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V-Shape Mind - Cul-De-Sac

Rating

RIYL

Mudvayne
Tool
Ultraspank
Motorgrater

Label

Universal Republic

Tracklist

1. Antithesis of Origami
2. Glitches
3. Monsters
4. Dangle
5. The Taste of Vinegar
6. Totally Different Head
7. Peel the Rind
8. Gravity
9. Brakecheck
10. Chameleon Wars
11. That Cool Refreshing Drink
12. ELT

Deja Vu. It's as if you're watching a rerun of some previous event in your life. If you're talking, you may feel as if you know what the other person is going to say before they say it. Or perhaps you're visiting a famous building you've never seen before, but as you view its architecture and sniff the musty odor of its wooden walls and floors, you have the distinct feeling that you have, indeed, been there before. What's going on? Is deja vu a mind trick we unwittingly play on ourselves or maybe evidence that we've lived past lives? Truth is no one knows...but have you ever experienced this and felt as if it's twice as amazing as the first time you did it? V-Shape Mind accomplish this feat with ease on their brilliant new album.

The guys formed and have played together for several years now, releasing an album in 2000 entitled "Metric." However, it wasn't until world famous producer David Bottrill (Tool, King Crimson, Silverchair) signed V shape Mind--which includes Brad Hursh, Scott Parjani, Jeff McElyea, and Vic Zientata--as the premiere act on his new Mainstation label, that they hit their stride. After this they took on new form and never looked back. It's a total melodic experience in metal surroundings. They have many contempories in the hard music scene, but none have grabbed me quite as effectively or emotionally as these visionaries. With a nationwide tour with Mudvayne and Powerman 5000 currently underway, they are sure to grab some spotlight.

The latest opus will do nothing but place them on a very exclusive pedistol. The album titled "Cul-De-Sac" exposes the bands self proclaimed "heavy-mellow" sound. The twelve gripping tracks comsume you from the get-go. It's a definite epic, prog-metal style. You can feel Bottrill's touch all over this baby. The first single "Monster" features KUD of Mydvayne fame assisting on vocal duties. To be quite honest, it sounds like KUD sings every track on the album...but I really can't complain, since I love his knack for Tool-ish melodic harmonies and spine tingling wails. After "Monster," "Dangle" keeps the beat going, with a body shaking ballad. The standout in my opinion is "Chameleon Wars." The guitars on this album never let up...it's awe inspiring. How can they keep this grueling assualt up over the course of this album, and make it all come out so soothing. I hope it's not just me gushing all over this jewel, cause I'm sold. Hook, line, and sinker. This is one of the best "mainstream ready" hard releases of the year. Instead of a Cul-De-Sac, just give me a circle, cause I'm just gonna play this baby over and over again.

-Adam Roncaglione