ARC OF LIFE – Don’t Look Down

I was quite enamored with the self-titled debut album from last year by these gentlemen and thought that it contained some superbly written and exciting prog rock tunes with heaps of atmosphere and cracking good ideas to them. In many respects, Don’t Look Down offers more of the same, and its six melodically gorgeous tunes are as interesting and spirited as they come. Its predecessor had a more prominent sense of urgency and immediacy to it than this 2022 opus does, but the latter feels more concise and boasts more of a proper band chemistry with respect to the interplay between the musicians. Having a few members of YES in its ranks and leaning towards the sound and style of those pioneers is not a bad thing in my book as Arc of Life possess more than enough musical charisma and identity of their own to set them apart from others. ‘Let Live’ and ‘All Things Considered’ in particular have an incredible flow and some beautiful harmonies to them, but the sprawling 18-minute epic ‘Arc of Life’ is outstanding too. A polished and potent prog rock treat.