Review Summary: An instrumental progressive metal record that cuts the fat with delightful, neon lit precision.
As instrumental music approaches mainstream popularity, we are seeing an increased focus on dynamic and technicality. Bands like Chon, Animals as Leaders, and similar acts are employing fascinating lead lines and complex rhythms to churn some of the most memorable, stimulating music in recent memory.
Amidst the virtuosity, however, certain aspects go overlooked as far as creating a memorable tune from start to finish. Overly long passages can indeed sprawl in to dense polyrhythmic wankery. These visceral experiences are thrilling at times, but the structure can leave something simpler to be desired, something easy to digest.
From the Petrified Forest's latest effort, titled Neon on the Inside, carefully dissects these issues. The composition and phrasing, while ambitious in scope, artfully dodge the pitfall of perilous noodling. Many moments will have the listener feeling submerged in atmospheric, yet precisely orchestrated pleasure. "Anything in Your Heart" and title track "Neon on the Inside" start with ernest, sweeping intros before breaking down into proggy epics.
The lurching, propulsive guitars feel placed with intent, not there to merely impress upon the audience. This subtlety allows ideas to breathe as compositions. "Drownin' in the Swamp" burns uniformly throughout its six minute duration, and while it is the slowest, most brooding track on the record, it is also the most consistent.
There are many, including myself, who will hear themselves thinking, "man, can't wait till he just lets loose and barrages me with a scorching liquid arpeggio or two."
Particularly on the track "Anything in Your Heart," as the most satisfying moments in the song are in the beginning, and sticking to the initial pace would have made for more impact from the song and more diversity for the record.
But those willing to explore a little, or even a lot of texture, will find themselves enjoying this record many times over.
