming before adding in a building bass line, the whole mix simply engulfs you and leaves you sat back, mouth agape as you question why these guys aren’t more well known. The progression of the track works at a relatively slow pace, allowing the sound to grow naturally and not forcing anything upon you, just allowing you to slip under the spell of the music. As always, there’s a hard hitting moment within the track as well, and once again it matches the style perfectly, not over doing it or making you think you’re on a new song. Closing the album with bonus track A New Prayer, there’s really not a lot else to say other than wow. From start to finish this has been an album which is soft, hard, reflective, progressive and downright technical at every turn. Supporting slots are sure to get bigger and better as people cotton on to these guys, definitely one to watch out for.
What can I say about Spires other than the album is awesome. I know that it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, and there will be those that say it’s over the top, but I beg to differ. What you’ve got is a progressive band showcasing their talents on an album, purely doing justice to their skills and abilities. I for one have to get out and see these guys to see if they can pull this off live, as if they can – then my word this is the start of something big!
To find out more about Spires, check out their Facebook page HERE.
