Lesser Key

Personnel: Andrew Zamudio (vocals); Brett Fanger (guitar); Paul d'Amour (keyboards); Justin Hanson (drums).
Audio Mixer: Sylvia Massy.
On the self-titled debut from Lesser Key, the Los Angeles, California-based prog-metal band shows off an exploratory sound that harks back to early champions of the genre like Tool. With the band featuring former Tool bassist Paul D'Amour, who left the pioneering band in 1995, it's no surprise that the bands would share a similar sound. Lesser Key's sound, however, is more than a mere imitator, and the band's drifting, atmospheric rock easily holds up all by itself, showing more of a family resemblance than a direct connection. Oscillating between driving rock and more airy, introspective moments, Lesser Key's debut shows a real sense of movement. With the songs always moving and changing rather than dragging their heels and overstaying their welcome, the only complaint about the album is that it ends too quickly, making for a promising debut that will have listeners anxiously awaiting a full-length outing. ~ Gregory Heaney