North Sea Echoes

North Sea Echoes, comprised primarily of Ray Alder and Jim Matheos, is back with its sophomore effort, How To Cast A Shadow. Dennis Leeflang is the guest drummer and plays on numerous tracks.

Had they chosen to record one album, Really Good Terrible Things, and been done, most fans wouldn’t have thought twice. However, Matheos and Alder chose to stick their necks out with some unfinished business. Personally, I was concerned that two-fifths of Fates Warning might not live up to their debut album. I’m happy to be proven wrong!

Tonally, this album is heavier both sonically and lyrically. Pain, perspective and aspirations cover some of the subject matter. Some of the more intense tracks include “All That Comes After,” with its excellent single-note riffing; “Villains or Saints,” featuring open-string crunching; and “All Fall Away,” which includes some stacked guitars later in the song.

On “All Fall Away,” the lyric, “Night has gone, when did we lose the fire?” is gripping.

“Enjoy The View” and “A Time of Innocence and Purpose” are the first two songs on the album. I chose this particular order because “Enjoy The View” is the first single. I’m uncertain which will bounce around in your brain longer: the mysterious musical motif within the verse or the soaring chorus.

The chunky riffing is welcomed and wouldn’t be out of place on an OSI album. The nearly two-minute instrumental buildup creates drama in “A Time of Innocence and Purpose.” Ray enters the picture and the album truly commences. The percussive guitar parts mesh well with the multitude of electronics and Alder’s vocals.

“Good Enough” and “What Is And What Was” are a couple of atmospheric pieces. “Good Enough” has a relaxing vibe, with Jim showcasing a multitude of techniques. Ray’s voice shines on the chorus, while the timing and execution of the drums are solid.

“What Is And What Was” opens with some interesting programming. You can picture a grey day with swift-moving clouds until Matheos creates hope with his brilliant note selection.

The final track, “How To Cast A Shadow,” struck me in a way similar to an old Fates Warning track. While it’s not as energized as Fates Warning, the emotional level certainly is. Alder’s inspirational vocal harmonies make the hairs on your arms stand up.

Matheos’ ability to stack guitar parts with effects, combined with his programming, creates an unwavering foundation. Two sections stand out. At the 3:08 mark, there are some clean arpeggios and slide guitar that give the song a lift. The other arrives when Jim implements octaves with high gain. It fits this particular song perfectly.

This could be my favourite track by North Sea Echoes.

Disappointment or even maintaining the status quo isn’t an option for North Sea Echoes’ second release. Sign me up for their third album now.