Mark Anthony K’s 4 Song EP is quite a surprise after three consecutively strong releases via his alter ego, Projekt Gemineye. Man of Science … Man of Dreams, his most recent release, found the imaginary band in full prog-metal flight. That why my first impression was one of disappointment after listening to “This Ain’t Enough,” the Lower 3rd Collective’s first song.
The prog elements of Projekt Gemineye have been replaced with straight-forward narratives, sublime themes by crunching guitars and a drum-bass onslaught which is almost primal in nature. After repeated listening, however, it’s clear that’s what K intended.
The songs are lyrically direct. “Take Me Back” is built around a yearning for the past, for the youthful good old days, while reflecting on the complexity of contemporary life. Mark Anthony K’s vocals are from and center in the mix, and doubled to good effect. His guitar work is razor sharp yet economical as not to distract from the lyrics.
“Dangerous Room” kicks things off with the most powerful guitar statements on The 4 Song EP. K plays melodically, with a good bit of bite, and that propels the song. Lyrically, he laments the failing of a relationship and what comes next. The powerful backing and gnarly rhythm guitars almost overpower the lyrics, inspiring air-guitar contest.
“He Is Near” closes The 4 Song EP in fine fashion. There’s no let up as Mark Anthony K’s guitars hit the listener as hard as the rhythm section. The song’s soaring melody works on an almost subconscious level. The dark, paranoid lyrics quickly slap you back to awareness and, before you wonder what happened, both the song and this new release are over.
Hopefully, this is just a brief taste of a larger future offering from Mark Anthony K and the Lower 3rd Collective.
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