Between Sunlight and Shadow is Singularity's second CD. A three-piece band from Colorado, Singularity have dispensed nearly all their Rush influences in favor of an extremely classy and spacey symphonic rock album. Even better, Between Sunlight and Shadow is a forty three minute concept album, where all fifteen tracks ebb and flow into one long track ala Dark Side of the Moon or Misplaced Childhood. I really admire the band for being able to pull off such a feat on only their sophomore release. It sounds more like a third or fourth album!
While I think it’s best to leave the meaning of the lyrics open for interpretation, they seem to tell the story of one man’s isolation from the world. Though alienation is hardly a new topic among progressive rock albums, Singularity have the good sense not to let the lyrics become either too obvious or too “rock opera”. Instead, the lyrics complement the music quite nicely.
Keyboardist/vocalist John Green leads the pack and his symphonic keyboards are somewhat reminiscent of Rick Wakeman or Mark Kelly (Marillion) with some great atmospheric touches of Porcupine Tree. I really enjoy the slow, moody buildup that starts with "Drive" and ends with the intensity of "Flight". Drummer/vocalist Jamie McGregor and guitarist/bassist/vocalist Matt Zafiratos also play their parts quite well. They know when to gently lull the listener into a dream world of spacey calmness or to pull out all the stops and display the pyrotechnics as needed. A good example of this is the tracks "Traces" and "Metamorphosis".
I really have high hopes for Singularity. There are many new American progressive groups but there is something original about this band. While their debut was heavily indebted to Rush, Between Sunlight and Shadow doesn’t really sound like anyone else but Singularity. Sure, one can detect a few influences on occasion, but I think the band is really on to something here. Between Sunlight and Shadow is one of those albums that grow on you over time. That is definitely a good thing. I cannot wait to see what these guys do next!
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