Artist: Mind The Journey

Album: Color In The Gray Machine

Production: Produced by singer-songwriter Spencer Sabo; Mastered by Tom Waltz

Being an introverted individual often comes with a negative perception from society, as people are often quick to judge their peers for their reserved ideas and approach to life. Singer-songwriter Spencer Sabo’s musical project, Mind The Journey, is enthrallingly allowing the Boston resident to explore his creativity through his unique psychedelic rock, alternative and synth pop songs. His electronica-based full-length debut album, ‘Color In The Gray Machine,’ which is set to be released on January 5, 2016, distinctly proves that the musician does crave acceptance by those people he appreciates. But he also values all of his interests and connections, even if they’re not always approved by his peers.

‘Color In The Gray Machine’ begins with the short, but incredibly insightful, track, ‘Falling Asleep.’ The abbreviated song is dramatically driven by a collection of gritty alt rock and psychedelic noises, which effortlessly emphasizes Mind The Journey’s reluctance to completely confirm to society’s expectations.

The musician’s record then grippingly switches to the intriguingly drum and keys-driven entry, ‘Desserts.’ The electronic-infused song reltabaly chronicles how Sabo understands what it means to struggle to stay afloat, including looking for support from anyone who would be willing to assist him.

‘Interdimensional Romance,’ which is the next track on ‘Color In The Gray Machine,’ intriguingly emphasizes how Sabo is a man who’s longing to form a connection. His relatable lyrics about feeling lost before starting his romance, and waiting to be truly together, is powerfully reinforced by his up-tempo ambiance. Effortlessly mixing stunning keys and beat box drum with his high-ranging vocals and an 8-bit melody, the album welcomes a more up-beat and energized sound.

The record then alluring delves into two instrumental-fused songs, ‘Dancing On The Sun’ and ‘Oneironaut (Interlude).’ Both tracks, while short in length, feature distinctly cheerful psychedelic sounds that provide intriguing upbeat dance rhythms.

Mind The Journey then enthrallingly explores the complexities of the world in the diverse and captivating entry, ‘Rose Colored Glasses,’ which is led by warped keyboards and rhythmic drumming. The musician fearlessly explores all of his creative sides, and isn’t afraid to show who he really is throughout the track, which innovatively mixes the electronic, alternative rock and psychedelic rock genres. With the aid of soulful instruments, Sabo questions what’s wrong with seeing the world through rose colored glasses.

The album once again powerfully changes its tune with the mid-tempo song, ‘Dream Demon.’ Led by an electric guitar, the track features a gritty melody that’s harsher than any of the previous entries on ‘Color In The Gray Matter.’ The musician harrowingly notes how he’s waiting for the end of days, as he realizes there’s no turning back in his life.

‘Dream Demon’ distinctly leads into another mid-tempo and somewhat melancholic track, ‘Atmintis (Pass The Haze).’ The psychedelic rock song chronicles the singer’s questioning of whether he’s just fighting for a chance to play a game, where every path leads straight with the person he’s with, and there’ no chance to diverge from their plan.

Continuing with the mid-tempo beat and distinctive drumming, ‘Egophoria’ serves as the next distinct entry on ‘Color In The Gray Matter.’ Sabo emotionally questions when the person he’s involved with will show her true self. As he then begins questioning what he’s really doing with his own life, and tries to discover his own identity, he realizes that it’s time to move past his allusions, and be his own man.

The album then takes a dramatic turn with the affable ballad, ‘Boats,’ an entry that’s led-by a tranquil and calming acoustic guitar. The track, which has more mass pop appeal than the record’s previous entries, grippingly follows Sabo as he passionately claims that he wants to be heard. As he also emphasizes how he has matured for the person he’s with, he also needs his own relief in his life, particularly by finally capturing his own dream.

‘Noise Gate’ is another unique track on the musician’s album, particularly as it stresses its alluring use of organ sounding keyboards, as well as Sabo’s questioning of reclaiming innocence. ‘Color In The Gray Matter’ then powerfully ends with the slow and dramatic entry, ‘Delta Wave.’ The song’s emotionally notes how people often travel down a difficult path in life, as they’re unsure how to obtain their hopes and dreams together.

Being an introverted individual often comes with a negative perception from society, as people are often quick to judge their peers for their unique ideas and approach to life. The launch of Mind The Journey is enthrallingly allowing Sabo to explore his creativity through his unique psychedelic rock, alternative and synth pop songs, particularly through his electronica-based full-length debut album, ‘Color In The Gray Machine.’ The unique tracks, particularly ‘Boats’ and ‘Noise Gate,’ distinctly prove that the musician values and appreciates all of his interests and connections, even if they’re not always accepted by society.

For more information on Mind The Journey, visit the band’s Twitter, Facebook and Bandcamp pages. Listen to ‘Rose Colored Glasses’ below.

Mind The Journey's Color In The Gray Machine Album Review

Written by: Karen Benardello

By Karen Benardello

As a graduate of LIU Post with a B.F.A in Journalism, Print and Electronic, Karen Benardello serves as ShockYa's Senior Movies & Television Editor. Her duties include interviewing filmmakers and musicians, and scribing movie, television and music reviews and news articles. As a New York City-area based journalist, she's a member of the guilds, New York Film Critics Online and the Women Film Critics Circle.

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