Cyrenic, originating in Maryland, is the offspring of one man: Brian Zuckerman. Following the release of his second album, “A New Meaning,” Brian formed a five-piece band to join him live on stage. With all the layering he creates musically, he almost has to get help performing.

Cyrenic’s album  Dying To Live  starts out with “The Mind Leading The Mind” which has such a forceful intro it could blow your hair back. Beginning with midi undertones, it surprises you once the bass hits. It’s almost like he was building a sandwich using each instrument as a piece of meat all one-by-one; rhythm guitars, then drums, bass, and lead guitar to top it all off. The title “The Mind Leading The Mind” is a great play on words, like “the blind leading the blind.” I had to listen to the bridge a few times because I wish it lasted longer. It’s such a mean breakdown, cutting out for a split second in its madness just in time for him to say “shh.” Such a perfect little twist.

Track two, “Scars Align,” made me appreciate the artistry of percussion more than usual. The tightness of the double bass with the guitars is fantastic. With the simultaneous cymbal crashes I can imagine in my head the drum stick spins for live shows. These drums riffs are something that make you want to scream, tense up, and clench your fists. Exactly the kind of feeling that belongs to heavy rock.

“A Killer To Save Us” and “Nothing To Give” (songs 3 and 4) slow things down without bringing your adrenaline rush to a complete halt. The grittiness  stays, but the emotions get deeper and the guitar solos speak to you in a sweeter way. Their approach to keep the same overall feel to this album was done remarkably well.

One thing I love about Cyrenic is Brian’s vocal ability. When listening and reviewing their last album, I was more than impressed with his falsetto. I again got the ear candy I was hoping for. During “Halo”, around the :54 mark, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. The prime example hits at the 3:26 mark on “Fighting Destiny.” Not many male vocalists, or even rock vocalists for that matter, can go falsetto and sound good while doing it. Brian’s capabilities are dramatic, influential, and inspiring.

“Built Of Sand” begins with a somewhat happy/pop guitar solo, but in a split second the song transitions into something dark. Just when you think it’s going to stay that way, it goes back to happy, even uplifting. The contrast in this song really doesn’t sound so great written down, but once you hear the actual chord progressions, it’s really unique. Honestly, it’s one of the coolest ways I’ve heard a song written and composed in a long time. Because of that, it’s my favorite song on this album, hands down.

A very eerie keyboard intro hits towards the end of the album on track 8, “The Wolf Who Cried Boy.” A cool change-up that’s really captivating. I found myself hitting the rewind button on this one too.

The further I got into listening to this album, I noticed it’s a bit heavier compared to their last. In my opinion, the rawness and intensity fits Brian’s voice like a glove. “Dying To Live” shows that Cyrenic continues to grow bigger in their sound from one song to the next. This is one talented band to keep an eye out for.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bailey Music literally runs through my veins. I’m a DJ at a rock radio station in Springfield, MO. Have a Bachelors in Entertainment Management from Missouri State University. Been playing guitar since age 12. About to release a new album with my band Paper Anchors. Love animals. A little obsessed with my cat, Capo. Love longboarding and days at the park. And always love discovering new music that no one knows about.

1. Reviewer

   Keith Pereira says

   April 25, 2012, 11:59 am

   Bailey, thank you for your recent reviews of both “A New Meaning” and “Dying To Live”. We will have much more coming soon. Keep listening!

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