In the world of progressive metal, where guest appearances can be a band's ticket to fame, it's easy to get lost in the sea of keyboard solos and forget the true essence of music. The review of slq's debut album, 'Crown Shyness', is a testament to this. With a guest lineup that includes Derek Sherinian, Baard Kolstad, Diego Tejeida, and Nate Navarro, one might expect a masterpiece. But, as the reviewer points out, this isn't the case. The album feels like a band trying to find its identity, with a sound that's a mix of Tool, Leprous, and Porcupine Tree, but lacking a clear direction. The reviewer, personally, finds the album a bit of a slog, with a weak link in César Parra Rojas's vocals, which are often pitchy and oversung. However, the instrumental sections, especially the salsa groove on 'A Chasm' and the blues rock instrumentals on 'A Deception', are impressive. The reviewer also highlights the impressive keyboard work from Tejeida and the energetic drumming from Kolstad. Despite the album's flaws, the reviewer acknowledges that 'Crown Shyness' has its merits and is a listenable record with some intriguing compositions. It's a work in progress, and the reviewer encourages listeners to give it a chance, especially those who enjoy progressive metal with a touch of salsa and blues. The final verdict is a 4/10, but the reviewer leaves the door open for further exploration, suggesting that the album might be a struggling sapling, but it has the potential to grow into something remarkable.
