It always makes me smile to see an album release with so many band connections within it. The new Head With Wings record is probably their best yet, you’ll recognize various names attached to it. The album is called Without Intervention, and it released on October 20th.
Head With Wings has been at it for over a decade now. You may remember my reviews for Comfort in Illusion and From Worry to Shame, so I’ve been talking about them for a few years thus far. I actually first encountered vocalist Joshua Corum in a school project with Frank Sacramone of Earthside back in 2011; it was called Burning Sideways and they released one album, Feet of Clay. It was a terrific album, in my opinion, so track it down if you can. Anyways, the current lineup for Head With Wings is Mike Short on drums, Brandon Cousino on guitars, and Joshua Corum on vocals. You will recognize Vikram Shankar as a guest on keys and orchestrations, and Frank Sacramone helped with production.
This band rides the line between progressive rock and alternative rock. There are elements of indie, art, and psychedelic rock in their sound, and I might even say punk, too. Josh’s vocals have always reminded me of 90s alt rock, such as Soul Asylum, for some reason. I would say that this album “rocks” more than any they have produced, and it is probably the catchiest and most fascinating work they’ve done, too.
Adding Vikram on keys and orchestrations is always a great idea, and he adds so much depth and even cinema to this album. But that’s honestly not what sold me here; it is the raw lyrics, groovy guitar rhythms, and well-conceived album structure that have really impressed me. I like how the album is only 35 minutes long with 8 tracks, two of which are minute-long interludes—beautiful ones, at that. This gives us three sets of two songs, and it feels so intentional. It flows so satisfyingly.
The first couple tracks are really good. “The Dream Broker” has a terrific, irreverent hook, and I find myself singing it often. “Task of Breathing” is something of a slow burn, being very close and personal, but the second half has some swelling, rising melodies that I love. The next set is “Galaxy” and “Comfort in Illusion”, and they are both great, too. The former is sort of sparkling and bright and instantly attractive, hence it being the single. The latter is the longest song on the album, and I remember it primarily because of how great the drumming and chorus are.
The final set of songs is the best, though. “Three Months” is a gorgeous tune with lovely piano and some low-key moments, but those things are contrasted with some raw and powerful vocals and guitars. It’s a song that knows how to use the loud/soft dynamic well. Finally, “Absolute Zero” is a fantastic closer with its synth edge and vocal harmonies; I love how it burgeons and swirls for a few minutes before giving us a searing and spacey ending. In fact, the last couple minutes are probably the best on the album.
Head With Wings keeps getting better, and I’m here for it. Without Intervention is a smartly organized, rhythmically-gifted record that sounds wonderful and sports layers of beauty. Give it a try!
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Find Head With Wings online:
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The PROG Mind 