ROCK ON
CITY OF SOULS
Synæsthesia [Collision Course]
It’s common to see bands try and cram every idea they’ve ever had into their debut album, often with sprawling and uneven results. But City Of Souls features seasoned stagers from New Zealand’s hardcore, rock and prog scenes. And after releasing no fewer than eight singles before putting Synæsthesia together, they have a pretty clear idea of the sharp musical statement they wanted to make. From the opening bars of the listener is hit by an immersive, widescreen wash of arena-sized sound. It helps to have three guitarists in your have a visceral heft that never fails to quicken your pulse. The melodic impact, rock clout and drama of Synæsthesia will leave you both shaken and stirred. J.S.
