Mile Marker Zero Mile Marker Zero
by Derric Miller
Staff Writer
Connecticut musicians Mile Marker Zero have just unleashed their debut, self-titled studio album, and there is a whole lot to digest. In regards to the band’s overall debut oeuvre, lead singer Dave Alley explains it as, “We really believe in bringing things full circle, and the music features a lot of elements that simultaneously express two sides of a thought or idea.” So think Hard Rock, with strokes of Progressive Rock and Metal, akin to bands like Tool/A Perfect Circle, Porcupine Tree, and Rush, but with a more Modern Rock attitude throughout. At least, that’s a good start to defining their sound …
It all kicks off with “A Thousand Nights,” a track that is slightly menacing as it builds from the onset to a more bludgeoning composition. Lead voice Alley will be compared at times to Maynard James Keenan, both with his lower range and emotional delivery. One thing you will notice is that the band doesn’t typically go verse-verse-chorus or anything formulaic. There is form, for sure, but it’s not formulaic.
“Laceration” is up next, an unhinged burner from the get-go. With a downtuned riff, you’ll hear the Modern Rock elements, but listen to the syncopation of the drums, and you’ll never hear Nickleback try anything close. You’ll notice throughout off time and changing rhythms from the stellar drumming of Doug Alley, Dave’s brother. At about three minutes in, they even weave Doom Metal (like Candlemass or Trouble) elements into the tapestry, making for an intensely interesting combination.
Most of the songs are up tempo and heavy at the onset, so it’s not until you hear “Passive” that you’ll understand how multi-faceted Mile Marker Zero is. Instead of being forceful or commanding, Alley’s voice is softer and more alternative, sort of like Glenn Phillips from Toad the Wet Sprocket. Bassist Tim Rykoski really pulls the plow on this one with his deft thrumming, definitely a change from the earlier tracks.
“In Memory Of” is one of the longer songs, a track about longing, loving, losing, and the pain of feeling bereft. It morphs throughout, sometimes a keyboard led track, other times the keys are there to lift up the vocals, especially as Alley sings, “Learn to dream like you’ll never die, learn to live like you could die today!” Sure, Marines might prefer to howl “Carpe diem!” but this is way more poetic. Out of all the lyrics on the entire release, these are the ones that stick in your head and echo on even after the album is completed.
Don’t think they stay on the softer side, though. “Reaping Tide” is one of the harshest compositions on the debut, and it goes back to the earlier similarities to Tool, but with more Progressive Rock textures throughout. The one obvious aspect to the debut is that you won’t want to fast-forward or skip any track or even musical passage, because you have no idea what you are going to miss.
Mile Marker Zero ends their debut with “Hush,” a more lush and intricate song than anything you’ve heard on it thus far. Guitarist John Tuohy is playing an almost Classical Guitar piece, to go along with Marc Focarile’s keys, while Alley completely removes the edge from his voice and croons in almost religious reverence.
Do they come full circle as they planned, from start to finish? Probably, but it’s also a trip trying to figure out where they are taking you in between. Mile Marker Zero is one of those new groups, like Days Before Tomorrow, that puts your faith back in new bands being able to create something unique and still be worth listening to.
Label: Independent
Online: www.milemarkerzero.com
Track listing:
A Thousand Nights
Laceration
A Kiss To Fix
Passive
Crimson Red
Maree
In Loving Memory Of…
Peril Aerial
Reaping Tide
Hush
HRH Rating: 8/10