This is the seventh album from US progressive rock band Elder.
Following on from 2022’s Innate Passage now comes the 54-minute Through Zero. Elder have put together a sprawling new record that twists and turns with a life of its own. This is a record that’s worth abandoning extremity for, bathing instead in its heart of gloriously warm heavy rock.
Through Zero is an album of psychedelic exploration and deep progressive textures. It has the feel of a 70s prog odyssey, but delivered with contemporary skill and combined with an immersive psych rock workout. The six songs offer up a richly intricate journey, one that Elder are more than capable of taking the listener on.
Losing yourself in Through Zero‘s labyrinthine constructions is easy, but can you find your way out again? That’s the question, and the challenge. To be honest, why would you want to when Elder have crafted such an absorbing collection of tracks? This is an entire world, one that’s breezily captivating.
The music is laid-back, yet never stops moving. It’s a fertile landscape, blessed with an abundance of gifts as it unravels across its running time. The record is an ocean of progressive and psychedelic depth, sweeping the listener away in waves of churning, frothing rock goodness. With pulsing bass and guitars that just don’t stop, it’s difficult not to get carried away by Elder’s effortless grasp of their chosen art.
This is a classic prog/psych rock album through and through, created through a modern lens – bold, electrifying, self-assured, and transportive. It is, quite simply, hugely enjoyable. Through Zero is a great record, one that positively demands the listener takes the time to explore and experience over and over again.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 