Those who've been following some of the quality output from the multi talented Keith McCoy will be aware and know about the various projects/bands he's being invloved with for a number of years including Hedfuzy,Symbiotic Tomorrow,Soylent Chiba and numerous homages/tributes to the legendary John Carpenter,you can also include a plethroa of stellar Instrumental synthwave and Progressive Metal EP's/Albums which leads us to his upcoming EP Dawn Of The Machine which will be his first to have vocals included,this was something myself and other fans were always curious to see what it would sound like and suffice to say the results are absolutely phenomenal,let's get into the finer details of what to expect.
Instantly with the opening intro The Tuning Test you know you're about to be taken on a journey with the sublime 80's Synthwave instrumental which feels like it from a John Carpenter movie score,a brilliant way to commence this superb offering, thise soaring vocals from Jason Guile at the start of H.U.M.A.N. officially conform was i was suspecting with the addition of vocals to all those instrumental releases and it's done with magnificient aplomb,also the atmosphere created by the synths is absolutely breathtaking and creates a really 80's vibe to proceedings.
Hear Me has a really upbeat vibe with extremely inspiritional lyrical output touching on themes of hope the struggles that come with it and the will to strive and succeed, the Guitar work throughout this is absolutely awe inspiring and when you combine it with the synths the conclusion is truly superb, the time signatures in Dawn Of The Machine are seriously intense with slow paced riffing and a pulsating heavy bassline which adds a fantastic feeling to those relentless drum fills,there's also a subtle dystopian feel to the lyrics like it's part of some post apocalyptic film were the machines are about to take control of humanity, the closing outro track Imitation Game helps to add a very eery atmosphere to the overall feeling within this offering while also feeling like the story within is going to be continued.
Dawn Of The Machine further confirms the true capabilities of what McCoy is capable as a musician and producer,as mentioned before i was always curious to see what his music would sound like with vocals added and i can now confirm this is beyond what i was expecting and Jason Guile has delivered an absolute masterclass full of emotion, soaring vocals and unbridled passion; There's also something really unique with this release beneath all the awe inspiring,hope and very emotional passages throughout there's also a really subtle underlying dystopian atmosphere which becomes more apparent with repeat listens,this is an absolute must for fans of 80's inspired Synthwave mixed with plemty of Progressive elements of Rock and Metal.
RATING: 8.5/10
