(c) vondergathen.art
Eleven years ago Lake Cisco their first and so far only album. “Permanent Transient” was a highlight in the prog, art and alternative rock sector, a little revelation. Since then, the members have made a name for themselves as composers, sound engineers and musicians for numerous popular acts before successfully crowdfunding a new record in the second quarter of the previous year. The band with roots in the Ahr Valley wants to give back and is not only committed to various charitable purposes, but also lets the entire profit from the advance sale of „Bricks“ come to the flood-stricken region.
The opening “Famous Last Words” brings back familiar Art Prog motifs and for the most part sounds as if Lake Cisco had never been away. Seven epic and playful minutes spread the intensive carpet of sound step by step. Certain Incubus and Karnivool vibes – not just vocally – continue to be at the forefront, accompanied by occasional explosions and angry shouts. And yet the heavenly refrain, which spreads its arms towards the sky, is certainly the highlight of this little masterpiece. Lake Cisco have always had a certain soft spot for hymn-like dramaturgy, which by the way also suits them well in the end.
In general, this record has become the hoped-for triumph. So “Ashes_0” starts off with undreamt-of heaviness, catches itself for synthetically touched catchiness and still spreads nervous energy. It seethes violently under the surface, in the second half the brute escalation follows. Suddenly the quartet finds itself in post-hardcore realms, hooks up to Cave In and rides the massive wave towards madness. Before that, another epic lurks with “White Light”, as playful as it is demanding. The initial hymn turns into a prog instrumental marvel. The complete collapse and the initially cautious approach to the decomposing caesura is good. In the end, grandeur awaits.
As if these eleven years had only been eleven months: Lake Cisco have forgotten absolutely nothing and tie in seamlessly with “Permanent Transient” in every respect. Of course they developed audibly, but continue to deliver in the meantime usual, gripping strength. “Bricks” serves sophisticated, complex and at the same time catchy rock of the multi-layered, skilfully unpredictable, epic and driving kind. Great songs, fascinating unity and a heart for the important things in life continue to make Lake Cisco the untouchable art-prog reference.
Rating: 9/10
Available from: 16.12.2022
Available from: self-distribution
Website: www.lakecis.co
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lakeciscoband
Slider-Pic (c) vondergathen.art
Category: Magazin, Reviews
