SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: ENVY OF NONE – STYGIAN WAVZ

ENVY OF NONE
STYGIAN WAVZ
KSCOPE

Since the 2000s, there have been many fantastic rock supergroups, such as A Perfect Circle, Audioslave, The Dead Weather, Them Crooked Vultures, and Velvet Revolver. These bands shattered expectations and have given us some unbelievably exhilarating rock songs. Envy Of None is another rock supergroup worthy of being in the same conversation as these bands. Envy Of None consists of Alex Lifeson (Rush), Andy Curran (Coney Hatch and Soho 69), singer-songwriter Maiah Wynne, and accomplished producer and engineer Alfio Annibalini. Their highly anticipated sophomore album, Stygian Wavz, is some of the best rock music you will hear all year.

Wynne is one of the best voices in rock right now. Throughout the record, her voice is commanding, powerful, and full of raw emotion. In “The Story”, Wynne’s hypnotically evocative vocals is backed by gorgeously haunting instrumentation. Alternatively, Wynne’s voice in “Handle With Care” and “Under The Stars” is majestically transcendent. Lastly, Wynne’s charmingly cool swagger, energetic attitude, and top-notch vocal delivery in the eerily catchy and rousingly anthemic “Not Dead Yet” is gloriously radiant.

Lifeson is one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time. With Rush, he gave us plenty of timeless, legendary riffs. His work in Envy Of None is not as ‘front and center’ as it was with Rush, but he still hammers out several amazing guitar riffs. His guitar work in “The End” is stunningly enchanting and richly atmospheric. On the other hand, the explosively electrifying and hard-rocking guitar solo of “Clouds” will leave you speechless. Meanwhile, with “Not Dead Yet”, Lifeson delivers some deliciously dark and mysteriously atmospheric guitar riffs and solos.

“Thrill Of The Chase” and “Stygian Waves” are the two standout tracks from the record. Every band member brought their ‘A game’ in “Thrill Of The Chase”, with the main highlights being the crafty guitar riffs, extremely funky rhythm, and the groovy and bouncy outro. Wynne’s vocals are outstanding as, too. It is such a blast of a song. “Stygian Waves” is undoubtedly the most ambitious track on the record. It draws influences from various genres and styles, making it very intriguing. It is incredibly cinematic, wildly energetic, features some intensely gripping instrumentation and Wynne’s chants are a delight.

Overall, Envy Of None’s Stygian Wavz is a rock masterpiece guaranteed to appeal to any rock fan.

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