Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster
Exegesis

During the year 2012, this album with its rather flashy cover, depicting a nebula of a thousand colors in the middle of open space, secured the central spot on my personal podium. The London-based band takes its name from an event that occurred in 1940, corresponding to the collapse of the so-called Tacoma Narrows Bridge (a channel located in Washington) following a storm.

The phenomenon was also filmed. It is not difficult to find the video dedicated to the event on YouTube, where the first thing that stands out are the surreal oscillations of the bridge due to the strong wind and, subsequently, the collapse of the not-so-perfect structure.

The genre of music played by Tacoma Narrows Bridge Disaster presents itself as a mix between progressive rock, alternative, and post-metal, with its main influences being Tool and Isis. Nonetheless, there are solos that hint at '80s heavy metal.

"Exegesis" has a predominantly instrumental nature and is divided into eight tracks. Taking on the task of raising the curtain are the rusty sounds of the opener "Fractal World," which equip the listener for an adventure within a hyperspace tunnel, from which emerge the imposing titanic title track, the stellar "Valis," the aggressive "Black Iron Prison," the atmospheric "Sungazer," and the dreamlike "Wake," which puts an end to the trip.

The recurring themes of the album are inspired by the "Exegesis," a collection of documents written but never published by the author Philip Kindred Dick about the strange visions he had during 1974, concerning his Christian being and the mental states of that period. The term "Valis," from which the fourth track on the album takes its title, is described as an artificial satellite network originating from the star Sirius, known to be the brightest in the vastness of the night sky. "Black Iron Prison," or "Prigione di ferro nero," instead takes up the concept of a timeless place, devoid of past, present, or future.

However, leaving aside the 'Dickian' Gnosticism, the mood around which "Exegesis" revolves is decidedly melancholic. There's an air of cosmic and rather proficient instrumental technique, never for its own sake.

However, the most important track remains the eponymous one, with its over ten minutes of longevity, which I consider somewhat of a summary of the best that has been written in modern progressive rock: excellent tempo changes, notable vocal performance, intricate guitar riffs, dreamy bass lines, impeccable drum work, etc... But above all, a motivating final part that breaks the dark sounds contained in the entire album.

So, I repeat, listen to the title track even if it's the only one you choose to hear.