Smooth Retsina Glow’s Through the Needles Eye taps into classic rock while weaving in enough fresh elements to avoid feeling like a nostalgia act. The trio—Colin Wolf, Natalie Expraxia, and Quincy Wellen—delivers a ten-song album that nods to the past but never lingers too long in any one era.
The opener, “Against Any Odds,” kicks things off with a 70s vibe. It’s not just retro for the sake of it—the track blends funk and jam band grooves that feel tailor-made for live performances. The vocal harmonies, particularly the interplay between male and female voices, give the song a rich texture.
“Fervor” shifts the mood, bringing in a dreamy, ballad-like atmosphere. Expraxia takes the lead, and the song’s airy feel is anchored by standout drumming, allowing the harmonies to float over the track.
“Never Conform” feels like a natural next step, with split vocal duties and 80s synths that give it a different yet cohesive energy. The band deftly moves between eras without losing its core identity.
“Relapse Collapse” adds some grit, diving into heavier territory with punk and metal influences. It’s a raw, dissonant blast of energy that contrasts sharply with “Lockstep,” a track that veers into ethereal, almost glowing territory.
“Mayleen” brings a sense of joy to the album, with a touch of holiday warmth and a Beatles-esque flair. Then there’s “Feigning Grace,” a standout moment where the old-school melodies tap into a folk-rock sensibility not far from the sound of Lord Huron.
“Virtuality” finds its groove in a dreamy yet funky space, pulling from 70s influences but adding a modern twist. The title track, “Through the Needles Eye,” stretches nearly eight minutes, showcasing extended instrumental sections and a gnarly guitar solo, making it the album’s centerpiece. The closer, “After All of This,” wraps things up on a reflective note, providing a satisfying end to an album that consistently shifts between styles and influences. Through the Needles Eye manages to balance its eclecticism with a cohesive sound, making it an album worth exploring.
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