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Kinetic Element: Chasing The Lesser Light
 An examination of man’s space explorations, Chasing The Lesser Light is the fourth album from American neo-progressive outfit Kinetic Element. Cleverly incorporating different aspects from prog’s formative eras, it’s easy to hear some influences from the greats of the 70s and the prog torch bearers of the 80s in this outfit’s work. The concept behind the album is also well constructed and a little different from the usual themes and ideas behind loosely conceptual releases.
Musically, the band are tight and engaging, although the production is maybe a little too sparse and genre respectful to truly make for the most impactful introduction. It’s no surprise then that Chasing… proves to be more of a grower than it is an initial smash and grab but with the keyboard work from Mike Visaggio especially impressive, there is a real ability for this collective to build believable musical stories. Vocally things aren’t quite so smooth, with Saint John Coleman often feeling like the weak link both in terms of pitch and the pacing of his delivery. “Chasing The Lesser Light”, which at just under 20 minutes is the album’s centrepiece, shines a strong light on those issues, with the track musically varied and engaging as Visaggio and guitarist Peter Matuchniak have a field day darting in and out of each others instrumental space. The vocals however often feel like they are lagging behind and out of breath trying to keep pace with the musical interplay and in all honesty, I’m not 100% sure that they hit the melody aimed for on each and every note. However, while that title track is hardly a thrash-fest, slow things down a little as Kinetic Element do on “Radio Silence” and suddenly everything locks in place.
Often quite retro in feel, but modern in construction, what Kinetic Element have created here is an interesting journey that, for me, very nearly takes off without ever quite soaring for the sky.
Track Listing
1. First Stage
2. Chasing The Lesser Light
3. Radio Silence
4. We Can’t Forget
5. The Door To Forever
Added: December 21st 2023
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:  
Related Link: Kinetic Element @ bandcamp
Hits: 1102
Language: english
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Kinetic Element: Chasing The Lesser Light
Posted by Jon Neudorf, SoT Staff Writer on 2023-12-22 02:50:32
My Score:
Space travel is the theme in Kinetic Element’s fourth studio effort titled Chasing The Lesser Light. The band formed way back in 2006 in Richmond, Virginia. Their last album The Face Of Life (2019) featured then new members Peter Matuchniak and Saint John Coleman and they continue to add their talents on the band’s latest effort.
Regarding the concept the band looks at spaceflight from its early beginnings of the Gemini Missions through the Apollo Moon Missions and into the future, with Mars firmly in our sights. It is a worthy topic, especially for a progressive rock album.
The band takes influences from some of the prog greats like ELP, Genesis, Yes, with a little Pink Floyd thrown in for good measure. The band showcases excellent musicianship throughout Chasing The Lesser Light with classy instrumentation, melodic synth, organ, piano and guitar solos, all backed by an outstanding rhythm section. That brings us to the lead vocals of Saint John Coleman which have garnered some negative comments on the web. I will admit the vocals did not hit me right away and there is the occasional flat moment, but the high points far outweigh the lows, at least for me. In the higher registers, Coleman nails it, sometimes invoking a slightly more restrained Geddy Lee.
The album contains five tracks beginning with “First Stage” starting with a mellow atmosphere and near ominous synths before thunderous doom-like guitar riffs enter, slow and heavy. The guitar takes on an Arabian feel, quite exotic sounding and the vocals have an added echo effect, meshing nicely with the music. Crisp changeups, fine rhythmic work, and some wonderful piano round out the highlights. A very majestic start to the album. On the near twenty minute title track intricate guitar and moody washes of synths reflects the space theme. Soon bassist Mark Tupko makes his presence felt with some outstanding work as the song twists and turns its way through varying changes and tempos, highlighted by stellar organ and excellent lead vocals. I hear a little Rush and ELP in this one. Next is the serene “Radio Silence” beginning with gentle guitar and wistful synths. A lovely organ follows, setting a very calm and soul soothing mood. Matuchniak’s soaring guitar has such a lovely tone, another album highlight for sure. Matuchniak’s guitar on “We Can’t Forget” has a bit more bite as the song soars with grandiose keyboards and Coleman’s melodic vocals. Some fantastic instrumental workouts in this one as well. The album ends with the fifteen minute “The Door To Forever”, closing the album with majestic beauty and grace. Otherworldly guitar and synths begin the piece, slowly building through various thematic changes and tempos. The detailed arrangements and exceptional songcraft makes this another stellar epic track.
This is my favourite album by Kinetic Element thus far, a real highlight of the year for me. Hopefully many of you will feel the same way.
A Melodic Revolution Records release.
Band members:
Mike Visaggio (piano, organ, synthesizers)
Michael Murray (drums)
Mark Tupko (bass)
Saint John Coleman (vocals)
Peter Matuchniak (guitars)
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