STARING INTO NOTHING “Power”

Independent, 2017

Music: Progressive Rock

Website:
https://www.facebook.com/StaringIntoNothing/
http://www.staringintonothing.com/

Duration: 68:00 minutes (10 tracks)

Country: United States

Progressive Rock or Progressive music, in general skyrocketed it’s viewership towards the end of 20th century. People tuned in for more soulful Prog music and this reassured the confidence for the newer Prog artists to emerge. 2018 has been an year of one hit wonders and shocking comebacks. As a person inclined towards the heavier side of music, I often tune into obscure Prog artists to get that heavy-soft transit perfectly. Recently I got to listen to the new album(debut album) of the rising Progressive Rock trio, Staring Into Nothing. Now here’s a something to add the icing. Staring Into Nothing is an politically infused Progressive Rock trio who get their sound and lyricism on point.

Their debut effort Power talk about Corruption and other social commentary. First off, I’m no stranger of politically infused music so it made me easier to catch the exact references. Their sound may not be as harsh as Propagandhi while delivering those Social commentary and controversial quotes, Staring Into Nothing focus more on their dynamic and balanced sound rather than the ruthless angst. Sonically, they sound more like the Prog artists like Steve Wilson and Roger Waters. It’s the upbeat Pop Rock fused Progressive music that kinda let’s down their lyricism being involved heavily. Following the mellow 5 minute tracker, Puritans is the School Daze. The moment when that intro hits, you will know you are into something different. The only thing that I find hard to digest are the Guitars alone taking the centre stage, leaving the drums to follow a simple and “follow-the-track” rudiment. Steve has done a perfect job in blending the synthesizers onto the music without making it dominant overshadowing the soulful guitar part.

After a couple of repetitive tracks, the seventh track Towers captured my attention. The first reason was the running time of the track alone. Standing in at 18 long minutes, I was wondering as to what made them to write a long song. Yes, the predecessor of this track, Information Crime was 10 minutes, which in my opinion was mediocre at its best. But Towers on the other hand made me to change my time. The blissful vocals of Savannah is perfect for the well laid instrumentation. Soulful is the only word that came in my mind. Add a couple of drum and synthesizer solo to top the 18 minutes, Boom! You just made the best track this year. Except for the fact that there is no such serious Drum soloing. Nonetheless, this track truly exemplify Staring Into Nothing as a trio. Everything works perfectly and I might as well call this track the best out of the album.

Overall, Power is a rollercoaster towards the edge of the melodic Pop-Prog music which tries to get a strong message out through their relatively softer sound. Towers should be covered in the near future, giving more attention towards drumming and Bass work. I’m sure when it’s done, it will be remembered as the best Staring Into Nothing track. Their midtempo sound is kinda of a letdown because of gets a bit repetitive and decreases the overall memorability of the album. That being said, definitely an album worth checking out and what I expect from them next is an album which is currently in the works. Can’t wait to see how they have matured.

Tracklist:

1. Puritans
2. School Daze
3. Obey
4. The Program
5. Heads or Tails
6. Information Crime
7. Towers
8. Big Brother
9. Freedom
10. Gates of Hell

Line-up:

Steve Rogers:  Piano, Keyboards, Lead and Backing Vocals
Savannah Rogers:  Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals
Kurt Barabas: Bass and Guitars

Additional Musicians:

Matt Chamberlain: Drums
David Levita: Guitars
Jamie Muhoberac: Keyboards
Pop Levi: Backing Vocals
Andrea Meli: Backing Vocals

Rate: 7.5/10