Genre : Progressive metal, Instrumental experimental metal
Released : March 31st, 2023
Label : Self-release
FFO : Native Construct, Owane, The Dear Hunter, Thank You Scientist,
Between The Buried And Me, Plini
Native Construct guitarist and composer Poh Hock expands his musical explorations as a solo artist with his sophomore EP "Gallimaufry", following the release of his solo debut "ĀTMA" in 2019 and of course, the much deplored disbanding of Native Construct after their one and only critically acclaimed conceptual album "Quiet World".
In spite of its title (“gallimaufry” being synonymous with a jumbled mess), "Gallimaufry" offers an extremely cohesive listening experience despite its vast spectrum of styles and influences as well as the break-neck speed of the chaotic, technical instrumental arrangements.
In fact, it feels as though "Gallimaufry" follows a crescendoing path which starts off on a rather “prog metal meets fusion funk” overtone with the bombastic and jazzy opener "Forward" rapidly leading into "Another One of Those Times" featuring guest vocals from Berklee alumni and (I would assume) ex-classmate (Native Construct were what you could call a "Berklee band") Debo Ray, who adds even more panache and infectious energy to the track with her soulful singing. The mix of precise technical prog metal with groovy fusion funk brings to mind acts like Thank You Scientist, The Dear Hunter, Sordid Pink or even Snarky Puppy.
Things take a turn for more predominantly progressive metal territory during the EP's midway point and we get as close as we'll probably ever get to hearing a new Native Construct track with "Fragile Space" which features NC's very own vocalist and keyboard player, Robert Edens.
Closing track "L.a.S" turns the progressive metal madness all the way up with what is both the longest and most chaotic cut of the project, fully embracing the technical virtuosity and zaniness of staple prog bands such as Between The Buried And Me, Periphery and Dream Theater.
Having been recorded by “the unofficial sixth member of BTBAM”, Jamie King and co-produced by Simon Grove (Plini) along with boasting an ensemble of musicians at the absolute top of their game; as a fan of progressive music you would have to be crazy to skip out on this stellar release that is regrettably likely to fly underneath way more radars than it should.
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