Solid, Enjoyable Progressive Rock
Mark Collier | Boulder, CO United States | 09/24/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Singularity is a progressive rock trio based in Boulder, Colorado. Their first release, "Color Of Space," showed a strong Rush influence and was quite accessible, with catchy melodies and a 16-minutes opus called "Lenses" that starts with an absolutely killer keyboard figure."Between Sunlight and Shadow" is a more mature, ambitious, and challenging affair -- one 43-minute piece broken into 15 movements, or sections, with a lot of twists and turns in the grand progressive rock tradition. Some sections are much harder-edged than anything on Singularity's first release.With this release, I think Singularity (John Green - keyboards, Matt Zafiratos - guitars and bass, and Jamie McGregor - drums; all three members share vocal duties this time around) have begun to develop their own unique voice. A few sections are reminiscent of specific songs from other bands, but I never found myself thinking, "They sound just like x".Throughout this CD, there is an excellent mix of loud and soft, fast and slow sections with recurring themes and musical ideas. The spotlight frequently passes from one instrument to another, but the solos always seem to serve the composition rather than one musician's ego. Other sections provide an opportunity for complex interplay among the players.An amazing variety of keyboard and guitar sounds are scattered throughout this disc, and it's obvious that a lot of thought went into the composition and arrangement. Like the best progressive rock, it takes a few listens for the whole affair to sink into your brain, but once it does, it's likely to be stuck there for a very long time.Singularity's former vocalist, Andrew Goldhawk, is credited with helping compose the music and lyrics, making the compositional process a true four-man "team effort". The production is excellent, due in large part to the efforts of Singularity's new producer, Scott Cleland.Highly recommended for fans of progressive rock!"
"Between what you feel and what you know..."
Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 01/20/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A few years ago when I got Singularity's first album, _Color of Space_, I thought I was one of the very few people who had ever heard of them. In my opinion their lack of notoriety cannot be attributed to poor music -- this band's debut was a fantastic prog rock album with an endless supply of grooves and great melodies. Now there is the band's second album, _Between Sunlight and Shadow_, is an ambitious 45-minute suite split up into 15 parts. Former bassist and singer Andy Goldhawk is gone, and perhaps the difference in sound is a corollary of his departure. On the other hand, the change could have been a conscious choice, since he is credited with writing a bunch of it anyway.Compared to the upbeat, hook-filled first album (sold here at Amazon, by the way...), this is far more pensive, layered, and subtle. Although I enjoyed the music immediately, I was slowly drawn into the album's real musical depth. I would call this album atmospheric progressive rock with an edge. I say progressive rock only because that feels right to me, but there are no cheesy "prog" keyboards or zany instrumental passages that might evoke something akin to the genre. Likewise, there is no ostentatious showmanship, as the band focuses their talents for texture and mood quite effectively. The album is somber but not really dark -- to me this is good since a lot of prog artists try to address quite serious subject matter but their music is almost cartoonish and it spoils the effect. Singularity meets no such problem. They are also exemplary composers, for the album is excellently written with thematic restatements and developments for unity and emotional attachment.From the first notes of the album's first movement, "Drive", I was hooked. A pensive vocal, a quiet and sublime instrument outlay eliciting a lonely nighttime trip down the highway. Immediately, the change in vocals is evident, but not in any way jarring -- the rest of the band (who split the vocal duties) are deeper but reflective and solemn, fitting the music excellently. With the dark, midnight pop of "Drive" ending, the album slides headlong into its musical venture. There are some harder moments interspersed throughout, such as Part VI "Inferno", which musters more balls than 97% of the prog metal bands, with its heavy riffs and clattering percussion. "Ground Zero", part IX is a snappy beat with whirling organ for another rocking section. Beginning with "Still", part X, the album goes from great to amazing, slipping into a sublime tranquillity to the end, "Infractus". Exquisite guitars, both electric and acoustic, and beautiful pianos (as well as a deeply emotional vocal on "Hold a Candle"). Lyrical, gorgeous keyboard orchestrations color an emotional atmosphere, while the brief rhythmically heavy bits seem more intense when carefully juxtaposed against these softer moments. I probably didn't pay ENOUGH for this album. It's worth at least $[$$$]."
Singularity - Very Nice Progressive Rock From Colorado
Steven Sly | Kalamazoo, MI United States | 04/01/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Singularity are a classic progressive rock band out of Colorado. I really like this album a lot. The material has a lot of subtle charms to it. It is a mellow affair for the most part, although the band do manage to rock out in some spots. The album is one long concept piece (running time 43 minutes) broken up into 15 sections. The music is somewhat Pink Floyd like, but it is difficult to compare these guys. They actually remind me a lot of the band Lands End in spots. This is the only album that I own by them and everytime I pull it out I think that I need to pick up some more of their stuff. There is nothing here that is going to blow the listener away and fans of more avant progressive rock will probably not did this, but if you like mainstream prog done very well you might want to check this album out."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1
