Detailed Reviews [Glistening Leotard - 2018 - "Six Butterflies Slightly Moving an Elephant in a Theatre"]

Prolusion. German band GLISTENING LEOTARD isn't a band that have managed to build too much attention to themselves so far, but they have been an ongoing venture for more than a decade at this point, with a total of six releases to their name. " Six Butterflies Slightly Moving an Elephant in a Theatre" is the most recent of these, and was self-released by the band towards the end of 2018.

Analysis. This is a band I suspect many will have a hard time pigeonholing into any of the common boxes used when sub-genres of music are concerned. Undeniably progressive rock, but with very much an alternative take on the genre. That the band themselves have invented the term lounge metal strikes me as appropriate, as in many ways this is some kind of a lounge version of metal. Made using many elements from metal, but without the high dramatics and firework displays that are such common features in the genre. Vocalist Jessica Naser has a rather strong and dominant role in these landscapes, with her melodic, well controlled vocal style that to my ears has something of a jazz touch to them. Her vocals are a strikingly calm element that emphasize a certain relaxed attitude in these compositions, a soft but also firm constant playing upon the instrument foundation with ease, and even when going into a higher intensity mode of delivery she does so in a calm and collected manner. Otherwise I note that the compositions are structured and revolving around contrasting elements, alternating between gentler and more loose passages on one side and tighter, harder and darker more intense passages on the other. The former often with light, elegant plucked and wandering guitar motifs as well as light and elegant licks and riffs, while firmer, tighter and harder riffs on the darker tone spectrum dominates the latter. Rarely if ever with a dramatic sound for the latter, often managing to execute these more impact oriented excursions in a calm, collected and elegant manner. More bordering metal than being metal in orientation, at times approaching a sound, mood and atmosphere not too far removed from the likes of Tool. While being made with something of a relaxed mood to it, the compositions are pleasantly engaging, with the vocals elevating the end result quite bit, but also with plenty of subtle details provided by all instrumentalists elevating the end result to a higher level. Perhaps not the most striking and innovative kind of progressive rock, but at least an example of a band exploring a more innovative approach to the art of creating music on the borders between progressive rock and progressive metal.

Conclusion. Calm, elegant and very well controlled music that sits on the borderline between progressive rock and progressive metal is what Glistening Leotard provides us with on their latest album. Lounge metal is their own description, and one I feel is rather appropriate. If progressive rock of this kind sounds like something you might enjoy, and you enjoy bands described in this manner employing a high quality female lead vocalist, then this is a band and an album that merits a check.

Progmessor: July 19th 2019
The Rating Room