Canadian progressive band, The Wring, release their third album on December 16th on Wormholedeath Records. As with the self-titled debut and its follow-up, ‘Project Cipher’, the new album is the brainchild of Don Dewulf who brings different accomplished artists together to achieve his vision.
On this new one, called Spectra, he recruited bass wizard Reggie Hache, drummer Marco Minneman, keyboard player Isamu McGregor and singer Chandler Mogel and they have laid down eight tracks of prog that will appeal to Rush and King Crimson fans for sure, but there is sufficient variation across the album that other rock lovers will, at the very least, admire. The other point to notice is that, whilst there are time changes aplenty, they deliver their rock/prog in digestible, enjoyable chunks with only three tracks over five minutes.
To grasp the clever rock and prog meld, try listening to ‘The Wolf’, an engaging instrumental with weight, synths and a guitar solo with an edge courtesy of the seven strings. The opener ‘Stiletto’, shows Rush-like inflexions but with sharp social media observation in the carefully toned lyrics.
Elsewhere, ‘Stones and Bones’ brings a touch of Purple with the low keys and time changes to keep you guessing; ‘Tin Man’ brings hints of Opeth as the acoustic intro develops into a quality rock song. ‘Sins’ has an intro reminiscent of Victim of Changes before moving into a genius marriage of heavy rock and prog imagination with a structured, symphony of a guitar solo.
In summary a rock album first, a prog album second that manages to bring them together in a way that will satisfy both sides of that spectra! Well worth seeking out.
Thank you Tom, I greatly appreciate the kind words!
Thank you Don. Always a pleasure to listen to quality music and it’s great to be acknowledged by the artist…thanks again and best wishes for the album.