There are instrumental bands who show off their technical skills and try to overawe an audience. And then there's Ayden, a Polish band that spent five years recording this, its second album. These songs ramble through a full set of dynamics and complexity. One piece might start small and quiet and build to a smashing climax. Another might do the reverse. And at times the high moment comes somewhere in between.

Ayden Seadrift (self-released)

Another way to put it is that Ayden tells stories, and it doesn't tell the same story twice. The band seems to think of itself as a space rock band, and I don't fully disagree with that assessment. But there are also elements of big sky americana in the slower moments (which, of course, is one step from space, both figuratively and literally) and a few bits for the prog nerds.

Altogether satisfying. Ayden is able to tell its tales without lyrics because its music is so compelling. The ideas are dense and expansive. Despite their grounding in a very strict idea of song construction, I was surprised by more than one turn.

Perfect for a night visiting the frontal lobes, not to mention any time immersive musical ideas are required. And while this sound (in general) has been in the solar wind for more than 50 years, Ayden finds ways to create something new. Quite the experience.

Jon Worley