​Galactic Wanderer - Galactic Wanderer III

​Galactic Wanderer

Galactic Wanderer III
self-released; 2017

​3.8 out of 5

By Dan Weston

Harley Broughton aka Galactic Wanderer is back with his latest Galactic Wanderer III. Broughton released previous LP Falling Into Oblivion in November of last year so Galactic Wanderer III which was released on April of this year was a quick turn around. Suffice it to say if you were a fan of Falling Into Oblivion then you will want to check out Galactic Wanderer III.

Broughton plays instrumental prog rock that reaches for grand may be even cosmic proportions. You may have guessed this from the album art and name. Broughton loads the lead guitar with hall reverb that is backed by a  supporting cast of drums, bass and more guitar.

Up first is the adrenaline filled “Acceso (Ignited).” The song’s intensity ramps up right away and doesn't let up. There are a couple of notable transitions but the energy doesn't change much. “A Moment in Time” is a little less intense but more atmospheric while “Days Gone By” gets into epic territory because of the dynamic changes he fits into the eight-plus minutes. 

“The Choice” is a fast moving song that contains fuzzy distortion and blistering lead guitar. Towards the end it dissipates into sheets of white noise that fizzle into ambience. I would have removed the talking parts at the beginning and end. 

The centerpiece is “Undertaker” which is around nine minutes in length. It’s the most ambitious song and is the roller coaster ride on the album and arguably the most ’80s prog influenced of the batch. He goes back into cosmic territory on “Hypnotic Persuasion” and closes with the most atmospheric track entitled “Aftermath.”

Galactic Wanderer III is sonically his best effort. That being said I’ve been mixing music professionally for fifteen years and always hands my music to a pro mastering engineer to get to the next level. There are a myriad of benefits from getting a second pair of ears to the insanely expensive gear they have access to that they know how to use. Broughton maybe getting close to his sonic limits on what is possible for most DIY artists with modest gear which probably consists of plug-ins. He may want to give some thought to this.

​Broughton doesn't seem to be slowing down. He continues to impress in technical and creative ways and I look forward to his further evolution.

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