Crayon Phase is back with their new album Synthetic Mind and it is a polished slab of modern prog that's trying to be both cerebral and cinematic. It's got ambition, it's got chops, and it's got just enough self-awareness to avoid falling into the "prog-by-numbers" trap. But let's be clear—this isn't reinventing the wheel. The band blends neo-prog, hard rock, symphonic flourishes, and a dash of metal into a sound that's slick but not sterile. The production is crisp, the arrangements are tight, and the transitions are smooth. Raphael Gazal's vocals are solid—emotive without being overwrought. Wolfgang Bähr's guitar work is tasteful, occasionally soaring, but never indulgent. The rhythm section (Peter Damm on bass and Arne Gröschel on drums) keeps things grounded, while Frank Wendel's keyboards add the necessary prog gloss. The album explores identity, technology, and rebellion—classic prog fodder. But it's not preachy. The lyrics are thoughtful without being cryptic, and the concept is cohesive without requiring a PhD in metaphysics. The epic closer Insurrection is far and away the best track. Synthetic Mind is a strong entry in the modern heavy prog canon. It's not groundbreaking, but it's well-crafted, emotionally engaging, and musically satisfying. Crayon Phase knows their lane and drives it well. If you're looking for a hard hitting ride with melodic hooks and just enough complexity to keep your inner prog snob happy, this one's worth your time. *** David Carswell Where to buy? |
