Reviewed by Paul S Ganney

The Richmond, Virginia-based band offer interesting riffs and musical textures with powerful and lyrical vocals. What more could you want? Some of the musical structures are a bit prog-rock (which sat very well with me but may not with a solid hardcore audience), some of the riffs might grace a Marillion album (the riffs on "Infinite Scale" are lovely, courtesy of guitarist Joe McElroy), but the drums and bass wouldn't. Neither would the power (ie, guttural) male vocals. The interplay between the two vocalists (the other is a gentler female one with Celtic overtones) reminded me a bit of Amaranthe mixed with Anathema, especially when Ben Trussell sang instead, eg, on "Shepherd's Hymn" and "Underground Queen" - two tracks where it really does all come together, making Laura McElroy's vocals sound a full equal to Ben's. Elsewhere she does sound a bit lost at times. Lyrically Comrades chronicle the confusion, frustration, loss, gratefulness, growth and elation all found when the human condition collides with the living God. 'Lone/Grey' is an album that bears listening to more than once with the best tracks being towards the end of the set. Ben Trussell has now left the group. It will be interesting to see where Comrades' next album takes them. In the meantime, 'Lone/Grey' is worth investigating particularly the best track, "Infinite Scale".

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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