Tucson band Faster Than Light's new album Moment of Chaos is a menagerie a style and sound. Released earlier this year, its six songs whisk the listener aboard its interplanetary mother ship and propel them to distant galaxies and stars. Well, at least that's the idea.
Right off the bat I must say how talented the members of Faster Than Light are featuring Nate Jesensky on guitar and vocals, Chris Pierce on the "Fender Bass" no less, and Jim Borquez on drums. This three piece is completely capable of rocking you to extreme heights or bringing you down, way down, into relaxed grooves. Moment of Chaos is filled from beginning to end with peaks and valleys of the band's varied material.
How varied you ask? Well, oftentimes the album goes from radio-friendly pop/indie rock to odd time signature progressive jazz, sometimes within the same song. And, although I'm all for genre-free music, Moment of Chaos sometimes feels like it segregates both sides of its target audience: kids who are into commercial music and those who are into 1970's prog rock.
There is definitely a classic rock vibe on Moment of Chaos. However, that being said, even the "classic rock" is varied in sound from '60's and '70's prog master's Rush and Yes to '80's metal such as Judas Priest. I swear listening to the fourth track "Halation" puts me right there at a concert in the '80's, big hairdo's and all. Then the next track, "Robot Butterfly" comes on and I'm certain that I'm listening to a Chris Squire unreleased b-side.
As with many bands, the real joy of Faster Than Light is seeing them perform live. Don't be surprised if you find yourself standing there in complete and utter awe watching these boys play. Pick up Moment of Chaos if you enjoy this new genre of music: prog pop!
