Release Date: March 14, 2025
Label: KScope
Website: https://envyofnone.com/
The second album from his band, Envy of None, Stygian Wavz, was released in January of this year. This unique album, which I had the pleasure of reviewing in its half-speed master vinyl LP format, is a must-listen for any music enthusiast.
Envy Of None Are:
Alf Annibalini – Guitar, Keyboards, Programming
Andy Curran – Bass Guitar, Background Vocals, Guitar, Programming
Alex Lifeson- Guitar, Mandola, Oud, Programming
Maiah Wynne – Lead Vocals, Background Vocals, Keyboards
Besides some of the names you may be familiar with, this band has a member who stands out clearly as one of its stars: the lead vocalist, Maiah Wynne. Her breathy, atmospheric vocal style adds ambient sound layers to their diverse offerings on this magnificent recording. I call it progressive ambient rock. That does not explain everything you will hear on Stygian Wavz.
I will provide the breakdown, and you can listen to the stream and decide for yourself what you want to call it; however, the bottom line is that this is excellent music.
Side one opens with "Not Dead Yet." It is a powerful choice of words for a title. A great opening bass line sets the tone for the album, accompanied by atmospheric music and vocals. Alex gets heavy with his guitar work, then reverts to more tasteful notes. Various cool synth sounds fill the space, accompanied by excellent drumming.
"The Story" explodes with fuzzy, chunky chords flying off Alex's strings. The music has a driving feel, with the synth and lower tones fluttering away, and it provides numerous transitions— a feature you become accustomed to in every song. As they range from subtle nuances to driving rhythms and echoing guitar sounds, Maiah's vocals are a constant complement, regardless of the music's direction. That thread weaves its way throughout this listen and is a credit to this lady's incredible talents. The layering of the music is genius, and Alex constantly reminds you of his greatness with the various instruments at his command.
"Under The Stars" features a different intro this time, which is subdued with a prominent bass line. Guitars with effects are highly effective in complementing the lyrics. Some great leads come again from Alex, which are short and sweet, then they return to the core of the composition's sound. A special treat is Joe Vitale on drums (he was on some of the great early Joe Walsh solo albums).
"Thrill Of The Chase" is a total departure from the previous sounds, as the drums provide the opening door to an upbeat, fast-moving number. Once again, they alternate between rapid movements and a slower tempo, incorporating more subtle layers to keep things interesting. There are always many different sounds interspersed with this music, making it a complete track with a lot going on to take in. Steady bass and drums always provide a solid foundation for the other instruments. Alex offers a retro sound on his guitar around ¾ of the way into the song. It reminded me of the 1960s.
"Handle With Care" brings the sound of the digital age to your speakers, featuring a computer-generated voice that floats over ambient layers, accompanied by driving bass and drums, and silky-smooth vocals that complete the sound. As side one closes out, you have heard something different in every track, so get ready for more when you flip the LP.
Side two opens with "That Was Then," and we are off to a good start, and all signs are pointing to a continuation of excellence. The sound reminded me of late 80s Bowie —a danceable, industrial kind of sound. The drum rhythms are key here. It's a sound with a definitive edge to it. Alex comes in with a bluesy guitar run to give some more flavor and spice.
"Raindrops" features another sonic shift, with a funky bass and guitar that complement the vocals, which float beautifully over the top. Background vocals by Maiah provide yet another layer of ambiance to the mix. The ever-shifting music is brilliant.
"New Trip" brings some country-inflected notes to the mix, once again surprising the listener with their seemingly endless resource of influences and sounds. The rhythm section laid down a soft carpet of a backbeat for those amazing vocals to float upon. Echoing soft guitar lines are gorgeous and fill all the space perfectly, as the vocals consistently enhance their sound and change.
"Clouds" of ambient textures, accompanied by gentle piano and synths, with nicely placed guitar, provide emphasis on the fullness of their music and tastefulness. Maiah's vocals are superb, and she also reaches some higher range on this one, particularly towards the end when the guitar cuts loose. They do rock enough throughout, but are equally adept at flipping the script during this album.
"The End" begins with a reflective introduction that seamlessly transitions into their excellent layered sound, featuring some nice picking from Alex. The synth in the background keeps pace as the drums and bass provide their usual excellence. Mesmerizing sounds and vocals are their forte, and they take you to dreamland within each track.
"Stygian Waves" begins with a rock-solid bass line and understated guitar, then undergoes a significant change (no surprise there) as it accelerates in tempo with the keys. The amazing vocals and elements of Middle Eastern influences abound. An avalanche of sound pours down on you, then a short reprieve, then back again with some powerful wordless vocals. It's like a musical rollercoaster, catching you off guard at every turn, much like the unexpected reunion between Jimmy Page and Robert Plant in 1994 and the sound on No Quarter. It's an incredible way to close out this recording with something so different and fresh.
In conclusion, Stygian Wavz is a monumental achievement of musical art and diversity. I must give credit to Alex Lifeson for keeping the creative fires burning after Rush disbanded. I know I didn't mention the rhythm section by name (although it appears that the drums were programmed in). However, their importance is no less than the two stars out front. Alf Annibalini and Andy Curran are the two parts that make up the whole, forming a musical entity.
These four extremely talented individuals have recorded one of the albums of 2025 that will never be forgotten.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-TFOV Founder
May 17, 2025
Tracks:
Side A:
Not Dead Yet [03:29]
The Story [04:41]
Under The Stars [04:32]
Thrill Of The Chase [03:40]
Handle With Care [04:14]
Side B:
That Was Then [03:46]
Raindrops [03:33]
New Trip [03:55]
Clouds [04:02]
The End [03:58]
Stygian Waves [03:37]
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