The Way Forward is the third studio album by Canadian instrumental progressive metal band Intervals. The album was self-released on December 1, 2017. It was produced by Aaron Marshall, Cameron McLellan and Simon Grove.[4][5][6]
| The Way Forward | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | December 1, 2017 | |||
| Length | 37:17 | |||
| Label | Self-released | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| Intervals chronology | ||||
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| Singles from The Way Forward | ||||
Critical reception
edit| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Distorted Sound | 7/10[7] |
| Exclaim! | 7/10[8] |
| Heavy Blog Is Heavy | Positive[9] |
| Louder Sound |   [10] |
| Prog | Positive[11] |
The album received generally positive reviews from music critics. Distorted Sound scored the album 7 out of 10 and said: "The Way Forward is a joy to listen to. It conjures and evokes feelings and emotions of pleasant memories long past, of fun and simplicity. It is an excellent instrumental record, if one simply seeks vibrant melodies and upbeat rhythms. However, there is no challenge. There is no conflict to the music. There is no push to something new. And as such, it ultimately may not be a particularly memorable record. It evokes much in the way of pleasant memories, but one may not remember this album in the years to come."[7]
Lukas Wojcicki of Exclaim! gave it 7 out of 10 and said: "The Way Forward sits contentedly in one spot for its half-hour runtime — a runtime that works to the advantage of Intervals, though, as the experience is short, sweet, and comfortable. The tones are well-crafted, the technicality is impressive without seeming self-indulgent, the mix is pleasant to the ear, and the guitars sparkle and sing... but we already knew that."[8] Louder Sound gave the album a positive review and stated: "Aaron's musical abilities are supreme, but he falls short as a memorable songwriter, the best records of this ilk creating distinct narratives akin to the best movie soundtracks. There's plenty to love in The Way Forward's technicolour tapestries, but he's still behind the pack leaders."[10]
Track listing
edit| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Touch and Go" | Aaron Marshall | 4:21 |
| 2. | "Impulsively Responsible" | Marshall | 3:53 |
| 3. | "A Different Light" | Marshall | 4:35 |
| 4. | "By Far and Away" |
| 4:08 |
| 5. | "Belvedere" | Marshall | 5:24 |
| 6. | "Rubicon Artist" |
| 4:39 |
| 7. | "The Waterfront" | Marshall | 4:43 |
| 8. | "Leave No Stone" | Marshall | 5:30 |
| Total length: | 37:17 | ||
Personnel
editIntervals
- Aaron Marshall – guitars, production
Additional musicians
- Nathan Bulla – drums, percussion
- Owane – keyboards, sound design
Additional personnel
- Cameron McLellan – production, engineering, bass
- Simon Grove – co-production, mixing
- Phil Hotz – engineering, music assistance
- Ermin Hamidovic – mastering
- Tim Grove – artwork, design concept
References
edit- ^ "Intervals Announce New Album The Way Forward, Debut "Touch And Go"". ThePRP. October 23, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Intervals Streaming Debut "By Far And Away"". ThePRP. November 3, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Audio stream: Intervals – "Rubicon Artist"". Metalnerd. November 29, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Intervals announce new album 'The Way Forward', release new song and tour dates". The Rockpit. October 25, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ Slingerland, Calum (October 23, 2017). "Intervals to Chart 'The Way Forward' on New Album". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Intervals Offer New Shreddy Instru-metal Track, Announce New Album, The Way Forward". Metal Injection. October 24, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ a b Jones, Henry (November 30, 2017). "ALBUM REVIEW: The Way Forward – Intervals". Distorted Sound. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ a b Wojcicki, Lukas (December 1, 2017). "Intervals The Way Forward". Exclaim!. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ "Intervals – The Way Forward". Heavy Blog Is Heavy. January 16, 2018. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ a b O'Boyle, Tom (January 3, 2018). "Intervals - The Way Forward album review". Louder Sound. Retrieved May 8, 2023.
- ^ Lynham, Alex (December 18, 2017). "Intervals - The Way Forward album review". Prog. Retrieved May 8, 2023.