Kyros: Vox Humana

I recently got into a band form the UK called Synaesthesia who released their excellent self-titled debut in 2014 on the Giant Electric Pea label, home of neo prog giants IQ. Fast forward a couple of years to the band Kyros. Yes they are one and the same. They decided to change their name and label because there are other bands with the Synaesthesia moniker as well as denoting a fresh start and new beginnings.

The band members include Adam Ware (lead vocals, keyboards, programming), Joey Frevola (guitars, programming), Sam Higgins (guitars, backing vocals, lead vocals on "The Lamb, The Badger & The Bee", programming), Peter Episcopa (bass, backing vocals and lead vocals on "The Lamb, The Badger & The Bee") and Robin Johnson (drums and percussion).

If you are looking for that classic '70s sound in your prog you will have to look elsewhere. There are plenty of other bands that will scratch that itch but Kyros has gone a different route. On Vox Humana, a two CD set (the discs are titled The Creation and The Human Voice), the band continues to explore modern alternative rock and metal with great melodies and oh yeah, a whole lot of prog. Their modern approach includes electronics, samples and heavy riffs mixed in with great keyboard sounds and excellent guitar work. The second track on disc one called "Technology Killed The Kids II", reminding me thematically of Porcupine Tree's Fear Of A Blank Planet, is a catchy modern rock tune with great keyboard riffs and light to heavy moments where the band shows some very good chops. More catchy alt prog can be heard on the irresistible "Cloudburst" and "Persistence Of Vision" where subdued soundscapes lead to upbeat tempos, electronic elements, cool keyboard sounds and soaring lead guitar. On "The Lamb, The Badger & The Bee" the vocal arrangement is absolutely stunning especially near the end where the band conjures up some Gentle Giant and Echolyn.

Disc two titled opens with the strong one, two, three punch of "Mind Electric", Speak To Me" and "Persistence Of Perfection". Fantastic progressive metal tinged guitar riffs, mind blowing keyboard melodies and cool effects and electronics. I love how the band incorporate mellower parts which emphasize the heavier moments that much more. "Speak To Me" is particularly majestic with its fantastic keyboard and guitar interplay all the while creating one of the best earworms on the disc. Speaking of earworms, the delightful vocal arrangement and pretty guitar and keyboards in "Persistence Of Perfection" is another catchy slice of modern prog. Other standout tracks include the more esoteric "Boiling Point", a great mix of off the wall riff progressions and experimental sounds, the moody 'The Darkness Grove" with its subtle electronics and swells of orchestration and the album ending "Dilate", a catchy bit of modern prog with sweet guitar builds and soaring solos.

It is hard to find fault with this record. The playing, the vocals and the melodies are all first class. I really cannot recommend this album enough and is especially for fans of bands like Haken, Beardfish and The Mercury Tree. This young band has a brilliant future and is one to keep an eye on in the coming years.

Track Listing:
The Creation
1. Vox Humana
2. Technology Killed The Kids II
3. Cloudburst
4. Persistence Of Vision
5. The Lamb, The Badger & The Bee
6. New Paradigm
The Human Voice
1. Mind Electric
2. Speak To Me
3. Persistence Of Perfection
4. Monster
5. Hounds
6. The Darkness Grove
7. Boiling Point
8. Ego
9. Dilate

Added: November 10th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2506
Language: english

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