Syncage are a four-piece band based around the songwriting talents of vocalist and guitarist Matteo Nicolin, and this is a modern concept album, with jazz, fusion and metal influences as well as classic prog styles to create an energetic, youthful mix. To further move this away from the norm there is a large use of a string quartet, as well as guest musicians adding additional textures on trumpet and vibes. The album was co-produced by noted Italian engineer Mike3rd (Tony Levin, Benny Greb, Pat Mastelotto) and mastered in California by Ronan Chris Murphy (King Crimson, Steve Morse, Terry Bozzio).
In many ways this is classic progressive rock, bringing together multiple forms and styles, but is also refreshing and new. Strangely, the band I find myself most reminded of is classic Tull, but that is far more to do with the approach than that actual sound. At times there is large use of acoustic guitars, others electric, while although there can be a lead violin or trumpet there is also heavy use of the string quartet which provides yet another style again. It can be simplistic, and at other incredibly grandiose, but there is always a sense of both space and direction which makes this a wonderful album to listen to, as the listener is taken on musical journey that is always interesting, never knowing what is coming around the next bend. Yet another essential release from BEM.
