Cyberiam, The: The Butterfly Effect

Can it be any coincidence that the one track, five part EP from Chicago’s The Cyberiam runs for a total time of 21 minutes 12 seconds? I doubt it very much, but don’t confuse this outfit for a set of Rush clones, because the sounds that Keith Semple (vocals, guitar), Tommy Murray (drums), Frank Lucas (keyboards) and Brian Kovacs (bass, backing vocals) specialise in are much harsher, heavier and heftier than their Canadian cousins. And yet as “i. The Event� gives way to the tumble of guitar notes and keyboard forays of “ii. Ripples� maybe it is quite easy to imagine Rush hammering out these themes, albeit with less of a focus on the distortion peddle.

Although to suggest that The Cyberiam are bludgeoners would be further from the truth, this 2019 EP a nuanced meander that happens to bite at your heels and if you’re not careful, draw blood as it does so. “iii. Realizations� allows Murray to really let fly behind the kit, tom clatters setting the scene for a driven beat that gets right under the skin. With riffs firing and fighting for supremacy it’s a charge of quite magnificent proportions. However, again, don’t think that you’ve got this outfit all tied up, because “iv. The Shape Of Things To Come� acts as a short palate cleanser before “v. A New Reality� reveals a majesty in this band’s approach that isn’t easily evident elsewhere.

Coming after their self titled debut and prior to the live statement Forging Nations, The Cyberium set their stall out to stretch themselves here. That they undoubtedly achieved that goal is beyond question. However, that they did so while illustrating their ability to make involving, memorable music, is what makes this such an intriguing experience.

Track Listing
1. The Butterfly Effect: i. The Event 

2. The Butterfly Effect: ii. Ripples 

3. The Butterfly Effect: iii. Realizations 

4. The Butterfly Effect: iv. The Shape of Things to Come

5. The Butterfly Effect: v. A New Reality

Added: October 29th 2021
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: The Cyberiam @ bandcamp
Hits: 719
Language: english

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