Source – Return To Nothing (review)

By Anthony Bernardi:  

On September 23^rd 2016 three guys from Boulder, Colorado will release their debut album Return to Nothing. Who is that you ask? Well I am going to give you one word…

Source…

It was nearly three years ago that Ben Gleason, Dan Crisafulli, and Georges Octobous were flung together by the universe. Over those years they forged the sound that would change their lives forever.

I had the chance to meet these talented young men a few months ago in an alley in Minneapolis Minnesota behind the Skyway Theater. Now don’t get the wrong Idea. I was there covering a show. As fate would have we struck up a conversation and they hooked me up with a copy of their yet to be released album Return to Nothing.

As I finished up my duties at the show and recalled our conversation about the band, I couldn’t help but anticipate what the CD they had given me would sound like. Once I was in my car and on my way home I slid the CD in the player and let the music pull me in as I drove home.

The very first track “Forgiveness” which is one of several tracks on the album that clocks in at over eight minutes grabbed me and totally immersed me in the pure emotions emitted from both the music and the lyrics. The progressive sound highlighted by uncommon time signatures is reminiscent of the style of Tool. These similarities are exemplified with the mid-heavy bass tone and the longing-style vocals. This track and the entire album for that matter holds a level passion and excitement that leaves the listener pondering your own life and existence as Ben’s lyrical essence bounces around in your head.

Once entirely engrossed it the ambience and drive of the album you helplessly tumble into the second track, “Memories of Yesterday”. This track whirls with anticipation as it deposits you amid the memories of another period of your life.

Once the days of your past have been reconciled, the album rolls into “The Essence” shadowed by a diminutive track entitled “The Word Source”, featuring a series of samples from the spiritual guru Bentinho Massaro as he explains the origins or source.

“There is life in the darkness and the day will dawn again” exclaims Ben in “Return to Nothing”. While drummer Georges describes the track “Compliance” as the “most angry and exciting to play”.

Track seven is the most subdued track on the album and also the shortest piece. It is an ambient selection driven by acoustic guitar and a soft lead riff. “Consumed” drifts off as what is my favorite track “The Serpent” begins with a one-two punch. The track flinches to life with a bit of added guitar crunch and choppy rhythms delivered by both the bass and drums. “The Serpent” is one of those tracks that just keep you listening and feeling a little let down as it finally comes to a close.

When asked to pick a favorite track for the album, both Ben and Dan agree that closing track “Quadrant” was at the top of their lists.
Ben: “Quadrant”, that song means a lot to me! It’s about forgiving my parents for being imperfect along with thanking them for showing me what it means to be human. With all the joy, the pain, the suffering and the beauty!

Dan: I like it most because of the guitar riffs and the composition. The bass really shines through in different ways both stylistically and compositionally. It definitely makes my head bang a lot!

Music can tame the savage beast or even start wars. On the converse music is able to make you feel alive, angry, thankful, and even help you with hard choices life throws your way. Personally I turn to music for entertainment, motivation, and relaxation.

This debut release by Source has been a privilege to listen to from beginning to end. The songs are long and involved, yet somehow leave you wanting more. There is a great balance of progressive metal and as Dan says “Life Metal” (sorry had to do it). This is the perfect album to help you find your balance here in this plane of existence as we contemplate life and what it means to Return to Nothing.

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Anthony Bernardi

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