The world of progressive metal is a crowded one, with countless bands vying for attention in a genre known for its intricate musicianship and complex song structures. Amidst this competitive landscape, Spanish composer and guitarist César Parra Rojas presents his one-man project, slq, with the debut album 'Crown Shyness'. The album features guest appearances from renowned musicians Diego Tejeida (Haken, Temic), Baard Kolstad (Leprous, Rendezvous Point), and Nate Navarro (Devin Townsend, Porcupine Tree live), which raises the question: can these all-star session musicians help slq stand out from the crowd?
The album's title, 'Crown Shyness', is a fascinating concept inspired by the botanical phenomenon where trees sense each other and allow space for their neighbors in the canopy. It's a fitting metaphor for the album's overall sound, which blends elements of Tool, Leprous, and Porcupine Tree with a touch of primordial prog metal. However, 'Crown Shyness' is not without its flaws, and the album's struggle to find its identity is a recurring theme.
One of the album's main challenges is César Parra Rojas's vocals. While his vocal lines are often clear, his control is lacking, resulting in pitchy, oversung, or meek deliveries. This issue is amplified by the boosting of his vocals in the mix, leading to a homogenous sound that lacks impact. The composition at large also suffers from a lack of destination, with tracks meandering through vibes and ideas rather than cohering into a unified vision.
Despite these shortcomings, 'Crown Shyness' is not without its highlights. The salsa groove on 'A Chasm' and the blues rock instrumentals of 'A Deception' showcase the album's ability to surprise. The guest musicians' contributions are impressive, with Tejeida's keyboard work, Kolstad's rhythmic shenanigans, and Navarro's bass lines adding depth and texture to the album. The solo sections, particularly on 'A Return', feature energetic drumming from Kolstad and playful piano from Tejeida, creating a sense of synchronization among the performers.
However, these moments of brilliance are rare, and the album often feels like a slog. The album's struggle to find its vision is evident, and the addition of guest musicians can't mask the underlying deficiencies. While 'Crown Shyness' is a listenable record with some impressive flourishes, it is not without its flaws, and the enjoyment of the album tends to happen at a micro-level.
In conclusion, 'Crown Shyness' is a record that strives towards a vision that hasn't quite clarified. While it is a listenable album with some impressive moments, it is not for everyone. César Parra Rojas's work with renowned session musicians is commendable, but the album's overall sound and composition could benefit from a clearer vision. As a struggling sapling in the underbrush, 'Crown Shyness' has the potential to grow, but it will take time and refinement to reach its full potential.
