Being quite keen on progressive metal—considering it is my favorite subgenre—I'm often asked to describe what exactly this style of music is defined by. Personally, the "progressive" label is far too broad to squeeze into a brief definition. I often end up babbling about experimentation, a sense of intellectualism, roots in jazz, and forward-thinking tendencies. While these attributes somewhat cover the bases, it certainly doesn't bridge the proggy differences between bands like Opeth, Dream Theater, or Erra. In the end, I've come to the conclusion that progressive metal acts may have common characteristics, yet the term is vague enough to allow for unique musicality and differentiation.
I think it is a progressive metal band's responsibility to create and develop an identity for themselves that breaks boundaries in order to stand out. For Sum of Us, a fresh new band in prog, they have been gaining attention through a couple singles, which lead up to their debut EP, Sharp Turns in Dark Tunnels. It is undoubtedly an introduction to why this act is both unique and able to push the envelope.
Before we delve further into the details of the Sharp Turns in Dark Tunnels EP, it's important to formally introduce this band. Sum of Us is based out of Brisbane, Australia and consists of Bryce Carleton (vocals, Kodiak Empire), Jamie Swanson (guitar), Jeremy Field (guitar), Jasper Webb (bass, Red in Tooth), and Dane Pulvirenti (drums, Osaka Punch). While a few members are quite experienced on the live stage from their other bands, this newly formed group is noted for their first show supporting In Hearts Wake.
In April, the band put out a playthrough video for "Forrest," a quirky and rhythmically complex piece. The disharmony between the clean, melodic vocals and choppy riffage initially came off as a family-friendly Dillinger Escape Plan where the more lush moments had a sweet Issues lightness to them. A couple months later, Sum of Us followed up with "First Yawn", which felt less abrasive as the previously released track. The catchy vocal and instrumental melodies recalled to Karnivool while the breakdown moments sounded like a more rock-oriented Periphery.
Although the music displayed is very compelling, I think this entire debut EP is very much vocal-driven. Carleton's singing abilities are melodic and attention-grabbing for cutting through the dissonance of the instrumentalists' progressive math/metalcore style. Clean vocals can be a divisive subject depending on what metal subgenre it resides in, but it seems that prog metal bands with cleans are becoming more commonplace. With over 90% of the vocal deliveries being clean, the brief segments of distorted shouts or screams sound even more powerful and reminded me of Good Tiger's vocal dynamics. Lastly, other proggy metalcore acts to come as too whiny and radio pop-like, but luckily Sum of Us never get to that annoying territory.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EXoUhRg6Rs][/youtube]
At its core, progressive music has historically always found a way to differentiate itself from the norm. In the case of Sum of Us, their heavy use of rhythmic variation mixed with melodic clean vocals allows for a memorable duality. There are similarities to alternative prog groups like Karnivool or Fair to Midland as well as more modern djent, prog bands like Erra and Monuments. Sharp Turns in Dark Tunnels is a great debut and succeeds in creating a distinct identity for who the band is. Additionally, I'm looking forward to further material from the band in hopes they will expand their melodic passages and heavy experimentation for the sake of an even more wild contrast.
Score: 8/10
