India's own LUCID RECESS is proud to present their third album, "Alive and Aware." It's been five years since this Alternative Rock/Progressive Rock band released an album, and "Alive and Aware" contains eleven new tracks. "Deep Dead End" leads off the album. It has a delicate and reserved sound, with plenty of texture, allowing the longed vocals to take center stage. Guitar notes ring in the background, adding complexity to the piece. "Wireless Junkies" is fueled by a nimble bass riff and supporting instruments that are peaceful in nature, at least until the chorus, where the sound explodes with deep melodies. "Madness" is a really interesting track. Bright at times but with a downtrodden thread running through it, the vocals are spacey and emotional.

"Metamorphosis" is the first track that hits you head on. There is a variety of time meters shifting to and fro. The 5/4 time meter is really difficult to pull off, but they do it with ease. The heaviness of the song is probably the thing that sticks with you the most. "Time Walk" has a bit of a retro sounding riff, just distorted enough to call it Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, and drop tuned enough for it to fit in the Alternative category, but it is shrouded in mystery overall, kind of like a coiled snake that you don't see your foot headed directly over. "What Made this Burn" is more tender in nature, like an ode to a lost relationship or hard times. The eerie guitar solo that bounces out of key at times further encapsulates the unusual sound. "Island" is another track with prominent bass work. I really like the way it pushes the sound forward while the guitars augment instead of taking over. Being at an uninhabited tropical destination is about exactly what I picture as this song plays. "Changes are Sold" features some really varied instrumentation and interconnecting parts that are almost too many to understand, yet the combination of all of them somehow creates a unified sound that you can reach out and grab.

"Sphere of Nothingness" is a ten-minute closer. It's a slower more lumbering song that breathes deeply and with meaning. Overall, "Alive and Aware" is a really unique ride. It's nearly impossible to have a basis of comparison from other bands within this musical style. They have really created a product that it completely their own. I do think that the combination of Alternative Rock and Progressive Rock fits what I have heard on the album, but trying to come up with the mathematical integer where it falls exactly is fruitless, to the chagrin of this "Prog Snob" who feels the need to label everything perfectly fittingly. I will say that they brought about nine courses of food to this meal here. Their musicianship and timing are impeccable. Rich, luminous and complex, it leaves a lasting impression that I have no doubt you will enjoy thoroughly.