By Zackary Kozak
Today, the experimental rock group Envy of None will be releasing their second album Stygian Wavs. In anticipation of the release, I’ve been re-listening to their 2022 self-titled debut project and falling in love with its musical mystique all over again. Alex Lifeson, founding guitarist of hallowed progressive rock band Rush, established Envy of None in collaboration with Andy Curran (founder/bassist of Coney Hatch), Alfio Annibalini (producer and engineer), and Maiah Wynne (singer-songwriter). The outfit takes Lifeson’s idiosyncratic guitar playing in a new direction, and as an ardent Rush fan, I could not be happier with his success in melding seamlessly into a new realm of modern music.
If you have read any of my other articles, then you know that I am enthralled by unique soundscapes. Envy of None does not disappoint in their dark yet alluring sound, bringing progressive rock’s instrumental prowess and scrupulous production to the satisfying melodies of contemporary pop. The result is an atmospheric, emotional journey into worlds both old and new – an eternally appealing blend of nostalgia and hope. On Envy of None, intro track “Never Said I Love You,” “Dumb,” and the closing instrumental “Western Sunset” have become personal favorites and express the ways in which the striking talents of these musicians come together to a beautiful effect.
Immediately, “Never Said I Love You” sets the tone for the album, with Curran’s bassline and Wynne’s vocal harmonies creating a sense of sweet mystery. I love the echoed vocals! As Wynne crescendos into the chorus, Lifeson’s guitar merges with the wavy production, elevating every hum and sucking you deeper and deeper into the song. On Envy of None’s website, Lifeson comments on his impression of Wynne’s vocal performance: “After hearing her vocals on “Never Said I Love You,” I felt so excited. I’ve never had that kind of inspiration working with another musician. When we say she’s special, it’s because she’s really fucking special!” I couldn’t agree more. Throughout the second half of the song, little strings of guitar playing work themselves in and out of the main melody like stars dotting a sky of sound – a perfect image to open the album.
The chorus of the album’s ninth track “Dumb” will not leave my head. Here, Envy of None showcases their experimentation on extraordinarily engaging melodies. Wynne’s quick repetitions bounce off the pulsing rhythm of the song, resting at the perfect time to push you right into the haunting chorus. After the first chorus, the vocals fade into a synthy sounding instrumental break. To me, the soft electric line of music is reminiscent of Lifeson’s legendary solo in Rush’s “La Villa Strangiato” – one of my personal favorite songs of all time. The bouncy vocals return the song to its catchy pop groove before a reverberating close that will surely have you humming along.
“Western Sunset” is the eleventh and final track of the album. The primarily acoustic instrumental was written by Lifeson in tribute to Neil Peart, his dear friend and fellow member of Rush who sadly passed away in 2020. This song is the most difficult to put into words. Its emotional soundscape is certainly my favorite, following the enchanting vision of a sunset. I think it is only fitting to include Lifeson’s words on the matter: “I visited Neil when he was ill,” says Alex Lifeson. “I was on his balcony watching the sunset and found inspiration. There’s a finality about a sunset that kinda stayed with me throughout the whole process. It had meaning. It was the perfect mood to decompress after all these different textures… a nice way to close the book.” A very nice way to close the book indeed.