ALBUM REVIEW: Wavelengths – Syncolima
Exploding out of the Nottinghamshire market town of Mansfield (half an hour away from Sherwood Forest, the infamous hideout of the heroic outlaw of English legend Robin Hood), self-proclaimed “Reverends Of The Riff” SYNCOLIMA are making a name for themselves by blending a plethora of genres with big riffs, infectious grooves and soaring melodies. Formed in 2021, the band recorded and released their debut album Where The End Meets The Beginning in only four months, before hitting the road in 2022. The band’s sophomore album, Wavelengths, sees them continue their rocket-fuelled ride to the top with ten bigger, better and more bombastic tracks. Wavelengths continues the Nottinghamshire trio’s mission to blur the lines between genres with comedic edge and raw charm.
Firstly Wavelengths is a wonderfully fun mix of grungy hard rock, big bluesy riffs and psychedelic stoner. SYNCOLIMA’s feel good vibes also give this album an abundance of character, and if the spoken word section on Riff is anything to go by, there is also a hefty dose of Northern charm in here too. Even if the band don’t take themselves too seriously, they certainly take their songwriting seriously. While it’s easy to get caught up in the fun of Wavelengths, ultimately SYNCOLIMA bring the thunderous riffs with power, chemistry and cohesion, yet there is a prog sensibility that underlines it all that keeps you on your toes.
The Mansfield trio effortlessly transition from anthemic rock riffs to flawless psychedelic atmospheres, this is especially so on the album’s title track Wavelengths. Another thing that catches your ear is the band’s use of vocal harmonies. Josh Morgan’s (guitars/vocals) distinctive, gruff voice is brilliantly complimented by Gazz Evans’ (drums/vocals) lighter tones which are expertly layered over the thunderous riffing. Outside of this, the groove-laden and funky basslines provided by Stoff go to show how eclectic the band is in terms of style and influence. As a result, and sonically speaking, Wavelengths is a much more expansive than their explosive debut.
With that in mind, Wavelengths feels a lot trippier and spacier in comparison to Where The End Meets The Beginning, which had a more traditionally fuzzy stoner feel. As a consequence of this musical and sonic exploration, you get the strong impression that SYNCOLIMA are much more comfortable songwriters in these areas. Even with their precise songwriting, there is also a wonderful ‘go with the flow’ vibe to Wavelengths. Interpreting the lyrics of Beautifully Unsaid, it’s an album all about just living life with a smile on your face, and once you open yourself up to the flow you’ll never be alone as there will be plenty of people to join you on your riff-loving journey. That sentiment alone is wholesome and with riffs this good you can’t be unhappy when listening to SYNCOLIMA. People often say that you can hear people’s smile when they sing a certain way, this applies to every instrument here and it is ridiculously infectious.
The album opens up with the aforementioned Beautifully Unsaid; a luscious trippy melody erupts into an anthemic riff that lays down the marker for the rest of the album musically. Riff is undoubtedly the most fun song on the album, with Morgan’s brilliant spoken word sections giving the song a comedic twist you don’t expect and the riff itself makes you want to get up and start (and to quote SYNCOLIMA) “spreading the good word of rock ’n’ roll”. Whether it is a tongue-in-cheek take on the rock community or just a song about the virtues of rock, it is an excellent party song. Communicide is where you begin to see the band’s psychedelic side really shine, with soaring vocal harmonies and spacey guitar melodies that send you off into a trance.
New Beginnings snaps you out of that trance and brings the thunder – a brilliantly gritty, ball-busting song that really takes the energy of Wavelengths up a notch. The title track is a stand out piece to just go with the flow to. Its hypnotic groove really grabs you alongside luscious intertwined guitar and bass melodies. Death Of An Enemy and The Dregs bring back the gritty, booming riffs, sounding like ORANGE GOBLIN on crack. Down In The Muck Again has a unique 1970s rock meets 1990s grunge vibe, which transitions surprisingly well into the raging yet harmonious Dead And Gone. Album closer Pound Of Flesh consolidates all the themes and sounds of the album in triumphant rock ballad fashion.
Whether you’re here for big riffs, luscious psychedelics or funky basslines, there is something for everyone on Wavelengths. SYNCOLIMA have upped their game and nailed their sophomore outing, and you’re guaranteed an all out rock ’n’ roll party if you can tune into their wavelengths.
Rating: 8/10
Wavelengths is set for release on April 14th via self-release.
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