WHEEL

Brilliant debut from modern Anglo-Finnish proggers.

It’s rare to encounter a debut LP so fully formed as Moving Backwards, even in an era of cheap home demoing and recording. The record is slick and impactful, with heavy influence drawn from legendary US prog metal titans Tool, as well as atmospheric Australian prog rockers Karnivool. The opening track Vultures is angular and Karnivool-like, with a forceful and attention-grabbing chorus, but it’s not until Wheel that the Anglo-Finnish four-piece fully flex their muscles. With interesting use of additional percussion and a fantastic, stabby main riff, the track manages an astonishing 10-minute length without dragging. The cry of ‘When privacy becomes a product, to be traded for another product’ is probably the point at which it’s most reminiscent of Tool, with more than a hint of Hooker With A Penis to both the lyrical content and James Lascelles’ fiery vocal delivery. Where The Pieces Lie and Up The Chain are both highlights of the heaviest material, with shades of Porcupine Tree in the latter and even some post-rock atmospherics in the mix. A brilliant album exploring censorship and social dystopia; every moment is immaculately executed.