ALBUM REVIEW: Emergence – Source

Some artists loom extremely large in the heavy music scene through how wide-ranging their influence is, and perhaps none more so than TOOL. There is a sizeable contingent of bands inspired by the alternative prog pioneers who take their blueprint and put their spin on it, and Colorado trio SOURCE are among those who do it best. Their fourth studio album Emergence continues to draw richly from their chief influence, whilst expanding on their musical and lyrical palette.

The ethereal intro Crack In The Shell lures the listener into the thoughtful atmosphere that is about to unfurl, before the title track hits with full force. From the riffs, through to the vocal stylings, to the subtlety in rhythmic choices, SOURCE wear their main inspiration on their sleeve, while mixing it in with the directness of more purely prog metal acts and enhanced ambient soundscapes. Vesica (The Path In) features grungier riffs and shines the spotlight on bassist Pascal Faurie whose warm undertones come through powerfully in the mix. The songwriting is eclectic, with tasteful elements of variety that lure the listener in. The aforementioned Vesica integrates jazzy piano and soaring chorus guitars, while A Path Out includes a marimba playing in a hypnotic mathematical pattern. Throughout, the melodies are carefully layered, and the rhythms gently mind-expanding, resulting in music that is equal parts complex and accessible.

Emergence was inspired by the experiences of vocalist/guitarist Ben Gleeson during and in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic. At first, the spiritual freedom he experienced living in the mountains and away from the tribulations of daily life, and later, the frustration at reintegrating into a society that had grown to be polarised and hateful. His journey through these conflicted feelings and ultimately towards acceptance and peace comes through clearly in the contemplative lyrics which explore head-on themes of alienation and connection, and the quest for feeling fulfilled in one’s life. An emotional high point comes during The Betrayal – a great piano ballad which strips back the sound without losing any of the feeling of musical intricacy. The record loses steam somewhat with two superfluous interludes, but ultimately culminates into the epic Mandala which perfectly rounds up the journey that SOURCE want to take you on. 

At the end of the day, there is simply no escaping the TOOL comparison. However, there’s arguably more merit in sounding similar to a highly unique sound over being derivative within a context that is also otherwise unoriginal. SOURCE deliver music in a vein that many love, whilst adding elements that keep it fresh in their own right. Emergence is an excellent contribution to that niche of heavy music, and a record which all fans of prog would enjoy. 

Rating: 7/10

Emergence is out now via self-release.

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