More than a decade of trials and tribulations in a vibrant Long Island music landscape ultimately brought these musicians together with a common goal. The union of GLASS LUNGS is the desire for something more. The band formed in January of 2015 and released two early singles, "Acquiesce" and "Echoing" before filming a video for "The Migrant Wind" in 2016. Recording alongside producers Mike Watts and Frank Mitaritonna, GLASS LUNGS release their 10-track debut album, "Impermanence."

"Acquiesce" has a soft opening, leading to a sound that is somewhere in the fine lines between Indie and Post Rock, but with easy to understand harmonies and suggestive vocals. The whole of the song has a melancholy feel and a personal connection to the listener. "From the Wayside" has more open melodies that are easy to grasp. There is a bit of THE CURE vibe here for me at times, and this would make a great singe to showcase the album. Henson's vocals are very expressive and really a good part of the ingredients that are key to the sound. Part pensive and part heart felt lamenting, he shows a good understanding of the power that they have to couple with his audience. "Monolith" has subtle melodies shrouded in an air of mystery. They dial up some ambient moments that help to accent the one that are more wide open. The guitars, bass, and drums hold down a heavier bottom end at times here as well.

"Casting Stones" reminds me of the softer side of the band SAOSIN. Besides the mournful sound that runs throughout, there are moments of the triumph of the human spirit, asserted in proclamation in the vocals. "Eyes of the Abyss (Part 1)" is more contemplative and pensive in nature; almost a reflection of what you see in the mirror quarreling with what you feel inside yourself. There are some brief moments of rage and others of despair. "Wasteland" is the shortest on the album, at just over three minutes. It moves with a bit of a swing, but remains pretty barren and doleful, as a wasteland would...an area where hopes cannot enter. "Firewalker (Part 2)" opens with a hearty riff but settles into a somber experience. The song heats up and cools off along the way, with a sort of push and pull that seem to reflect the ups and downs of what we experience in life each day.

"Empire" has a great soundscape. Dark elements and suspenseful guitar notes combine with ethereal vocals in an accessible sound that is easy to follow. It builds to a raging crescendo at the end; a final cry if you will. "Foreign Bodies" opens with some fuzzy bass lines. The sound in the verses is subdued, making for a bigger impact in the chorus. Some spacey atmospheric elements bubble in the background. It's an eclectic mix of things that give the song a bit if a veiled identity. The title track closes the album, at over seven minutes in length. There are some more things going on her than in some of the other tracks. Some Progressive elements dissolve into the instrumentation, as it moves along in what can feel like zero gravity at times. Enjoy the ride here, as it will take you over various painted skies and landscapes.

This album was a bit out of my wheelhouse, so at least it makes for a more objective review, because I haven't really encountered anything quite like it before. At the core, good music should have melody, texture, weight, transitions and sometimes, surprises. Post, Indie, Melancholic, Proggy? All of the above? "Yes" is the easy answer, but doesn't really sum it up as neatly as it should. I hear a lot of elements working together on the album...some 80's influence and some modern techniques...it was an introspective and very personal sound and an enjoyable listen overall.