Venturing forth from the darkest traditions of progressive rock, Ant Graham's Noise626 project seems to grow in stature with each release and with that stature, the quotient of doom increases likewise. The clues are there for all to see: the title of his third long player is 'An Infinite Shade Of Gray', the disquieting giggling that begins the record and no one needs to be told that second track 'The Laughter Never Stops' is meant to be ironic. The key tracks are 'Madness And Sublime Rapture'; part stark minimalist electronica and part aggressive rocker with female co-vocals, then light relief arrives via 'Ripping' thanks to a pretty electronic melody and finally, 'I Am Lost As You Are Lost' is an impressive evocation of bleak desperation. Yet, for a largely humour-free record, only the final fifteen-minute long title song outlasts its welcome. Otherwise, Graham delivers his message in a manner that is compelling; never threatening to suffocate the listener.
Venturing forth from the darkest traditions of progressive rock, Ant Graham's Noise626 project seems to grow in stature with each release and with that stature, the quotient of doom increases likewise. The clues are there for all to see: the title of his third long player is 'An Infinite Shade Of Gray', the disquieting giggling that begins the record and no one needs to be told that second track 'The Laughter Never Stops' is meant to be ironic. The key tracks are 'Madness And Sublime Rapture'; part stark minimalist electronica and part aggressive rocker with female co-vocals, then light relief arrives via 'Ripping' thanks to a pretty electronic melody and finally, 'I Am Lost As You Are Lost' is an impressive evocation of bleak desperation. Yet, for a largely humour-free record, only the final fifteen-minute long title song outlasts its welcome. Otherwise, Graham delivers his message in a manner that is compelling; never threatening to suffocate the listener.
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