Justin Hulford

A trip into an album that states it is the story of a Rabbit Kingdom shouldn’t be undertaken lightly. It is very difficult not to start with very strong preconceptions and I think the ramblings of the concept could be too much for some.

Musically this is a real feast. Driving rhythms provide a back drop for a beautiful lazy guitar at the start of opener “Disloyal” but I’m not convinced by the vocal and would preferred it to be deeper or higher, just not where it is.

When the music returns to the fore it is another subtle short solo and the returning, screaming voice again needs more variety. Guttural growls followed by full on screams would have worked much better for me.

It is clear that the musicians have a high level of technical skill but they are in the shadows for much of this. They get the limelight for the start of songs and for some passages but deserve more. Vocals on the delightfully titled “Choke Faint Drown” are much better with a deeper melancholic tone (and some growls) but I can’t help feeling they are blocking my access to the musical glories beneath.

It’s odd as I’m not the biggest fan of instrumental rock and metal, especially when it is progressive, but in this case I would happily do without the vocal. The album continues as a musical delight but the vocal is hit and miss. The standard voice of Clay Withrow clearly isn’t for me. When he diverts his style, often when characterising some of the lyrics, it is a much better experience.

I get the impression that Van Gough is effectively the Clay Withrow solo with a band. Their bio talks of the other members being the “current lineup” and Withrow is credited with vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards. So I doubt anyone dares comment on his vocal style. I just feel he needs to cut loose more as he begins to on “Drained” to great effect.

This is still well worth checking out for the music and you might not be as picky as me about the vocal.

16/20