Einstein told us that the speed of light waves is constant. Subsequent
research has challenged that, but there's no question that Lightspeed's Waves
is incredibly consistent. It's rare to hear an album with such variety
that still manages to be tightly cohesive through its entire 59 minutes, but
with Waves, Lightspeed makes everything look so easy. The music flows
effortlessly and you'll find yourself a willing passenger as it meanders through
styles that recall Kansas, and Styx and, more recently, Crystal Vision.
Waves is essentially straightforward music, not desperately original,
yet it's very listenable and the quality of the performances, the
songwriting and the production are simply excellent.
Looking at a few of the tracks will help you understand the variety of styles
at play here: Opener "Peak Fires" may be the most 'proggy' piece, and clearly
recalls Kansas - with John Persichini's excellent vocal delivery emulating a
more relaxed James Labrie when he hits the high notes. "Young At Heart" could
have been a lost Crosby Stills Nash and Young track. "Waves of Emotion" is a
20-minute 4-part piece that really sounds like four separate songs - and "Waves
of Emotion" - track 4 - is a straight-ahead rocker, with a low-register vocal
style closer to a J.J.Cale or a Chris Rhea. "Bridges" is pure AOR, right down to
the strong guitar parts, the anthemic chorus and the big multi-part vocal
harmonies. And balad "One Last Time" is a real tear-jerker that will leave a
lump in your throat.
Funny thing - the Canadian quintet makes it clear that they are not a
progressive rock outfit, yet we've seen metal magazines openly calling it prog.
The point is - the music on Waves falls into that "intelligent-AOR-not-quite-prog"
area that makes you understand why so many people hate the excessive use of
genres. Whatever the genre - this is a damned fine piece of music and you can
expect to see Lightspeed making big waves in the music world - within the prog
circles, and particularly, in the classic, melodic, and AOR rock communities.
Listen to this music and you'll agree that Lightspeed may be the next big semi-prog
commercial success, in the wake of Kansas, Styx, or compatriots, Saga.
Highly recommended.
Track Listing:
1. Peak Fires
2. Things To Come
3. Young At Heart
4. Waves of Emotion
5. Breath Away
6. One Last Time
7. Innocence of Life
8. Bridges
9. Let Me In
10.Razor's Edge
11.Fly Away
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
