Written by: Jen Dan

Buffalo, New York-based progressive rock band Turning Virtue released its debut album, A Temporary Human Experience, this past April. The disc’s classic rock sound and structure are bolstered by progressive and psychedelic components, giving the traditional style a transporting psych-prog twist.

David Karczewski, AKA Davey K (vocals, guitars, keyboards), DPA (bass), and Carl Cino (guitars) recruited acclaimed drummer Mark Zonder (ex-Fates Warning, Warlord) to make his mark on A Temporary Human Experience. Zonder has been ranked in the Top 100 Drummers of All Time by Rolling Stone. Renowned mixer Tim Palmer (Porcupine Tree, Pearl Jam, U2) also came on board, as well as Andy VanDette (Porcupine Tree, Rush, Dream Theater) who mastered the disc. When the band performs live, Rob Thurman takes on drum-work duties.

Rock/folk opening track “Transcend” sets the stage for the rest of the album, commencing with a short passage of hollow, metallic drum hits and bright tambourine jingle. This segment segues into a low-flame guitar line that quickly intensifies into a burning guitar riff, and a faster drum tempo. As the verse swings into the chorus, the tone mellows out and Davey K sings wistfully, “Anywhere is somewhere / as long as it’s yours.” Mellifluous acoustic guitar strum, reined in electric guitar lines, a dusting of cymbals, and dynamic drum beat follow his lead.

The rock-oriented verses roil with distorted guitar jags and alternate with dreamier folk-like chorus sections until the song ends with a blend of calmer folk jangle and stormier, keening guitar lines that fly to the sky.

Find out more about Turning Virtue here: