ALBUM REVIEW: The Hindsight Notes – Cold Night For Alligators

Denmark is on a real hot streak in the world of progressive metal. It’s brought us the gifts of MØL, SIAMESE and VOLA to name but a few of the bands who have made a significant impact on the scene. Vying to share in this spotlight are Copenhagen’s COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS. It’s been a few years since the release of 2018’s Fervor, so what will new release The Hindsight Notes have in store?

Behind Curtains gets this release underway with vibrant, calming tones drenched in melody. The eccentric vocal delivery provides quite the intriguing offering as flourishes of bright colour flow through the track. Beware, there is a darkness lurking in the shadows which threatens to rear its head as the track closes. No Connection gets a bit more adventurous with slick guitar sequences and soaring chorus segments. The introduction of the saxophone solo is a masterstroke, instantly elevating the energy of the piece. Verism instils a snappy tempo with jabbing riff work and punchy drum beats. The additional bite and groove in this track show what the band have in their arsenal, ready to strike when you least expect it.

Water has a significantly moodier tone which creates some tension in the air. The slower, striding pacing and powerful growls that meander around the boundaries of the track also supplement the dramatic nature. This also plays into the hands of the impressive lead elements which make an appearance. Dusty Patterns commences in quite a minimalist fashion but soon begins to construct a network of layers that neatly mesh together, transforming into one of the most diverse pieces on offer. Nostalgic takes proceedings up a gear with swift hooks and a confident demeanour. The technical proficiency shines through and gets your adrenaline flowing. In an abrupt and strange choice of direction, Adjust slams on the brakes and returns to a solemn, vocal driven affair.

Worn Out Mannequin starts to build the momentum which was questionably zapped earlier by introducing the jaw-dropping vocal prowess of Kim Song Sternkopf from Danish compatriots MØL. The hefty riffing that bolsters the back end of this track neatly tops it off. Thin Line serves up some beautiful, alluring melodies in conjunction with prominent drumming and aggressive vocal bursts to inject some zest. Hindsight combines the best elements of its predecessors to conjure up an uplifting serenade of passion and enticing tones, departing on a poignant, euphoric note.

The Hindsight Note proves to be quite a mixed bag for COLD NIGHT FOR ALLIGATORS. Some tracks really grab your attention and convince you to stay engaged for the duration but others kind of float by. Perhaps with some adjustment to the sequencing of tracks and the overall flow it would assist in maintaining your focus. Despite this minor criticism there is still plenty to whet your appetite.

Rating: 8/10

The Hindsight Notes is out now via Arising Empire.

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