With “BodeNote,” Perfect deliver a work that positions itself firmly within the domain of contemporary Avant-Prog, yet avoids the pitfalls of abstraction for its own sake. Rather than functioning as a collection of disconnected Experimental ideas, the album unfolds as a cohesive compositional statement, built on the interaction between structure, rhythmic fragmentation and timbral exploration. This is an album that demands active listening, rewarding attention with a dense and carefully articulated musical language. The opening tracks, “If I Were A King” and “Grover’s Overstated Salute,” immediately establish the Experimental framework of the record. Both pieces operate within a space of controlled sonic disruption, where vocal samples, electronic effects and layered choral fragments contribute to a distinctly Cinematic Avant-Garde atmosphere. These shorter compositions act as introductory studies in texture and form, presenting the listener with a sound world that privileges contrast, abrupt shifts and the manipulation of sonic material over traditional melodic development. The album expands its expressive range with “Oh….Yes!” where Perfect allow their ideas to unfold over a broader timescale. The piece evolves freely, moving between moments of aggressive, almost Brutal Progressive intensity and more open, melodic passages in its initial sections. As the track progresses, the band delves into increasingly complex rhythmic structures and technically demanding instrumental passages, marked by sudden accelerations and Experimental transitions. Elements of intricate Progressive Rock, Jazz-inflected phrasing and Avant-Garde abstraction are woven together with confidence, resulting in a composition that continually reshapes itself while maintaining internal coherence. “Machine Termite” continues this trajectory, presenting a more overtly aggressive opening driven by frenetic and virtuosic rhythmic patterns. The frequent time signature changes create a sense of constant instability, while the vocal parts—treated with effects and dark tonal shading—integrate seamlessly into the Experimental soundscape. Rather than functioning as a conventional lead element, the voice becomes part of the overall texture, reinforcing the band’s commitment to a non-linear approach to composition. The track balances power and virtuosity in a dynamic, ever-evolving form, gradually incorporating more accessible Jazz-Prog elements without abandoning its Avant-Garde core. The longest piece on the album, “Topian Prectiuy,” exceeding ten minutes, represents the most comprehensive expression of Perfect’s compositional identity. It opens with a deep, commanding bass line that anchors the piece before guiding it toward a fusion-oriented direction, with the bass remaining prominently in the foreground. Technical proficiency and instrumental precision are central here, but never detached from compositional intent. Elaborate vocal sections add further complexity, while continuous time shifts and unpredictable developments explore the full spectrum of the band’s sonic vocabulary. Intricate arrangements and carefully constructed transitions define the track, allowing Classic Progressive elements to be recontextualized within a distinctly modern and personal framework. The album concludes with “Over The Stimulant Axis (Or The Descension Of The 142984km Silver Ring),” a piece characterized by its relentless rhythmic drive and high technical density. Until its later stages, the composition is propelled by powerful, accelerated and virtuosic drumming, with the remaining instruments tightly interlocked around the rhythmic core. In the final section, the structure dissolves into a more openly Experimental soundscape, enriched by layered effects and abstract textures that envelop the listener, bringing the album to a deliberately unresolved and atmospheric close. In summary, “BodeNote” is a demanding yet compelling release, defined by its structural complexity and its refusal to conform to predictable forms. While firmly rooted in Avant-Prog, R.I.O. sensibilities and Jazz-derived Experimentation, the album remains surprisingly approachable in selected passages, demonstrating the band’s ability to balance abstraction with clarity. Perfect present a work rich in detail and nuance, one that reveals its depth progressively and confirms the project as a distinctive and thought-provoking presence within the Contemporary Progressive landscape.
Tracklist
01. If I Were A King (3:16)
02. Grover’s Overstated Salute (2:30)
03. Oh….Yes! (8:47)
04. Machine Termite (8:27)
05. Topian Prectiuy (10:58)
06. Over The Stimulant Axis (Or The Descension Of The 142984km Silver Ring) (5:03)
Lineup
Sam Holik / Guitar
Jake Ross / Drums
Sam Colgrove / Bass, Vocals, Keys, Trombone
Ian Palmerton / Vocals
Guests:
Tyler Hushour / Additional Percussion
WiiJake Squid / Additional Vocals