Detailed Reviews [Great Wide Nothing - 2020 - "Hymns for Hungry Spirits", Vol. I]

Prolusion. US band GREAT WIDE NOTHING is a fairly recent addition to the progressive rock scene in the US. They started to become a visible entity as recent as 2018, and the following year the threesome had the debut album ready. Fast forward one more year, and the band returns with their second album. This most recent creation of theirs has been named "Hymns for Hungry Spirits, Vol. 1" and was self released in November 2020.

Analysis. I recall that I wasn't too charmed about the debut album by this US band. Apart from a few weak points here and there, what I first and foremost thought I heard was unfulfilled talent, material that by a more experienced band unit might have ended up being a notch higher up on the quality scale. It would appear that this trio is developing quickly though, as this second album of theirs strikes me as a solid step up on multiple levels. On general observation I find the compositions themselves to be the aspect most improved this time around. The arrangements in particular strikes me as much more developed, with better and more elegant use of contrasting details as well as an array of sounds and textures given better and often subtle placements in the mix. The role of the bass as a literally driving element on many songs is also much appreciated by me as a listener. For those not aware of this band, and I rather suspect there's a few people in that category, Great Wide Nothing is a modern day progressive rock band that probably looks back in time for inspiration quite a bit. Not quite inside the category of bands one might describe as retro-oriented but not all that far removed from this segment either. Fans of ELP, Genesis, classic era King Crimson and Yes will all find details here and there that sound familiar I imagine, but without this threesome ever trying to replicate anyone directly. Other than in the opening cut 'To Find the Light, Part One' that is, as I experience the opening half of that song as one that gives away some direct nods in a few different vintage directions. Great Wide Nothing incorporate elements from symphonic progressive rock and hard prog into their material on this album, with the often booming, hard basslines and layered keyboard arrangements as the most striking features throughout. Their mode of delivery is arguably a bit closer to 80's and 90's neo-progressive rock however, focusing more on mood and atmosphere and less on quirky and technical virtuoso elements. At least as I experience the band as of 2020 and the material on this album. In sum I'd probably say that they are closer to hard progressive rock this time around, even if they do present us with many landscapes with a more careful nature along the way too. Special praise here for the alluring use of string elements and orchestral oriented details on the title track 'Hymn for a Hungry Spirit'. If I should summarize my impressions, I'm leaning towards describing Great Wide Nothing anno 2020 as a more accessible alternative to a band like Wobbler. This threesome aren't as quirky and technical, the songs are generally more easygoing, but there are certain similarities in approach as well as delivery.

Conclusion. My overall impression is that Great Wide Nothing has managed to strike a bit of gold with this most recent album of theirs. The songs are compelling and intriguing throughout, the weaker points from their debut albums have by and large been dealt with, and the total album experience for me is a solid one. And as described, I suspect that many fans of a band like Wobbler would find this album to be quite the enjoyable experience. Especially those among them that aren't strangers to a band that focus a bit more on mood and atmosphere and not quite as much on technical skills and quirky details.

Progmessor: April 2021
The Rating Room