RATING: 8 / 13 – its like whoa INSTANT MINDFUCK

There’s lots of ‘theme’ albums in the Homestuck library that take a concept and run with it (The Felt plays with the passage of time, and Cherubim explores concepts of duality, for example). But this is more along the lines of a 'concept’ album, the likes of which Bowie and Yes were churning out in the '70’s.

I drifted to and from this one over the past couple of months. At first I was a little put off of it, just didn’t like it much. Part of it probably had to do with Bowman’s vocals: he has a fine singing voice, but it feels a bit more comedic (see How Do I Live, which is an ironic masterstroke) than dramatic.

So I let it stew for a while. I was drawn back to it a couple of times (especially after hearing little bits of it elsewhere, like in Sburban Genesis off of LOFAM 2). And now, I find myself a fan. 

If I had to cast this album into a genre, I’d go with New Wave. It’s a solid mix of rock instrumentation and techno-leaning synth. The rock influence shines most in the arrangements, which often feature a really solid bridge jam in between the verses.

It’s a little like Marmite: it might not be the most popular or mainstream, but there are many who simply adore it. It’s a cult album within a cult webcomic.

To continue the culinary analogy (and double down to a metaphor), I wouldn’t call it an acquired taste, but most definitely, this one has grown on me.

Click here for individual song reviews for Mobius Trip and Hadron Kaleido.