House At The Centre Of The Universe
Pitch Black, 2023
9/10
Listen to House At The Centre Of The Universe
A prog-rock and metal influenced outfit from Australia, this first album from Flitcraft on the Pitch Black label has the front man Phillip T. King alongside Zac Halpin and Jack Phillips for the unique hard rock listen.
“Error Era (2137)” gets the listen off to an energetic start, where driving guitars and swift drumming from Phillips’ makes for a dense yet melodic approach to retro metal, and “Earth Is Not A Perfect Sphere” follows with a firm buzzing, as the underlying prog-rock unfolds with harmonic vocals.
Elsewhere, the intimate “Chrysalistless (Uly’s Lament)” emits an absorbing climate of introspection amid the gentle singing that would suit a campfire, while “Galactic Road Trip (Wayworn Travellers)” thunders and shakes with a firm intensity that welcomes smooth singing.
Close to the end, “The Pyre Of John McDonald” finds a dreamy place to reside via the mesmerizing acoustic guitar and poetic singing, and “The House (Entering, Redintegration, Mother Reprise, Era’s End)” exits with Halpin’s precise bass complementing King’s soaring voice and intricate guitar playing.
King brings a wealth of experience that includes playing in the 70’s spirited psych-rockers Butterfly and the speed metal giants Galaxy. This 2nd album from Flitcraft tells the story of Uly, a young writer in the year 2137, where his part human, part android being is soundtracked by this very distinct version of rock from both sides of the spectrum.
Travels well with: Arrayan Path- Thus Always To Tyrants; Age Of Wolves- Age Of Wolves