Review Summary: An efflorescent mindbending masterclass.
"Permanence" stands out as one of the top EPs to emerge from the wave of talent in the instrumental progressive scene during the 2010s. It takes everything you think you know about this genre and cranks it up to the max. The guitar work is reminiscent of artists like Plini and Intervals, showcasing a dazzling array of colors. The scales played evoke a sense of vibrant brightness, almost like stepping into the most colorful theme park you've ever seen, with clear blue skies and hot air balloons floating above. Some of the riffs capture that exhilarating rush you feel on a roller coaster, bringing back that childlike joy, if only for a moment.
Taranto's riffs are sleek and executed with incredible precision. A key highlight of the EP is its technical skill; Taranto blends that vibrancy with an unmatched level of technicality that’s simply astounding. It’s on par with Jason Richardson’s precision, where every note is carefully placed to express every emotion perfectly. The production is also impressively polished and somewhat compressed, which enhances the listening experience. This compression wraps you in soundscapes that fully immerse you in the world Taranto creates.
While "Throne of the Anxious" is a thrilling ride from beginning to end, "Pixel Heart: Verdant" feels more like a serene swan boat journey, especially with its lush and vibrant intro that brings a sense of bliss and tranquility. Though brief, it leaves a lasting impression. Don’t be fooled, though; the song ramps up in technicality as it progresses, but it’s beautifully framed by those stunning, peaceful moments. The production is extremely rich and full of inclusions that are incredibly tasteful. Such as that jazzy piano bit in "Quantum Leap".
While "Permanence" song structures can feel a bit chaotic at times, the songs will portray a sense of basking out and taking you on a wild journey. You truly don't know where the songs are going to go next, and that's a key thrilling aspect about it. However, each part of the song is super catchy and coherently written, even if they don’t repeat often. You really get to dive into each segment before jumping to the next one. "Pixel Heart: Verdant" especially has some amazing rhythms that are just so infectious and memorable. Plus, while certain segments can get excessively hectic at times, there's always a rewarding peak just ahead. You can feel it in "Pixel Heart: Celestial," especially with that pulsating synthesizer in the background that amps up the excitement at the climax.
The heavier, more djenty chugging parts are awesome for those who appreciate both dark and bright elements in their tunes. The darker elements definitely add some tension in spots, like that chugging groove in "Throne of the Anxious." But it’s all balanced out; there’s never an overload of brightness or darkness, just enough to stir up some feelings, whether it’s discomfort or happiness. "Permanence" really showcases a high point of modern progressive music, pushing everything to the max and sounding fantastic while doing it.
