Into The Presence Title: Self-Titled Label: Razor & Tie Year: 2009 Rating: 4 / 5

Does anybody still record in analog these days? Apparently so. One of the bands that are embracing the warm sound of analog is Into The Presence. The band recorded their prog-rock type material without any digital help and opted instead to go back to basics and do it analog, to sound like the records they love like Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side Of The Moon” and Queen’s “Night At The Opera.” The result is this lovely analog baby that channels the sounds of 70′s prog-rock in all it’s greatness. The record, which is self-titled by the way, captures the musical dexterity of these two young men in full without excess. Even though both musicians, Luis Maldonado and Tim Alexander, are both extremely talented and gifted musicians, they opted to keep the excess out of the music to keep it concentrated and substantial. That fact right there is why this album sounds like the way it does: focused, formidable and impressive. From start to finish, Tim and Luis create an undeniable musical landscape that screams out great songwriting, great arrangements and awesome compositions. I thoroughly enjoyed this album. Tracks like “End Game,” “Broken Words,” and “My Only Crime” expose the musical nature of this duo and showcase the fresh originality of the music. From meeting 10 years ago and now finally together, making music, the creative minds behind this project hit it right on the head and I feel that this project is only the beginning or a taste of what this duo can really accomplish in the future. Luis Maldonado’s vocal flexibility is pretty eye-opening and when coupled by his exceptional guitar work, makes for a double threat. Tim’s intelligent rhythms and grooves also create a powerful background that accompany the music perfect in every sense. I also do have to mention that the recording process had ghostly vibes, literally, with bottles of water freezing for no reason, whispers everywhere and weird sightings. Maybe these occurrences had nothing to do with the record sounding superb or did they? Regardless, the record has the analog warmth and energy that we old school vinyl freaks miss. Other tracks worth checking out are “The Garden,” “Phone Call” and “Coming Home.” If you have yet to feel the power of Into The Presence, you need to pick up this record, pop it in and groove with it. This one is Frantik approved!

By: Gian Erguiza