| Musical Style: Progressive Rock | Produced By: Doug Bowers |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: USA |
| Year Released: 2024 | Artist Website: EchoVerse |
| Tracks: 10 | Rating: 90% |
| Running Time: 79:51 |
We love singing the praises of progressive rock, and the EchoVerse August of 2024 independent debut full length Whispers Between Worlds, with its technically sophisticated and multifarious sounds, gives us plenty to croon about. Technically sophisticated from manner in which the group emphasizes lengthy songwriting in the six to seven minute range but also extending into 30-minute ‘mega epic’ territory alongside coherent time and tempo changes and bountiful instrumental excursions. Multifarious in light of how EchoVerse coalesces (often within the same song) diverse musicals forms including but not limited to classic rock, hard rock, jazz-fusion, classical music, blues and ballad-like AOR.
Lyrically, the twofold EchoVerse goal is to ‘(explore) faith and the human condition through progressive rock’, and ‘(blend) meticulous musicianship with spiritual insights’ (quoting its press material either way). More specifically, the group makes it a point to take the listener on ‘a profound journey through faith and introspection’ while ‘(reflecting) the influence of Spock’s Beard, Rush and Dream Theater’ (again, referencing its press material). That said, I might add Kansas, Shadow Gallery and Neal Morse to the list.
Of note is manner in which Whispers Between Worlds is guitar driven progressive rock, as revealed in high energy opening six-minute cut “Not Like The Other”. It allows guitarist Rob Perez, noted for his work with veteran progressive rock act Visual Cliff, to showcase his skilled licks and chops ranging from elaborately fast paced to borderline hard rock to fusion filled soloing. All the while Hammond B3 underscores the abuzz scene as Kyle Fagalo unveils his rousing timekeeping. Songs vibrant yielding would not sound out of place on 2021 P.J. Bostic solo album Faith Of Least Resistance. Lyrically, the song ‘confronts the hypocrisy within modern churches, highlighting the emptiness of outward displays of faith without genuine love’:
I know all the God words
I know how to play this game
I wear a cross and nice clothes
You're not the righteous man I am
One of these is not like the other
One of these is not the same
One of these is not like the other
Without love it's all in vain
Seven minute “Sins Of The Father” tempers the assertiveness to melodically driven mid-tempo mode, low-key and restful as undisturbed guitar harmonies coincide with Kyle Graves moving at times smoothly mid-ranged and others classic tenor vocal traits (he reminds somewhat of Phil Keaggy). A choice melody of a Shadow Gallery like form - moving, eloquent and certain to bond with repeat play - elevates to the surface in the process. Regal keyboards of Doug Bowers (of KDB3 fame) duel with jazzy lead guitar instrumentally.
“Feelings Of Grey”, of similar span, takes a feathery progressive ballad approach. Soothing, restful and gracious, song punctuates laid-back guitars and introspective keyboards alongside some of the most pleasing vocal melodies found within the progressive genre. Instrumental moments impress as guitar and keyboards (which highlight a lush Kansas influenced touch) again duel. Neal Morse could not do it any better. Lyrics ‘look at mental health, emphasizing faith's comforting role’:
Spinning backwards, feeling drained
It's what I do to me it's always the same
Crawling under, through the dirt
In spite of mercy I am causing this hurt
Screaming inward to die again
My deeds won't save me only You as my friend
Yesterday, they're all here to stay
Those feelings of grey, what was yesterday
Gone away, move on from this place
Get out of my way, these feelings of grey
Albums shortest at five and half minutes, “Empty” carries over the delicate sensibilities but in an acoustically driven form. Keyboards continue to play a burnishing role - particularly for the worshipful refrain - as does the groups concentrated vocal melodies. The tense lead guitar reminds of Kerry Livgren (Kansas).
