The advance single “Magic World” served notice that even after Mark Anthony K’s solo EP from earlier this year, Projekt Gemineye is here to stay.
In the Year 3073: Book I builds on the sonic foundation of the one-man group’s last album, Man of Science … Man of Dreams, while lyrically proceeding boldly onto the future. That begins with the epic lead-off track, as “Let Your Spirit Fly” kicks the album off at warp speed.
Mark Anthony K’s passion for orchestrated guitars and swirling sonics is immediately present. The harmonized lead guitars over a bed of 12-string guitars give way to a gnarly crunch. “Let Your Spirit Fly” is ripe for listening on headsets in order to get a feel for all that’s instrumentally going on. K’s lyrics are direct, setting the listener on a path of knowledge.
The song also adds a new element to Projekt Gemineye’s canon with co-lead vocals by Joe Bailey. The contrast works very well. Co-executive producer John Vehadija is also a welcome addition. As good as “Let Your Spirit Fly” is, I’m hoping for a bonus disc with just music.
“Magic World” works even better in the context of this album. The song serves as a sturdy bridge to “Heavy Heart.” the metallic guitars and synthesized horns are a throwback to ’80s hair metal, but the lyrics are dark and engaging. Here, Mark Anthony K has returned to a dimmer view of our future as a species. The lyrical and musical contrast is a useful device, as is the mid-song bridge and Tommy Iommi-like solo guitar.
“Children of Hope” with Joe Bailey on vocals and David Donley is a welcome respite from the apocalypse. Lyrically vibrant and musically direct, the song gives just a glimpse of optimism for and perspective of the survivors. The bass-heavy “Keepers of the Past” ramps things up again. Analog sounding synthesizers tangle with a chunky lead guitar. This track is less nuanced than those which go before it, with few prog elements, but “Keepers of the Past” effectively forwards the narrative on In the Year 3073: Book I.
“No Turning Back,” the album’s closer, brings back the fast-paced arsenal of swirly guitars and pounding double-bass drums. Musically bold, the song doesn’t resolve the futuristic themes laid out elsewhere in the album. In fact, I have a feeling this epic tale won’t be resolved until Book II. In any case, In the Year 3073: Book I gives us a lot to think about. It’s available now on Bandcamp.
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