Fearful Symmetry – “I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…”

UK artists Fearful Symmetry, will release their brand-new album, I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…, on Progrock.com’s Essentials label, on September 5^th, of this year.

Fearful Symmetry is a studio-based project, originally created in 2018 by cousins Suzi James and Jeremy Shotts, who wanted to create something new from all the music they’ve enjoyed listening to, “an affectionate homage to classic prog, but contemporary sounding compositions, that cross different sub-genres, and aim to convey a familiar sound and feel”.

They have released two albums already: Louder Than Words (2019) and The Difficult Second (2022). They also have released an extended single: “Shifting Sands” (2023).

I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish… is Fearful Symmetry’s third album, and reflects the on-going approach of fusing many different styles and influences. Multi-instrumentalist Suzi James, is again joined by Yael Shotts, on lead vocals, and Sharon Petrover, on drums. Most of the instrumentation is provided by Suzi, who started playing guitar semi-professionally in bands in the 1970s, from blues to prog rock, covers, and some session work. Suzi has added bass, keyboards, flute, violin, oud, and mandolin to her skills.

Sharon Petrover is a professional studio and performance drummer based in Tel Aviv, Israel; working in all genres of music, as well as teaching. He has recorded with Project RnL, Square to Check, Daniel Weiss, among many others.

Mark Cook (Herd of Instinct, T.A.P with Suzi, Djam Karet and more) is a guest soloist on track 7, “There Are No Words,” playing his Warr multi-string touch guitar.

“One By One,” opens with drums from Sharon Petrover. Yael Shotts sings the story of this song, “Time to leave the dreams of Eden. Fading fortunes far behind. Letting go the ties that bind us. Finding lines to time defined. Trains of thought flash by my window. In my eyes we’re on our own. Bridges burn on dead horizons. Cares awake; we’re going home.” A song about facing a world forever changed by many unfortunate issues. The lead guitar playing and keyboards from Suzi are just amazing, as is her bass skills. There just seems to be so much more in Fearful Symmetry ‘tool box,’ now that Suzi has taken the time to learn and play so many more instruments. However, her guitar soloing is still the band’s super power.

“Hard as Diamonds,” opens with some cool keyboards and electric guitars. Yael Shotts’ vocals are so unique, and help this band stand out amongst their progressive rock peers. She sings, “Hard as diamonds, your voice cut through the night. Cold as ice, your words put out the light. House is silent, no-one moves within. Trees outside, rustle in the wind. The hours died. The children cried. You took a ride. You had to fly. Faceless walls. In empty halls. The distance calls. The clock lies smashed on the floor. Don’t need clocks anymore.” This sounds like a conversation about trying to save a relationship from falling apart, amidst a tired and crumbling world. Suzi’s keyboard playing on this song really stands out. Stunning.

“The Demented Third,” is an instrumental track that opens with some powerful bass and drums. A hard rock centerpiece for the album. Suzi just gleefully rocks that electric guitar, setting new standards for the band. Then, Suzi shows off that magnificent and dynamic new flute playing to take this instrumental over the top.

“On The Streets Today,” opens with light keyboards and soft drums. Yael Shotts sings, “I would have run with you. Wherever danger lies. And it was understood. No need for compromise. But when I saw you on the street today. I saw a hurt look in your eyes. You didn’t even have a word to say. No excuse, no alibis. I would have climbed with you. Wherever eagles fly. To catch a breathless view. From all our hopes piled high.” Another tough song about the current state of the world and the way people interact. Cell phone and social media have interfered with our conversations, and made life more difficult and detached; as much as they have offered opportunities to bridge geography, time, and space.

“Someone,” opens with thumping drums and heavy electric guitar chords. Yael Shotts sings, “There was a time, when I felt that I was just the only one. Never right, ever wrong. Never heard the song. Single sublime, never felt that time was ever on my side. On my own, one-way phone. Facing fates alone. Sometimes you reach for a moment. Sometimes you reach for a star. Sometimes you hear someone calling. Someone who waits where you are. Someone who stops you from falling. Someone who’s always near when you’re afar.” A cry out, to locate that soul mate or at least someone to trust, that we all pursue, to enrich our lives. There is some very interesting guitar, keyboards, and drum interplay during the mid-section of this song, which is fantastic.

