Prog Radio | Album Review | ''A Surfacing Life'' by Intimate Plan

Album Review

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4.5

Stars

A Surfacing Life

Intimate Plan

629

Germany

Intimate Plan's debut album, "A Surfacing Life," marks a significant entry into the "heavy-ish" prog scene. Hailing from Germany, this five-member band merges atmospheric, melancholic sounds with the robust backbone of powerful rock, a fusion that might remind listeners of a less heavy version of Tool. Over seven tracks and a total runtime of 43 minutes, the album presents a compelling mixture of complex harmonies and unusual time signatures, ensuring each song remains distinct and engaging. The interplay of different atmospheres throughout the album provides a stimulating dynamic.

Despite being their first album, it showcases a mature sound and a well-developed musical identity. For fans of progressive rock looking for something both familiar and refreshingly new, this album is a must-listen.

Each member of Intimate Plan contributes to the album's diverse sound, from the grounded, rhythmical precision of Ivan on drums and Michael on bass, to the layered textures provided by Phil on guitar and piano, Giuseppe on lead guitar, and Chris's evocative vocals. Their collective effort results in a multifaceted work that invites listeners on an emotional journey, encompassing feelings of sadness, joy, lethargy, devotion, doubt, and self-confidence. The band's distinctive style, characterized by their blending of spherical sounds with grounded rock elements, ensures that "A Surfacing Life" stands out in the prog genre.

"A Surfacing Life" is a very impressive debut for Intimate Plan. The album demonstrates the band's unique vision of music, successfully balancing technical proficiency with atmospheric depth. Despite being their first album, it showcases a mature sound and a well-developed musical identity. For fans of progressive rock looking for something both familiar and refreshingly new, this album is a must-listen. With no weak tracks to speak of, Intimate Plan has set a high bar for themselves and the genre as a whole.

Prog Radio is happy to be playing several of the tracks from this album in our rotation and look for them to be featured in Monday's and Tuesday’s “What’s New Proggy Cats?” show.

4.5 Stars