By Mark Steele
Cynic, it has to be said are quite an interesting band with relatively nothing to compare to (at least to my ears). Many of you will remember them for being the strange "mathematical death metal jazzcore" band on their début album that was Focus; an album that combined mind bogglingly complex riffs, twists and complex turns that made for an excellent sonic voyage. So, here's a quick recap for those of us who haven't heard their more recent material.
They disappeared off the radar for 15 years, and released Traced In Air – which was a departure from the death metal template and featured clean vocals, and focusing in on being a more heavier form of progressive rock with their own unique sound – which was then followed up by The Portal Tapes, which bridged the gap and explained the evolution of their sound more clearly. Two EP's followed, which were Re-Traced, with featured reinterpretations of some Traced In Air tracks, and Carbon Based anatomy as a nice little stop gap EP, yet again focusing on more of a progressive rock template and clean vocal styles with some 'floaty' moments.
Now, we are faced with their latest album – which I have been eagerly awaiting called Kindly Bent To Free Us.
The big question (especially for those of us who have been off the radar): Have they made a follow up to Focus and made another "mathematical death metal jazzcore" masterpiece?
In short – NO.
However, this is not something that I have a problem with. As much as I'm a big fan of Focus – I perfectly accept that the band have moved on with this and more than have the competence to not make a pigs ear out of the proceedings; as there have been 2 albums, 2 EPs and a stop gap release that tied up all the loose ends. To those who wish they would make a follow up to Focus, I guess Cynic would probably reply with an EP called 'Kindly Free To Get Bent'.
So – now that that is out of the way, how is it?
In short, a pretty decent and enjoyable progressive rock album. The quirky twists and turns, jazz strangeness and quirky time signatures of Cynic are as strong, and ever present as before. 'The Lions Roar' is as close to a radio friendly single as Cynic would be inclined to make, shimmering melodic vocals and catchy chorus lines. This may make the purists spit out their Earl Grey all over the screen, but I feel that this particular track is a stand out one that could have the potential for a lot of airplay. The title track 'Kindly Bent To Free Us' has the trademark galloping guitar / bass combo avant guard stomp that is quite catchy on the ear, while 'Infinite Shapes' at times becomes a bit overly complex with a lot going on in the mix that nearly teeters on the brink of falling on its face – but in true Cynic style is reigned in perfectly that would trip up a lesser band that tried to follow.
Half way through the album, 'Moon Heart Sun Head' thunders on in places with a gloriously trademark avant guard guitar and bass attack, combined with shimmering solos that underpin the track nicely without sounding overblown. 'Gitanji' feels at time incoherent, but becomes more interesting and underpinned with a catchy bass line and chorus hooks while the closing track 'Endlessly Bountiful' starts with layers of choral singing bringing to a crescendo, winding down with acoustic guitar and bass.
To conclude, Cynic are a complex and at times musically baffling animal to some – as some listeners out there who can't get to grips with progressive rock will simply deem it as a bunch of highly technical and musically competent individuals, that are noodling away and disappearing up their own arse. Which, will only further serve to annoy those who can't see past the fact that they will probably never make an album like Focus ever again. However, for those that have the likes of King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, Yes, and Ozric Tentacles albums in their collection like myself will find this an enjoyable listen and file nicely with their music collection. Cynic have matured and grown, and I have enjoyed their sonic journey. Long may they continue.
