Rock Galaxy
Neuma, 2026
9/10
The veteran artist Zack Browning pairs the architecture of music with the immediacy of pop, where he plugs an atypical vision into these unique rock songs.
The warm piano from Alice Vieira and Rúben Lopes opens “Sol Prophecy”, as Francisco Ribeiro and Tiago Dias’ playful percussion enters the rhythmic climate, and “Cosmic Challenges” follows with Elisa Moles’ animated flute and Molly O’Roark’s swirling harp creating melody and warmth in a lush delivery.
The title track and “Upscale Jammer” land in the middle. The former enlists William Moersch’s glowing marimba amid the Jupiter String Quartet’s intricate chemistry that’s cinematic, while the latter spotlights dense keys from Ju-Ping Song that radiates a pounding, rumbling intensity.
The last 2 tracks don’t disappoint, either. “Jupiter LVB” recruits the Eastern Illinois University Faculty Woodwind Quintet for the animated and flowing interaction, and “Moon Venus” spotlights the Millikin University Percussion Ensemble’s animated and dynamic talents.
A record where each track brings something new to the equation, there’s no lack of melody, harmony and rhythm to enjoy across these otherworldly themed pieces.
Travels well with: Christopher Shultis- Waldmusik; Patti Cudd- Cyanotypes