Genre: Instrumental progressive metal, Math-rock
Released: May 27th, 2022
Label : Self-released
FFO: Plini, Chon, David Maxim Micic, Owane
The cold snows of winter have melted away and as the warm fuzz of summer days settles in, the memory of a solitary existence amongst ice and frost feels blissfully distant while the colourful flowers of spring and summer bloom.
If you've stuck with me long enough, you might recall my review of Secret Gardens' vulnerable and emotive sophomore album "Tundra" last year and how it became my #1 post-rock album of 2021.
Well, just like the first snowdrops emerge from the icy ground and elevate themselves above the remaining snows of fading winter, project mastermind Greg Almeida has left introspective post-rock behind in favour of the upbeat warmth of instrumental progressive metal and math-rock for the spring instalment of his season-themed album cycle.
Both the stylistic and thematical shift are immediately noticeable (well, the bright and colourful album art kind of gave that away too) as soon as the aptly named opener "Sunrise Joyride" starts off with its endearing, glistening math-rock guitar arrangements.
But what really kicks things into full gear is the transition into feel-good summery synthwave setting the tone for the rest of the album while also showing that Secret Gardens is far from being a one-dimensional project that neatly fits into a genre's defining tropes.
Tundra's "I'm Fucking Tired of Being Sad" gave us a taste of Almeida's math-rock chops but "everbloom" is full-on instrumental progressive metal/math-rock delight with production work as equally lush and satisfying as its arrangements.
The progression from one album to another is absolutely impressive on all fronts and genuinely reflects Almeida's evolution both as an artist and a person.
"everbloom" 's effervescent joy is quite contagious and well needed.
It's almost as if it encourages the listener to reconnect with himself and his surroundings after the changes that have affected both him and the world over the last few years of fear and uncertainty.
To leave the barren tundra behind for a promising field of ever-blooming flowers, where rebirth and growth is finally achievable after endless hardships.
Although it feels less personal than its predecessor, aside for it's touching closing track "tÃa", "everbloom" displays and encourages what its title implies: growth.
And as far as I'm concerned, Secret Gardens will undoubtedly once again be part of the most memorable and meaningful releases of post/progressive music this year and I hope they will for you too.