Ensuing 31 minute Neal Morse style ‘mega epic’ “The War Within” breaks down between nine ‘parts’ in detailing the battles between man and evil. Music fits the theme at hand, with first three ‘parts’ taking a darker form beginning with “I Walk Away”, slow and moody in flowing its span to bluesy guitar and atmospheric overtures, and “Something Sinister This Way Comes”, a swarthy fusion based instrumental carried over grainy guitar but elevated with Hammond B3 and heavy set drums. Third “The Devil In My Ear” distills of the hauntingly ominous to eerie keyboards and violin backed by intermittent portent rhythm guitar to provide some of albums heaviest moments.
You say You want me with You, You pull I push away
My shame won't let me move on anyway
The autumn winds grow colder, I pull my coat up tight
And once again I walk away, I walk away
Hello, it's me, I am the serpent in the tree
The voice you hear, I gently whisper in your ear
You want, I have, a tale that is as old as time
You ask, I give, and then one day your soul is mine
Tension carries over to the second three parts. “Push Back” does that as a high strung piece home to a mirthful resonance in which Perez shines with his dazzling guitar leads (I also take to the ‘get behind me’ harmony vocals), while “Now” transitions to calmer keyboards and piano articulating of reserved AOR but picking up when guitar periodically cuts in (again, Kansas comes to mind). “Final Conflict” is this reviewer’s choice cut with its borderline metal guitars interwoven with that acoustic, extensive instrumental interludes and narration from Ephesians Chapter 6. I sense an epic feel not unlike Theocracy on this one.
I've come to my senses, I'm under attack,
Gotta shake my tormentor and get back on track
What he has taken, I'm taking back
Get behind me now and fade to black
Bring back my dignity and my sense of worth
I yearn for the heavenly, not things of this earth
Fill me with Your spirit, please fill me with your truth
Bring to me Your saving grace, I need to be made new
I know You will one day seal your own doom
You are the Father of Lies
I know I can now escape this empty tomb
I know He will win this final sacrifice
Final three speak of the uplifting and victorious. “Back Where I Belong” revels in the exultant as an upbeat acoustic rocker integrated with saxophone and manifold instrumental breakdowns and “I Know Its You” the inspiring as a delicate and ethereal number innate to reserved guitar, piano and buoyant keyboards. “The War Within” closes the magnum opus as a shorter interlude type piece in which a lone verse interweaves with emanating keyboards and guitar feedback.
Free from my self-loathing, I cast off all my doubt
And with a new perspective, I’m ready to move out
Away from all the pitfalls, I’m ready to receive
The new life that’s ahead of me, now that I believe
I know it's You that saved me now
Was never me I knew not how
The War Within My Soul
Years, they ebb, they flow
Final peace will come
When all time is done
“Walk Alone” ensues as a six-minute Shadow Gallery style power ballad. It emanates of piano its span, increasingly hovering its first two minutes in giving prominence to a distinguished melody, but also a weightier form as rhythm guitar sweeps in at the halfway point. Ascendant lead guitar carries the multiple instrumental sections.
Closing the album are single edits to “I Walk Away”, “Push Back” and “Final Conflict” in addition to a cover of The Beatles classic “Eleanor Rigby”, which finds the band staying true to the spirit of the original but not without imbuing its unique progressive touch.
EchoVerse debut Whispers Between Worlds is a progressive aficionado’s delight! If lengthy but accessible songwriting manifest to multiple time and tempo changes is your cup of tea not to mention mega epics in excess of 30 minutes, then the albums comes with the highest recommendation. As one expects of the progressive genre, musicianship is superlative as each member proves a top performer, with production and packaging of equal form. Hence, manner in which Whispers Between Worlds deserves to be ranked within the Angelic Warlord top ten albums of 2024!
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Not Like The Other” (5:44), “Sins Of The Father” (6:45), Feelings Of Grey” (6:42), “Empty” (5:23), “The War Within” (30:54), “Walk Alone” (6:17), “I Walk Away” (5:22), “Push Back” (3:25), “Final Conflict” (6:09), “Eleanor Rigby” (3:19)
Musicians
Kyle ‘KG’ Graves - Lead Vocals
Rob Perez - Rhythm & Lead Guitars
Doug Bowers - Keyboards, Bass, Guitars &Vocals
Kyle Fagala - Drums & Background Vocals
