Single Review : CS-135 “1000 Excuses”

Single Review : CS-135 “1000 Excuses”

There is plenty to appreciate in “1000 Excuses”, the latest single from Swiss progressive metal project CS-135. Built around dark melodies, intricate arrangements and a solid progressive backbone, the track has an undeniable Dream Theater influence, particularly in its riffing, which sometimes sounds like a more melodic and refined interpretation of that familiar formula.

However, we would have loved to hear a little more originality and daring in the songwriting. Progressive metal should be about pushing boundaries, not simply demonstrating technical excellence. Especially nowadays, when the genre has explored so many territories, it's worth taking a few risks and daring to sound different.

Production is another area that deserves attention. In this genre, power, clarity and definition play a crucial role, and the mix falls just a little short of delivering the impact these compositions deserve. Hopefully, a future release will give the music the sonic treatment it needs.

On the positive side, the female vocals are an excellent choice, bringing character and emotion without falling into predictable territory. The interplay between guitars, bass and keyboards is well executed, and the instrumental section gives the musicians plenty of room to shine.

Special mention goes to that devastating guitar solo: technically impressive, expressive and easily one of the track's biggest highlights.

CS-135 clearly has the musicianship and compositional skills. Now, we'd love to hear them take a few more chances, find their own distinctive voice and deliver a full-length album with a truly powerful production. The potential is definitely there!

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