When an email arrives from AC at Bad Dog Promotions it’s always welcome as it usually means they have a new album from one of their stable for review.
It’s also usually a new band or artist I’m not familiar with and I welcome the opportunity to discover new stuff.
No exception this time – and this one’s a proper “good ‘un” as we say here in Yorkshire….The band is Different Light and their latest offering titled Binary Suns Part 2 – Alternate Reality. It’s the follow-up to the saga started with Part 1 from from 2020.
The accompanying blurb tells me that Different Light were formed in Malta at the end of 1994 and they have released four albums, an EP and a compilation.
And that Binary Suns Part 2 is “a progressive rock powerhouse, continuing the tradition of the band’s previous albums and containing elements of prog and classic rock with a sprinkling of melodic pop.”
Now that’s quite some claim isn’t it? Does the album lived up to that claim? After spending some time with it, In my opinion, yes it does.
There’s more of a classic rock/melodic rock feel to it in general though the proggy bits are also there.
Given the different styles involved it could sound muddled – though it does not. It all flows together very well with everything tightly composed and performed.
We have nice crisp, crunchy riffs, tight, economical solos, fluid use of keys and synths, a rock solid rhythm section and catchy vocals over the hour or so running time. Hooks and melodies aplenty also.
The individual tracks are generally short in nature though form separate parts of multi-part mini suites giving it a cohesive approach over the unfolding concept.
I’m liking this one a lot. An infectious listen. Here’s A Fool’s Errand:
There’s enough here to please the classic rock and prog rock ear. Do give this one a chance.
Digital and physical versions available from the Different Light BandCamp page:
https://differentlight.bandcamp.com/album/binary-suns-part-2-alternate-reality
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