New Artist Spotlight: Wes McClintock’s Synthy Update to Indie and Prog Rock [Video]

Okay, so perhaps the subtitle is only a very area of interest fantasy held by solely the writer of this text and another classic tech geeks, however a type of progressive electronica has been making its approach by means of the ranks not too long ago, and much more indie electronica acts like Gorillaz and Bonobo do take a few pages right here and there from the prog rock e-book. That mentioned, it’s possible not many EDM followers or much more experimental electro lovers would suppose to put the likes of Yes, Frank Zappa and King Crimson along with synthy electronica melodies and backing.

Luckily, Canadian singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer Wes McClintock has endeavored to merge these two seemingly opposing worlds, and the result’s equal elements soulful and attention-grabbing with just a bit little bit of musical wackiness thrown in. His latest album, Open Dream, layers numerous kinds of classic keys, heavy analog bass and an indie rock core to create this fusion. It incorporates a great deal of totally different types to obtain this, taking part in on the sting of early 2000s hipster rock whereas bringing in earlier influences like funk, people, prog rock and, in fact, classic synths just like the legendary Moog to choose up nearly all the things superior from he late 60s by means of to at this time.

Open Dream opens with an 80s synth-heavy instrumental observe referred to as “Sky.” A real intro to the following intro, “Sky” units the tone of the album, including a loungey groove from McClintock’s funky bass and not less than two extra kinds of classic synths into the combo. Just because it looks like the tune is about to drop into the remainder of the tune, it fades out earlier than the following tune, “Imaginary Sounds.” Much extra within the indie camp than its predecessor, “Imaginary Sounds” has the heat and depth many indie rock tracks lack these days, and that’s provided by the expertly performed bass and backing digital sound design. This is a theme that repeats all through the album, it doesn’t matter what type or style McClintock decides to stuff into every observe, and possible is and shall be a part of his signature sound.

“Falling,” Open Dream‘s third track, is where listeners will really hear McClintock’s love for prog rock, with a bassline and composition clearly influenced by the legendary Canadian band Yes’s most well-known observe, “Roundabout.” “Falling” is way spicier, nevertheless, as in the direction of the tip its impeccable construction purposely devolves into extra chaotic synths and a dissonant, nearly Zappa-esque guitar solo beings the observe to an abrupt cease. What awaits it after that high-energy, stunning mess? Nothing apart from the candy, soothing tones of a celestial people tune, referred to as “Waiting In Line.” It’s clear by this association that McClintock doesn’t intend for the listener to get used to anyone type earlier than he switches it up fully, which is wise. Fans can choose their faves for playlists nevertheless it additionally makes for an thrilling journey alongside the trajectory of this album and probably introduces folks to types, genres and modes of listening to which they’d by no means in any other case be uncovered.

Open Dream continues to toggle between types because it continues on, sucking up extra and extra types and subgenres in its path. Shrewd listeners shall be in a position to choose up some industrial programming in “Breaking Into Noting,” a faint soupçon of entice in “Last Time” and some Daft Punk-like funky home in “A Different Kind of Sane” nevertheless it’s actually concerning the composition that makes the album work on a complete. Then the album closes with one other instrumental observe referred to as “Sand,” a becoming approach to carry the dreamer again to earth.

Picking up on the identify, Open Dream is really an open discussion board of concepts and types with an emotive, relatable coronary heart that enables it and McClintock to transcend style. Tldr: it’s simply actually good music.

Open Dream is out now and might be streamed on Spotify or bought on Bandcamp.