“The Dance of the Ghillie Dhu,” (The Ghillie Dhu lives in the Scottish forests. He lives alone and camouflages himself from humans, using leaves and moss for clothing. He only comes out at night. The Ghillie Dhu, or the ‘dark haired lad’ in Gaelic, gets very angry if adults trespass upon his forest and he severely punishes those that interfere with his precious leafy home. However, this wild tree sprite is also known for his kindness – but only to younger explorers of his woodlands. In one famous tale in Scottish folklore, the Ghillie Dhu came across a frightened local girl, who had become lost as night fell. The Ghillie Dhu comforted her and led her through the forest and all the way home to safety.) Yael Shotts sings us the story, “The Ghillie Dhu lives deep in the forest. In Caledonia, land of the Gael. Lives by himself, with nature providing. Living in twilight, from people veiled. Best to find new roads to roam. Jessie Macrae, a wee frightened lassie, Lost in the woodlands near Ghillie Dhu. Came upon Jessie, gave her some comfort. Led her back homeward safely and true.” Suzi plays some wonderful violin on this song. One of the best songs on the album. Great story as well. Thank you, Fear Symmetry.

“There are No Words,” is another great instrumental song, that gives Suzi the opportunity to display her new musical talents. The keyboards and guitar playing are still key and they are exceptional.

“Everything and Nothing,” opens with light piano, as Yael Shotts sings, “You’re my loss, and you took my gain. Stole my pleasure and you gave me all your pain. My nirvana, my nemesis. Took my pride and gave me prejudice. You gave me war, and you took my peace. Gave me prison with no chance of release. Took my life and you gave me death. Took my heartbeat and you took away my breath. We’re victims of the truth denied. Finds us playing this curious game. Victims of the great divide. Until everything and nothing remains.” A sad story about the state of the world today, under the influence of a dictator running the once symbol of freedom, America. The lyrics absolutely hit every important point of the current dilemma we all face, until this situation can be remedied.

“Theme for an Imaginary Cop Show,” is just what you would expect in an instrumental about an imaginary cop show…action. Great keyboards and marvelous electric guitar playing, spot on bass and drums. Suzi’s synthesizer playing is also a highlight of this dynamic instrumental.

“The Tears of the Gods,” is the epic closer and the longest song on the album at just over ten minutes. (The song is a story about the Japanese gods, Izanagi and Izanami; who are held to be the creators of the Japanese archipelago and the progenitors of many deities, which include the sun goddess Amaterasu, the moon deity Tsukuyomi, and the storm god Susanoo.) Suzy plays some wonderful Asian sounding guitar chords and adds powerful bass playing to the soundscape. Yael Shotts sings, “How it begins – Izanagi and Izanami, far to the east a land was born. From two gods with a holy spear. Who stirred the sea til the drops fell back. From which new islands did appear. From high on the floating heavenly bridge. The ancient gods they did descend. And built an altar to themselves. And to each other did attend. God Izanami died in pain. Her love Izanagi in grief he cries. And from his tears a new god was born. And soon many others filled the skies.” Wow, if they haven’t already given you enough, they provide the mythical legend of the story of the creation of the islands of Japan.

Fearful Symmetry, has lifted their musical soundscape to a higher level on “I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…” And yes, I’m so glad they did finish this memorable album. Suzi’s investment in learning to play more instruments has definitely paid off in creating a dynamic sound for Fearful Symmetry. Suzi has kept her band membership intact, while she has added to her wisdom and the dynamic sound her band now generates. If only all bands cared this much for innovation, we would have even more great innovative music to hear. Hats off to Fearful Symmetry and their new album, “I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…” They finished their share, now go get this and listen to how well it sounds!

Tracklist:

One By One – 6:02
Hard as Diamonds – 5:20
The Demented Third – 4:11
On The Streets Today – 4:14
Someone – 4:54
The Dance of the Ghillie Dhu – 5:40
There are No Words – 4:14
Everything and Nothing – 4:37
Theme for an Imaginary Cop Show – 3:42
The Tears of the Gods – 10:10

“I’ve Started, So I’ll Finish…” was recorded at Suzi James Music Studio, in London, UK; and Sharon Petrover was recorded at Drums Studio, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Composing, mixing, and mastering was completed by Suzie James. The design concept, was conceived by Mark Montforti and Suzi James.

Band Website and Social Media Links:

https://www.fearfulsymmetry.rocks

https://www.facebook.com/FearfulSymmetryRocks

https://fearfulsymmetry.bandcamp.com

https://www.instagram.com/fearfulsymmetryband