Botello, Mike: Indigenous

Mike Botello hails from Brentwood, Tennessee and has been around the block a time or two having been in the music business since 1990 starting with his band Awake, originating in Texas. He began releasing solo albums in 2006 beginning with A Timeless State. His new album titled Indigenous is his fifth release to date.

This album has been a bit of a tough nut to crack for me. There is no doubting the multi-instrumentalist has talent but sometimes the twisting elements within the individual tracks lack a smooth flow, perhaps intended, but I found this a bit jarring at times. There are certainly progressive tendencies in Botello’s style of metal/heavy rock, but I cannot help thinking a more refined approach would serve him well. The first track “Chasing The Dragon� is such an example. The change ups sometimes sound little clunky but there are some good grooves and a ripping lead guitar to dig into. The lead vocals may also be an acquired taste, not terrible but just okay to these ears. Next is “I’m Down� which I like better as its melody is more refined and accessible, yet still retaining moody atmospheres and heavier guitar riffs. “Rhythmic Inception� is a short piece with only drums, followed by “The Nihilist� with its heavy power chords and moody guitar soundscapes. There is a hint of Rush has here although not as nearly as sophisticated as that band. The instrumental “Euphellum (The Demonic Deception)� is my favourite track, very moody with smoother transitions between the light and heavy sections. The musicianship, especially the guitar work is quite good. “Americaust� is a four-part suite lyrically examining the effect of nuclear war on American soil so you can well imagine this is not an upbeat endeavour. Again, the pervasive mood is dark, even a little unsettling with the guitar taking on a more angular approach.

There is a lot of music here, around sixty-five minutes worth, and the band does explore some interesting soundscapes. I think this one still needs some time to sink in as the melodies are not always obvious which may be a good thing depending on your perspective. The vocals, as well, are not an immediate hit with me. As it stands, Indigenous comes in at a solid three stars.

Track Listing:
1. Chasing The Darkness
2. I’m Down
3. Rhythmic Inception
4. The Nihilist
5. Euphellum (The Demonic Deception)
6. Americaust A. - The Realization
7. Americaust B. - Combing The Land
8. Americaust C. - Fate
9. Americaust D. - The Life Ever After
10. Heed The Warning
11. Prosody
12. Sunday Faces
13. Secret Identity
14. In The Midst Of Chaos
15. Serenity
16. Evanescent
17. The Remnant

Added: March 6th 2021
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1006
Language: english

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