From their Bandcamp page, COMBINATOR melds Melodic Progressive Metal, Synth-Funk, soulful vocals, and glitchy breakbeat electronica into a dizzying, post-futurist dreamscape. Schizophrenic, yet born of an overall cohesive vision, the outfit is at once funky and ornate; the auditory distillation of one man - Sean Fairchild's - wildest melodic hallucinations. The album contains six tracks.

"Guest in Your Own Skin" opens the album. It begins with a funky little beat along with some thick bass notes and some electronica. The vocals are smooth and easy while tense tones build in the background. It stays like this until the end, when the pace quickens. "Things That Should Be" begins with more meaty bass notes and some vocal harmonies. The funky tones are increased into a thick soup of sorts, but the vocals are a little pitchy here. The sound shifts after the half-way mark into more melodies. The music is pretty well constructed. "Hide and Seek" opens with dreamy melodies in the vocals, along with some keys. The melodies are more straightforward and easy to digest.

"Respira (Jesse Holt Club Mix)" is another smooth and easy offering high in melody. The opening tones are lush and charming amidst the bed of electronica. Through its three minutes, you feel cleansed after listening. "Respira (Jesse Holt Chili Mix)" closes the album. More of those pretty tones hit you in the opening. Atmosphere builds here...alluring and delightful. Close your eyes and let it whisk you away to a warm place far from the reaches of man. Bask in the glory of your own private island.

When you consider Progressive music in general, by its very nature you never know what you might get. This was an interesting album. Although the first two tracks were heavier, the final four were dialed back to smooth and whimsical offerings that were quite beautiful. The "schizophrenic" tag line at the beginning was pretty accurate. But, I don't think the album was cohesive in the conventional definition. This was a pleasant listening experience that had potential to be more.Purchase Link:

https://combinator.bandcamp.com/album/re-combinator