Review Summary: A Sense of Gravity is mature not only in their technicality, but also in their songwriting. Genres flow seamlessly into one and other, with prowess that only progressive juggernauts possess.
Three years ago in the depths of Seattle, a great beast was culminating, preparing to take our ears on an unforgettable journey.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to traverse through all musical planes of existence, not stepping but rather gliding towards consummation? That's what listening to A Sense of Gravity's debut album Travail is like, at least from my aural perspective.
Travail is mature not only in it's technicality, but also in it's songwriting. Genres flow seamlessly into one and other, with prowess that only progressive juggernauts possess. This album brings all of our emotions to the table, and it does so with a finesse that I haven't witnessed for a while in newer prog metal bands. It's cohesive, connected and surprisingly nothing sounds out of place.
If you are pleased in any way by Between The Buried and Me, The Contortionist, Protest The Hero, Haken, etc, then you will find something you like here. And while you can hear all of these bands throughout Travail, A Sense of Gravity doesn't wear them on their sleeve. All of the band members bring something exciting to the table, although I have to say it's their keyboardist that really stands out to me. Rather than being an unnecessary additive, the keys really make this album unique in an awesome way (See Trichotillomania to get an idea.)
With all of this being said, Travail is not a perfect album. Many may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of genre jumps that exist, in the same way that some are put off by Btbam. However, I must say that A Sense of Gravity has a sincerity to them that other bands have lost, and are very refreshing to listen to as a result. At no point does it feel like they're trying too hard to be overly technical or brutal, the music just flows.
Recommended Tracks:
Wraith
Stormborn
Trichotillomania
Harbinger
Spectre
Official Album Stream
http://youtu.be/PcHt-yRkclg
