Review Summary: Am I supposed to be impressed
Cloudkicker's album Beacons is an underwhelming album that is so highly regarded. While the album demonstrates some technical skill and complexity, it ultimately falls short in terms of musicality and coherence.
One of the most notable issues with Beacons is its lack of variation. While Cloudkicker's technical abilities and musicianship are impressive, the songs on this album are bogged down by a lack of musical diversity and creativity. The album's tracks tend to follow a similar structure, relying heavily on intricate guitar riffs and solos that are often repeated throughout the songs. While Cloudkicker does attempt to change things up from time to time by introducing different chord progressions or time signatures, these changes are often too subtle to make a significant impact on the listener.
It is particularly problematic because it makes it difficult for the listener to distinguish between individual tracks. Without distinctive melodies or hooks to anchor each song, the album begins to feel like a monotonous blur of technical wizardry, and a feeling of stagnation is felt. There are moments on the album where it seems like Cloudkicker is simply repeating himself, recycling the same riffs and ideas over and over again. This not only makes the album sound uninspired but also makes it feel like a missed opportunity for Cloudkicker to explore new sounds and ideas.
Additionally, while the technical proficiency of Cloudkicker is apparent, the compositions themselves feel aimless and unfocused. There are moments where it seems like Cloudkicker is simply indulging in his own technical prowess, without any consideration for the listener's experience. This can make the songs feel bloated and self-indulgent, leaving the listener with a sense of frustration rather than awe. Furthermore, the production of Beacons is somewhat lackluster. While it does capture the raw, organic sound of a live performance, it also lacks polish and refinement. The mix feels muddy and undefined, making it difficult to distinguish between individual instruments. This can lead to a feeling of sensory overload, which detracts from the overall listening experience.
Overall, while Cloudkicker's Beacons may appeal to die-hard fans of instrumental metal, it ultimately falls short in terms of musicality, coherence, and listener engagement. The album's lack of variation, unfocused compositions, and muddy production make for a forgettable and frustrating listening experience.
