EchoVerse - Whispers Between Worlds
EchoVerse - Whispers Between Worlds
This is a band that has what it takes to become a prog powerhouse…
Whispers Between Worlds
Artist: EchoVerse
6 tracks / 61:44
First of all, EchoVerse is not the title of the latest film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe – it’s the name of a prog group that you need to check out. This is a band that has what it takes to become a prog powerhouse, and packs a lyrical message that manages to be profound without being pretentious. The four-man group, Doug Bowers (keys, bass, guitars and vocals), Rob Perez (rhythm and lead guitars), Kyle ‘KG’ Graves (lead vocals), and Kyle Fagala (drums and background vocals) have all of necessary chops to create some epic progressive sounds – in fact, the album’s showcase is a nine-part piece called “The War Within,” which clocks in at just under 31 minutes!
The lead track on their new album, Whispers Between Worlds, explodes from your speakers with an earworm riff and a classic prog sound that wastes no time taking up residence in your head. The title, “Not Like the Others,” might remind you of a song you remember from Sesame Street but the application here goes way beyond the simplistic pick out the difference game from Highlights For Children and delve into the familiar theme of religious hypocrisy in a fresh way (are my references betraying my age yet?). “Serve all day, give to the poor / Sacrifice, then post it too / You're not as clean as I am – man, you just don’t have a clue” the lyrics point out the difference between brownie-point service and genuine compassion by reminding us that “without love it’s all in vain.”
The album betrays plenty of good influences from Classic Rock/pre prog Kansas (“Sins of the Father”) to the Neal Morse Band and even faint echoes of some of the heavier classic CCM rock groups. Certainly, EchoVerse is bold about the faith aspect of their music – and it’s refreshing not to have to dissect their lyrics like a spiritual Hercule Poirot to figure that out. There’s even a spoken word segment toward the end of “The War Within” that directly quotes scripture – and why not? Some might say the lyrical content flirts with becoming heavy-handed but the truth is, every other prog album I come across boasts metaphysical and spiritual themes. But all is not Chapter and Verse – the last song on the album, “Walk Alone,” has this fairly universal sentiment: “Would it be just a dream / For us all to see each other / Not a foe, not a threat - Slightly different from another.”
The songwriting is solid – and so is the musicianship. Kyle Fagala’s drumming is powerful and takes center stage several times – especially on “Something Sinister This Way Comes,” a short instrumental piece that shows off not only some explosive drum work but very tasty organ soloing by Doug Bowers and stinging guitar riffs from Rob Perez. Kyle Graves (two Kyles in the same band?! Who’da thunk it?) does consistently fine vocal work, singing solo parts with passion and a very listenable timbre - especially on that octave-jump at the end of “Walk Alone,” the album’s strong closing song. The combined harmonies, whenever they are added, are always spot on and work well in the context of the music.
There’s sometimes a theatrical feel to the project – especially in the massive “The War Within” – and certain ‘character voices’ might come on a bit too heavy, but other than that and a bit of awkward sax (or synth?) just after the 27 minute mark in “Back Where I Belong,” this is a very impressive first effort. Whispers Between Worlds is a fine debut from EchoVerse that manages to check off most of the boxes for prog fans – especially if you’re a believer looking for suitable music in this genre. A must for fans of Neal Morse, Spock’s Beard, Kansas and Yes. The album was Produced, Mixed, and Mastered by Doug Bowers with Vinyl Mastering by Rob Perez at Indie Audio Mastering. The music was written by Bowers and Perez with lyrics by Graves, Bowers, and Fagala. And two Kyles for the price of one? I'm in!
- Bert Saraco
4 tocks
You can see concert photography by Bert Saraco at the link below.
