This dynamic duo has really shown us that they don’t need to be “accessible” or “radio friendly”; rather they strive to create enlightening and entertaining music that reaches audience not only through their music, but also their mission. Following the 18 minute album opening masterpiece is, “Dreamer of the Dawn”, a 4 minute rock song that has the blood of Rush darting through its veins. Interestingly, for all its upbeat nature and welcoming embrace, the final track, ‘Citadel’ allows the duo to introduce a slightly more sombre, almost melancholy vibe upon which to close things out. band, Badlands with those high Zach Slaughter (Skullfist in case you need reminding) eighties metal vocals. WE may be listening to two individuals for whom music is as essential to their being--to their every breath--as the aforementioned talents (both of whom I believe were conduits of the flow of a force from a source far greater than any corporeal human).

Nine tapestries of tone, where atmospheric swathes morph into strident guitars, dextrous polyrhythms and gnarly basslines – Bowles’ strange, beautiful tenor soaring over the top like a bird over a mythological land.

And the lyrics, 'If life is a wheel / Please, let it spin,' has that Neil Peart enthusiasm and optimism for life. Cody really shows those powerful vocal chops that sound as if Geddy Lee, Robert Plant, and Paul Stanley have been combined into one enormous vocal giant. The duo of Kevin Comeau (bass, guitars, keys/synths) and Cody Bowles (drummer and singer), joined forces with one of rock’s greatest producers, David Bottrill, to record this album. Unfamiliar with the debut currently (although I will rectify this ASAP), the composition, in the words of drummer and vocalist Cody Bowles, “spans hundreds of years following our titular hero: Fearless after the events of (2021 single) ‘The Oracle. As the mystical synth sequence begins the song, it quickly jumps right into an explosion of colossal hits; a love letter to Rush’s 2112.

There are a number of standout rockers including “Right Way Back” and the Rush-inspired “Context:Fearless Pt. I’, which is a sumptuous prog rock track that continues where ‘Pt II’ left off, or maybe even acts as the prologue. However, the myriad of clever ideas, interesting time signatures, and atmospheres means it keeps my attention each and every time I press play.The riffs within the catchy chorus have a proper edge to them, accenting the quieter, brooding verses where keys create the bulk of the musical backdrop.