The fact that Fates Warning will not be releasing any new music from now on, as their mastermind and founder Jim Matheos said (let’s hope he reconsiders), did not stop him from working with his buddy and FW vocalist Ray Alder again. There’s a good chemistry between them, and it’s obvious when you listen to Fates Warning and this new band called North Sea Echoes. Of course, there would be no point in releasing an album reminiscent of Fates Warning, so they put out something more experimental and ambient… something that will take some time for die-hard FW fans to catch on to.
The debut album “Really Good Terrible Things” is a hauntingly beautiful journey through melancholic soundscapes and introspective lyrics. The blend of atmospheric, art rock, prog rock, pop rock, ambient, electronic, and alternative elements is nothing short of wonderful. The melancholic tone in combination with Ray’s evocative vocals creates a dreamlike atmosphere that is irresistible due to its melodic and atmospheric style. Even though the album is more laid-back and not for every part of the day, that doesn’t mean you can’t revel in it, especially during the night. The production is polished, rich, and crystal clear. The songwriting and musicianship are impressive, with intricate guitar work and expressive vocal harmonies. This may evoke a sense of bittersweet nostalgia.
One of the most striking aspects of “Really Good Terrible Things” is its emotional depth. Particularly noteworthy are Alder’s thoughtful lyrics and vocals, which convey a sensitivity and emotional intensity that enhance each song. This is not just an album that has a few hits and that’s it. It’s an album that you have to dive into and feel with all your senses to fully understand it. It definitely needs time and repeated listening, especially at night.
“Really Good Terrible Things” is a truly captivating and emotional album that will touch the soul of any listener who appreciates well-crafted, resonant music. Sometimes melancholy can be rather attractive.
