Artist: Subject To Thoughts Album: From Sunrise to Sunset (2008) Label: Private Release Website: http://www.subjecttothoughts.com Reviewer: Bill Knispel

Track List: CD 1: 1. From Sunrise To Sunset 2. Staring Into The Sky 3. The Light Seen 4. A Sign in Belief 5. The Peaceful Serenade 6. Closer to Salvation 7. Whisper 8. Into The Horizon 9. The Morning Emerges 10. Beneath the Questions 11. Revelation to the Answer It’s been two years since I’ve had the opportunity to listen to new material from Subject to Thoughts, the band formed by Mark Mendietta to release his compositions. Mendietta is joined on this latest release by Pennsylvania based singer/guitarist Brandon Strader, whose solos add a new instrumental voice to the mix while his vocals greatly strengthen the weakest link in the band’s mix. From Sunrise to Sunset is the third part in a lengthy concept piece. Carrying on from 2005’s From Emptiness to Beyond and 2006’s To Embrace the Light, From Sunrise to Sunset sees many of the band’s stylistic influences remaining intact (Dream Theater, Opeth, Katatonia and My Dying Bride) while adding in sounds that seem more typical of the post-rock genre. It may be trendy to make comparisons to groups like Radiohead (especially as Radiohead is a commercially successful group, and a darling of the underground and progressive music scenes despite this success), but there are a number of moments throughout this release that would not sound out of place on a Radiohead release like Kid A or Amnesiac. Mendietta’s compositions retain their moody, dark feel while adding in more electronic elements that weren’t as prevalent on earlier releases. From Sunrise to Sunset opens with the album’s title track. It is also the longest piece on this album, clocking in at just under twelve minutes (the ten other tracks on the album range from four and a half minutes to just over nine minutes). I’m struck right from the opening by the changes in the band, as layered vocals work particularly well from the opening moments of this piece. A short vocal section gives way to a particularly nice little guitar solo, and it’s obvious that things have changed in the world of Subject to Thoughts. This is the sound of a band that has grown and matured from release to release, and the growth and evolution in playing, arranging, and singing, is shown off here in a particularly strong manner. This is followed by “Staring Into the Sky,” a deceptive title judging by the dark opening section. Instrumentally, this would not sound out of place as soundtrack music for a TV series like Tales from the Darkside (and lest anyone thing I am being sarcastic, let me say that particular TV series was one of my ‘must see’ shows of its era), while vocals continue to be stronger than on past releases. The Radiohead influence I mentioned earlier comes to the fore a bit on “The Light Seen,” which to my ears sounds like a heavier cousin of songs like “How to Disappear Completely.” “A Sign in Belief” opens with a quick snare rhythm, which leads into thick, overdriven arpeggios and quietly pulsing bass guitar. As a whole this piece may be one of the brightest on the album, and even at that, there’s a palpable darkness pulsing like a heart at the center of this song. I’m not sure that “The Peaceful Serenade” is actually a serenade, yet musically it’s nicely restrained and preciously constructed, while the inclusion of spoken vocals barely rising above the music adds a touch of spookiness that only increases the musical tension. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t single out the opening of “Whisper” for attention, with an ominous single bass note growling like some primordial beast under some of the most ludicly dark music on this release. The long instrumental ride-out on “Beneath the Questions,” broken up once by quiet, almost spoken vocals, is one highlight for me. The repetitive backing beat and darkly chiming guitar create a nice foundation for overdriven, fuzzed arpeggios intoning a dark melody. This is followed by the gentle, sparsely orchestrated opening of the album’s final track, “Revelation to the Answer.” The synth flute sounds reasonably natural, soaring over a quiet piano line and additional synth strings. Two minutes in, the mood radically changes, heavy guitars and a stomping beat taking the pace of placid calmness. These mood shifts repeat through the track, keeping the listener involved in the song as it develops and moves forward. It’s a bit of a risky choice as an album closer, but I think it pulls off the task well. Mix-wise, From Sunrise to Sunset is a bit of a step beyond the band’s previous release as well. While I’ll continue to maintain that there’s less space than I would prefer in the mix, a greater sense of dynamics adds texture and variety to the tracks. Quiet moments sound and feel quiet naturally, allowing heavier sections to sound all the more powerful. Mendietta’s orchestrations also breathe just a touch more. This is definitely a step in the right direction. Likewise, handing over the majority of vocal duties to Brandon Strader really helps; his voice sounds sufficiently world weary and forlorn, matching the morose, somber music particularly well. Overall, From Sunrise to Sunset is several steps forward and in the right direction, showing a group growing and evolving from release to release. The band’s strengths (solid composition, powerfully evoked mood, excellent instrumental playing) continue to shine, while previously criticised weaknesses have been greatly shored up. While I found myself unable to unequivocally recommend 2006’s To Embrace the Light, I have no issues recommending this newest release. If you like your prog with a slice of darkness on the side, then this is a band well worth checking out. Sample them at their website, then pick up a copy of From Sunrise to Sunset. Band Members: Mark Mendietta – guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, vocals Brandon Strader – main vocals, guitar solos