Ethics and Entropy - A Land To Call Our Own

Ethics and Entropy

​A Land To Call Our Own
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Andrew Westberry

With a name as intriguing as they come, Ethics and Entropy consists of Erik San Miguel, Alessandro Nunez and Kayton Rivera, three friends who have played music together since 2011 and have recently released A Land To Call Our Own, a primarily progressive rock EP blended with hints of alternative, ska and metal.

“Heroes,” the opening track of the album, releases a burst of energy right at the start as the screaming guitars layer over pounding drums and clean bass riffs. As the vocals enter the scene, a casual groove underlies the wistful, yet aggressive vocal style. The extended instrumental sections in this song bring out the unique sound that Ethics and Entropy creates, while leaving ample room for the vocals to evoke meaning and feeling.

The album continues with “Rat Race,” a hard-hitting anthem that seamlessly incorporates metal techniques with progressive portions and melodic vocal lines. “Through the Trenches” is the first and only instrumental on the record and manages to carry the energy of the previous songs through to the final half of the album, a feat not easily accomplished with instrumentals.

The intro of “Dawn” is a brief respite from the ardent, pulsing metal and rock sections of the album as it consists of softly strummed guitar chords and harmonious layers. However, the track transitions into the band’s conventional style as the relentless guitars and accompanying percussion take over in a storm of sound. The record comes to an end with “The Tempest” and “Rise,” which contain more of the progressive elements that provide leverage through chaotic and cohesive sections alike.

As a whole, this album serves as an impressive debut for Ethics and Entropy, and it gives listeners more than enough reason to follow up with the band and anticipate their future releases.

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