Album Details

• Artist: Stellar Vector
• Album: Flock Of Cowards
• Label: n/a
• Year of Release: 2009
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: archelon on 2010-02-12

Stellar Vector have morphed themselves into a deep and meaningful band over recent times and with two previous releases behind them they embark on the journey towards their full-length debut - 'A Flock of Cowards'. The 5-piece post-modern-prog-electro rock band have certainly learned a lot from those, too - the finished piece delivers on many levels.

Genre-wise it flits from one thing to another - sometimes it's electronic and heavily synth-based, other times it's rocky and heavy. "Buffalo Jump" is listeners' first impressions of Stellar Vector and it begins with some classic metal power chords but somehow they aren't played in a metal-y way - it's lighter and feels more agile and it piques your interest immediately. The opener develops into a layered, melodic rock tune and is a very satisfying introduction.

"Lacking Self Control" is more experimental and quite proggy but equally enjoyable and even a little toe-tapping. The melodies are spot on and the vocals are even better, Charles Sadler veering between a heavy ominous drone and expansive, soaring lines that really get into your head. You couldn't sing it back afterwards mind you, but it's there nonetheless. "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" makes heavier use of some 80's synths which jst work. I have no idea HOW, because by all rights some of the combinations Stellar Vector use should sound God-awful. But they work.

"A Flock of Cowards" is a cascading musical pick 'n mix - and Stellar Vector seem the type who just grab handfuls and work with whatever random flavours they get. Which, let's face it, is precisely the enjoyment. Add into that recipe a little good judgement and folks, we have a winner. 

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