Living in Shadows - Neon BUrning

​Living in Shadows

Neon Burning
self-released; 2024

TOP ALBUM

By Matt Jensen

Living in Shadows’ latest effort, Neon Burning, is a prog rock odyssey brimming with vocal hooks and masterful instrumentation that immediately grabs the ear. From the outset, “Cast Away” channels the groove-centric spirit of Yes, but it's the ethereal, haunting vocals that carve out a distinct sonic identity.

The musicianship across the album is nothing short of spectacular. The bass lines, in particular, stand out, weaving intricate patterns that anchor the band's expansive soundscapes. Fans of the opening track will find themselves right at home with the rest of the album, which continues to deliver groove-heavy tracks laced with innovative twists.

“Who Are You” marries infectious grooves with almost new-age vocal layers, creating a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly cool. The album also offers a couple of exhilarating jam sessions and a meticulously crafted guitar solo, enhancing its prog credentials.

“Silently Dancing” shifts gears, trading overt prog complexity for an unexpected Latin swing. Its breathy vocals, tremolo effects, and softer textures introduce a welcome change of pace. “Wide Open Sky” might just be the standout track, its syncopated groove punctuated with rhythmic precision that could stem from either a keyboard or a pedal effect, giving it an intriguing sonic texture.

“Leaving Light” veers into more haunting territory, with synths that evoke a sense of otherworldly arrival which made me think of aliens. Meanwhile, “Satellites” revisits classic prog motifs but infuses them with enough fresh elements to keep things novel.

The ten-minute epic “Page by Page” showcases the band's virtuosity, highlighted by a particularly enthralling piano line. The album concludes with the title track, “Neon Burning,” which exudes a lush and intimate ambiance, an unexpected but fitting finale to the record.

If you like prog rock you will love this. If you love prog rock, you will have this album on repeat.

livinginshadows.com

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