The Poynt - Alpha Queue

The Poynt

Alpha Queue
self-released; 2017

​3.7 out of 5

By Dom Eagle

The Poynt is an alternative rock band from Queens, NY. When the band formed in the early 2010's, they were more of a progressive rock band with alternative rock influences. Nonetheless, I feel elements of that progressive sound have remained on their release Alpha Queue  and the band benefits from this. They cite influences such as Pink Floyd, The Who, and Dream Theater. Previously they had a goal of creating a highly ambitious debut album (a concept album) called This is American Royalty. The album was well received, and they supported its release by playing throughout NYC and the Greater NY area. Still, the band wasn’t quite where they wanted to be yet; they decided to switch things up with this record. Elements of their original sound are still there, but it’s an exciting progression. This year saw the release of the first of their two-part alternative rock EP Alpha Queue and Alpha Queue II is scheduled for a fourth-quarter release. 

​Alpha Queue has been well received thus far, and it has allowed The Poynt to play alongside bands such as Angel Vivaldi, Message from Sylvia, Eve to Adam and Michael Angelo Batio (just to name a few). They also received endorsements from Moniker Guitars and Source Audio (an effects pedal company), so things are looking well for The Poynt.

Alpha Queue which is a seven-track EP opens with “This Dying World.” Guttural, powerful, distorted power chords ring out atop a crashing beat. Everything drops away to a slow, thudding beat, a chugging guitar rhythm, and pop-punk-esque vocals ring smoothly and sleekly out on top of this melodic bliss. The chorus is a sonic explosion of a melodic rhythm, screeching power chords, and energetic vocals. There’s an interesting reverberating effect on the vocals throughout the track, however, and I thought this added a warbling atmosphere to the song; bursts of lead guitar solos added variety to the track too. It was the powerful climax which truly elevated the song, however. The melody switches up, the drums thump energetically, and a roaring electric guitar solo howls off into infinity. This was a strong opener.

“No Quite Jesus” is an evolution on the opener. The loud-quiet dynamic is present again, and the same sleek vocals remain, but there are sonic differences. Surf-rock guitar solos warble and reverberate above the verses, guttural bass guitar rhythms dance beneath, and the entire song builds towards the ricocheting choruses. This is alternative rock in a nutshell; it’s the loud-quiet dynamic that bands such as The Pixies made so popular, but The Poynt make it so much more exciting. They add some modern flavor to an old musical style, and that’s why I like this track.

“Open Your Mouth” opens with screeching, chugging distorted guitar power chords which are fragmented and brutal. There’s a deeply rooted angst and aggression to this song. The beat thumps slowly but with precise energy. Everything escalates to a soaring chorus, which interesting adds soothing melodic relief from the brutal, electrifying verses (reversing the loud-quiet dynamic present on their prior tracks). There was something refreshing about this track. The riff, the solos, and the melody are all perfect.

All in all, this was a very exciting EP. If The Poynt can achieve this in seven tracks then I’d love to see what they could do with an entire album.

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