Elder : "Through Zero"

 This band's progression has seen them move from being an indie stoner rock band that increased the levels of psychedelia, until they wandered away from anything resembling the Black Sabbath-worshipping genre they came from. If you see this album being referred to as anything but prog, do not trust the source. The vocal production got the most attention to detail this time around, and it paid off. There are guitar solos that sweep into what is an otherwise mesmerizing throb. Though there is nothing doom-related to it. So, here is hoping their fan base grew with them. 

The second song finds them indulging in more Rush-like acrobatics. Synths and effects color the ambiance of the song. This feels a little more along the line of what you expect from a prog band in 2026, where the opening track held a little more of their signature sound, even if it was further down the evolutionary chain. There is more rock to the winding riffs of "Through Zero." The dynamic ebb and flow of the verses works well, as do the effects on the vocals that create a vibe that brings Yes to mind. They bring more of a chill indie rock vibe going into "Strata."  The vocals also reflect this with more of a subtle indifference rather than belting it out. The more powerful dynamic shift feels more along the lines of Porcupine Tree here. Despite really digging the riff they lock into at the eight-minute mark, some of the rock elements feel predictable. 

The instrumental "Sight Unseen" cruises over a space-age groove. More electronic in the synth sounds than the "Obscured By Clouds" era Pink Floyd, but that is the album it brings to mind. While it feels like a sprawling labyrinth of turning synth sounds, it's under nine minutes long. On the last song, they are back to a more mellow brand of indie rock, with some tension drifting under the surface.  The production of this album is the most mainstream yet, but they don't have the same kind of "Tom Sawyer" hooks that made Rush a household name, so it's not a sellout from their fans' perspective. I will give it a 9, as it's well done for what it is.Out May 29th  

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