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WITHEM
www.withemsite.com
I always have a reviewing (and general listening) dilemma when trying to digest bands such as Withem. The phrase "generic prog" is prominent in my mind upon listening to 'The Point of You', the debut release from this bunch of Norwegians. That's an inherently oxymoronic phrase within the context of progressive music and Withem who, within press blurb, have been declared a prog metal band. If I may revert to my recurring distinction once again - this is generic prog, not genuine prog. From Norway this lot most certainly are, Leprous they most certainly are not. There are no attempts here to extend or progresses any musical boundaries as a genuine prog band like Leporus do; rather, Withem squeeze in every prog cliché known to modern (non-genuinely progressive) man (and 'cliché' is another word that reads paradoxically against the word 'prog'). However, here's my dilemma. The level of musicianship on 'The Point of You' is stunning; virtuosic at times. The songs, despite their generic traits, are skilfully composed and flavoured throughout with captivating melodies and an infectiously energetic, power metal impetus. The power/prog combo reminds, on occasion, of Pagan's Mind and the like. The album's been wonderfully produced and mixed so the general sound is fantastic... most impressive for a debut offering. In fact, it was produced and mixed by the band's guitarist, Øyvind Voldmo Larsen in his own studio, so here's a knob twiddler who knows exactly what he's doing. But, undermining all of this is the distinct lack of originality. Personally, I expect much more from a band that dare label themselves as 'prog' - ie. actual progression and not mere regurgitation. They'd be better regarded, and marketed, as an innovative power metal band for this is where their strengths reside. 'The Point of You', in essence, is an undeniably catchy and likeable record so, ultimately, the progressive shortfalls matter not. I just wish bands and label folk would refrain from using the 'prog' term so freely.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Sensory
Album
THE POINT OF YOU
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Review by Mark Holmes
RUNNING TIME:
48:23
RELEASE DATE:
8th Oct 2013
TRACK LISTING
1) Point of View
2) Miracle
3) Phrenesis
4) Burned by Senses
5) Mr. Miruz
6) Born to Live
7) The Paramount of Lies
8) Driven by a Blessing
9) Why Me?
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Norway
"The level of musicianship on 'The Point of You' is stunning; virtuosic at times."
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