Limelight
GIANT WALKER
Bouncy Newcastle proggers out to make the genre as accessible as possible.
GIANT WALKER WANT
to open up prog metal to the masses.
“Someone who wouldn’t necessarily listen to rock or metal liking our music, that would be a win,” says the Newcastle four-piece’s drummer, Alex Black. “I think prog, by itself, is very pigeonholey. The fanbase can be sort of niche, as well. We’re maintaining an element of prog, but hopefully still being accessible.”
Listen to Giant Walker’s new album, Silhouettes, and you’ll agree. On their second LP, the band unload nine tight, focused and catchy songs, emphasising cathartic groove and impressive melodies without losing sight of progressive music’s discipline. Opening cut Time To Waste is quick to bring out singer Steff Fish’s nearoperatic vocals, her refined voice and singalong hooks starkly contrasted by Jamie Southern’s grungy, downtuned riffing. Meanwhile, Black and bassist Jordan Gregory lay down a swaggering rhythm section. It’s an infectious mixture influenced not only by prog, but names as far-flung as Deftones and Soundgarden.