Review Summary: Poppy alt-prog with the ultimate niche appeal
2007’s The End Is Begun had enough in common with groups like Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree to win me over back in the day, but 3 was never a prog band in the traditional sense. The expected influence from groups like Rush and Yes is seen in the technical timing and quirky tone, but it is also accompanied by a heavy alt-rock crunch and a Beatlesque pop sensibility. I personally saw them at the time as a less mainstream alternative to groups like Muse or Coheed And Cambria, especially since guitarist/vocalist Joey Eppard is the brother of the latter band’s drummer.
However, the album’s sense of spectacle is presented almost cautiously as it begins. “The World Is Born Of Flame” immediately disorients the listener with intricate flamenco picking and cooing vocals, but takes proper form as a simple rhythm gradually swells. Once it bursts into the heavier title track, a metallic lumber and buzzing acoustic strums prop up a series of weirdly catchy vocal lines propelled by bouncy flourishes.
But once that one-two clears the way, subsequent songs reveal the album’s true nature as infectiously carefree alt-prog. The songs are generally upbeat and dip their toes in a variety of different facets. The heavy groove and distorted vocals on “Battle Cry” carry a certain swagger that escalates to the more metal-leaning fits of melodrama, the spiraling surges of “My Divided Falling” and the sinisterly stomping “These Iron Bones.” On the flip side, “All That Remains” thrives on a bright template and a triumphantly joyful chorus that pave the way for wistful space rock on “Been To The Future” and the glitzy theater kid musings of “Live Entertainment.”
While certain aspects of the musicianship may be acquired taste, the execution is always tastefully skilled. The vocals have a nasally Geddy Lee delivery, but the well-crafted lines keep them from hitting an uncanny tinge. The guitars are no doubt the band’s strongest asset, shaping much of the atmosphere between Spanish trilling and chunky riffs that encourage an otherworldly yet inviting ventures. The rhythms are also packed with climbing prog acrobatics and winding tempo shifts that somehow works in conjunction with the pop structuring.
As much as The End Is Begun deserved better in terms of greater exposure, it’s ultimately a unique treasure of poppy alt-prog. There are kinks in the pacing to iron out but the songwriting is always on point with enough hooks to stay engaging. It never feels like the band is overdoing it or limiting themselves and the warm production encourages a vibrant attitude. It thrives in niche appeal and deserves a look from fans of the genre.
