SINGULARITY

Artist's Website
Contact Artist
Colorado, USA

Available CDs

Warranties and Disclaimers

"I cheekily suggested in my review of Singularity's track on the Unearthed compilation that they so wanted to be Rush -- based on "Ebb And Flow," that would seem to be the case. You'll also get that sense with "Ripple Of Time," the leadoff track on Color Of Space. But I also thought of Big Picture (who also have/had Rush tendencies) and of Germany's Formula. There's a cheerfulness to their music that isn't in Rush's music. Not that Rush are gloomy, but there wasn't an overly up sense to their music, even in their early years. You must also imagine that Mark Kelly was the fourth member of Rush, as there are swirling, Marillionesque keys in their mix. Actually, imagine if Geddy Lee and Mark Kelly collaborated on a project, letting Peart write the lyrics, and session musicians played the other parts. The result would be Singularity. Andrew Goldhawk is in the Lee role, though he doesn't sound exactly like Geddy Lee -- he has a similar way of singing. His is of the latter day Lee...well, I'd say Rush from the early 80s. John Green is in the Kelly role, and the band is Peart (since no single lyricist is credited). There are brief parts of "Lenses" that hint at Yes as well, both in the music and in Goldhawk sounding a bit like Jon Anderson).

Although it doesn't really sound the same, there is a similarity to the beginning of "Who We Are" and "Mission" (from Rush's Hold Your Fire) - keys mainly. From the moment the vocals come in, it does move away from it. Watery guitars come in and remind me of Marillion's "Estonia" (This Strange Engine) and the dreaminess of the arrangement harks back to Brave and Holidays In Eden, but much less so the latter. "Mars Direct" might be termed their "YYZ," if "Ebb And Flow" is their "Chemistry." With "Who We Are" you will also be reminded of Alan Parson's Project.

What also heightens the Rush comparisons isn't just the sound, but their whole approach. One element to Rush's whole sound is Peart's lyrics - his use of metaphor and simile, the poetic nature of his lines whereby vast meaning is conveyed in a minimum number of words. On the surface at least, Singularity have the same approach. You can hear this most definitely in "Ebb And Flow."

What keeps them from sounding 100% like Rush (other than the keys) is that they are missing that essential Rush punch to the sound. It may have more to do with production and than performance, as they are certainly trying. But because there is a dreamy spaciness to the arrangements, everything seems played through a soft-focus filter, including Goldhawk's vocals.

Color Of Space is a pleasant enough release that perhaps relies to much upon Rush for structure and feel, but is otherwise a nice listen.

Since this album's release, Goldhawk has left and as of last February the band had planned to continue as a trio, with guitarist Matt taking on bass duties. Among the soundfiles available on the band's site are three tracks scheduled for their second release." - Stephanie Sollow, ProgressiveWorld.net

"SINGULARITY are one of the greatest USA underground progrock talents. The opener Ripple in time tells you why: Melodic neoprogressive rock with a bit of ASIA, RUSH, YES and their own style consisting of epic parts and catchy complexity. These four guys don't fall back into default prog-riffs or "how often have I heard this kind of solo"-guitar solos. SINGULARITY bring in fresh air, like SPOCK'S BEARD did several years ago. This is one of the greatest neoprog-CDs of the past years ... progrockers will love it ! 9 points" - Markus Weis, DURP.com

"

1. "Ripple in Time" - This song starts off with some fabulous bass work that is quickly joined by guitar and drums. Singer/bassist Andrew Goldhawk has a beautiful voice. Vocally, he's like a softer, sweeter version of Geddy Lee (Rush). Goldhawk's bass work is very much in a Geddy Lee vein, too. "Ripple in Time" is a mid-tempo and very smooth song. It is very much in a Rush vein but happier and more upbeat than Rush is generally thought of. All four musicians are very good and the song flows along perfectly. The vocal melodies are infectious and beautiful.
2. "Mars Direct" - This is an instrumental very much in a Rush vein. It is a fairly interesting instrumental but it isn't really my thing. Still, Singularity shows that they are capable musicians.
3. "Ebb and Flow" - This track, like number one, can be classified as "happy Rush". Goldhawk's voice is smooth. Spacey keyboards are very prominent throughout this song. "Ebb and Flow" has a quirkiness to it that is attractive and fun (yes, it's okay for music to be fun). This is a good, mid-paced song with some amazing vocal melodies. Yeah, beautiful vocal melodies do it for me every time. .
4. "Who We Are" - This song is much more relaxed than the previous three. The vocal melodies are absolutely gorgeous. Goldhawk's vocals are stunning. The song shifts gears a few times which shows Singularity's ability to write catchy and complicated songs. Too many so-called progressive bands today have (or have never had) the ability to balance both qualities.
5. "Strange Attraction" - Another quirky, unusual song, "Strange Attraction" is appropriately titled; this song is both strange and attractive. This is another good song.
6. "Lenses" - This song has many of the same qualities that were present in the previous five tracks: Smooth vocals, pretty vocal melodies and catchy song writing. The only down side to the song is that it is a bit too long and I think it suffers because of this. Still, it isn't bad.

I've been quite critical, in a negative fashion, toward many prog rock and prog metal bands when it comes to originality. The term progressive has almost become meaningless as most so-called prog bands are anything but prog. Instead, many of these bands copy other prog bands to death. This inbreeding is killing the genre as most progressive bands refuse to look outside of prog to other forms of music for inspiration. New ideas can be found in abundance if they'd just look. That being said, Singularity, a band who's main influences seem to be Marillion and Rush, aren't exactly breaking any new ground, but they are doing what many bands tend to forget: They write good songs. I've been overly critical of many bands that have limited influences, but when the song writing is a strong as it is on Color of Space, who cares which bands they sound like because when it comes down to it, it's the songs that count. Good job, Singularity, this is a good CD. Check out www.singularity.net for more information about this wonderful band. They deserve to be signed to a major label." - 'Joe', Final Verdict

"The spirit of 80's Rush is alive and well within the confines of Colorado's Singularity. The bands debut CD is a tight collection of progressive rock tunes that features intricate rhythms, spacey keyboards, and chunky guitar work. Singer/bassist Andrew Goldhawk has a voice very similar to Geddy Lee, and also plays in a very muscular and melodic bass style as well. While not the most original of styles, I found Color of Space to be enjoyable, especially since Rush hasn't recorded anything as exciting as this in years.

The opening track "Ripple in Time" is an upbeat rocker with bubbling synths and crisp guitar work, hightened by catchy vocals and intricate arrangements. "Mars Direct" also has some complex and clever arrangements, as does "Ebb and Flow", which is a lengthy piece featuring great drumming by Jamie McGregor and loads of symphonic keyboards from John Green. "Strange Attraction" is a heavier tune that allows guitarist Matt Zafiratos to really shine, as he injects a ripping solo between his chunky riffs. The mealticket however is the almost 16-minute "Lenses", a great track that has complex playing, atmosphere, and effective vocals. The band does a great job with the longer song format, and I dare anyone to find a Rush tune in the last 15 years that is this adventurous.

While I hate to harp on the Rush influence, I urge any fan of that band to check out Singularity. Despite the obvious comparisons, these guys also have a lot more to offer. The keyboard player John Green is a great talent, and the rest of the band extremely solid. For a great combination of complex and melodic neo-prog with classic Rush leanings, you can't go wrong here." - Pete Pardo, Sea of Tranquility

"Between Sunlight and Shadow is Singularity's second CD. A three-piece band from Colorado, Singularity have dispensed nearly all their Rush influences in favor of an extremely classy and spacey symphonic rock album. Even better, Between Sunlight and Shadow is a forty three minute concept album, where all fifteen tracks ebb and flow into one long track ala Dark Side of the Moon or Misplaced Childhood. I really admire the band for being able to pull off such a feat on only their sophomore release. It sounds more like a third or fourth album!

While I think it’s best to leave the meaning of the lyrics open for interpretation, they seem to tell the story of one man’s isolation from the world. Though alienation is hardly a new topic among progressive rock albums, Singularity have the good sense not to let the lyrics become either too obvious or too “rock opera”. Instead, the lyrics complement the music quite nicely.

Keyboardist/vocalist John Green leads the pack and his symphonic keyboards are somewhat reminiscent of Rick Wakeman or Mark Kelly (Marillion) with some great atmospheric touches of Porcupine Tree. I really enjoy the slow, moody buildup that starts with "Drive" and ends with the intensity of "Flight". Drummer/vocalist Jamie McGregor and guitarist/bassist/vocalist Matt Zafiratos also play their parts quite well. They know when to gently lull the listener into a dream world of spacey calmness or to pull out all the stops and display the pyrotechnics as needed. A good example of this is the tracks "Traces" and "Metamorphosis".

I really have high hopes for Singularity. There are many new American progressive groups but there is something original about this band. While their debut was heavily indebted to Rush, Between Sunlight and Shadow doesn’t really sound like anyone else but Singularity. Sure, one can detect a few influences on occasion, but I think the band is really on to something here. Between Sunlight and Shadow is one of those albums that grow on you over time. That is definitely a good thing. I cannot wait to see what these guys do next!" - Steve Pettengill, Sea of Tranquility

"Back in 2001, one of the many people who guide and direct me to music I “must hear”, told me about a band called Singularity.  They had a self released CD named “Color of Space” from 1999.  I picked up the CD and thought they were great; in fact I rated them 9.3 of 10 for all my purchases of 2001. 

I had hoped to hear more from these guys ,but they just seemed to disappear and frankly, I thought they had gone the way of the dinosaur.  That was until “Between Sunlight and Shadow” graced my mailbox. 

What you have here is basically one long song, broken up if you will into 15 separate ideas or thoughts.  As you can see in the track listing, many of the songs are no more than instrumental “bridges” leading the listener to the next section.  Much like a symphony. 

Even reading the lyrics, you realize that they are not broken into separate songs, but simply flow.  Much of this CD is instrumental.  Beautiful powerful music that helps the listener define the world these guys are trying to show.

The music on this CD is wide ranging.  From quiet gentle tunings to hard edged and gritty.  Gentle tickling of the keys intersecting with crunchy guitars and ethereal lyrics. 

This is a CD about searching, about attempting to find that what has been lost. 

Musically, this CD really doesn’t break any new ground.  If that holds you back from enjoying this CD, then you really don’t like music in the first place. 

There is music on this CD that rocks, that rolls, that captures the listener and wraps them in a warm robe of many colors.  All the while lifting you higher and higher, forcing you to dig deep into your own heart and soul for that thing YOU might have lost and just might want to find again. 

I can’t get away from the fact that musically this CD keeps me lost in the wonderful yet subdued “hooks”.  Those musical pleasures that demand this CD never come off the ‘play me now’ rotation. 

Intricate, delicate, layered, mellow, and uplifting.  I do not think one could ask for anything more in progressive rock music." - Stephen Ellis, Prog4You.com

Reviews coming soon...