A Light Within are another band from Kansas City. I had no idea that KC had such a vibrant scene but thankfully, now I do. A Light Within are standard prog metal at all. Their sound is a mix of the moodier moments of Deftones with some post metal from Neurosis. Though they most remind me of the band Junius, who I am quite fond of. With all of that said, they still have their own take on the progressive shoegaze post metal. I think I just made that up.
The EP “Body Matter” has some great songs on it. Granted it does have a minute long intro piece that probably works well as a “walk on” for concerts but it’s not something that merits repeated listens. I love the groove on “No Charge.” It definitely remind me of Junius but I think the vocals are actually much stronger than Junius. Kyle Brandt has a GREAT voice, very powerful. Yes, I will say he is better than Chino from Deftones too. There, I said it.
The one problem I have with this EP is that two tracks, “No Charge” and “Beyond Shores,” have endings that are rather sudden. Each sound like the producer was sitting on the fader and just cut the end as fast as possible. It’s a shame too. Each song really should be allowed to breathe at the end. I don’t mind an abrupt ending but dammit, let the instruments ring a bit. I guess I will get used to it. Thankfully, it’s just those two tracks.
“World Through the Window” is a slower track which sounds like Neurosis trying to Alcest. Very cool song with lots of space and atmosphere. “To Have; To Hold” is a short ballad of sorts. It shows that yes, A Light Within can pull of a beautiful piano driven track. The sound textures that are swirling around in the back of the track are a nice touch.
The EP finishes strong with “Glaso,” which an almost nine minute, slow burner of a song. I like that each track is unique and memorable. They all fit perfectly too. The band understands how to sequence songs which feels like a dying art these days. Also each track is prefaced with a page number, which is part of a larger theme. Pages from a diary? Well, you’ll have to buy the CD to find out. So will I!
A Light Within have a vibe about them that I really enjoy. Despite my issues with the abrupt fade of two tracks (one would have been PLENTY), I really enjoy this EP. I do wish it was a full album but I can’t fault bands for doing things as they need to. A Light Within are well named. “Body Matter” is a blanket of darkness which the band shine just enough light on to guide you on a journey through their post metal world.
Rating: 8.5/10
Tracklist:
1. Torn Page #21
2. Page #22 (No Charge)
3. Page #51 (Between Shores)
4. Page #29 (World Through the Window)
5. Page #13 (To Have; To Hold)
6. Page #47 (Glaso)
Bandcamp: alightwithin.bandcamp.com
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