‘…an artist with a continuous willingness to improve themselves, and perhaps more importantly, to challenge themselves…’
Vinyl Fantasy Reviews has been following Orlando musician Landon Noland since 2023, with the release of his ‘Live in Concert Downtown Orlando’ record. Already accomplished vocalist with a penchant for blues, jazz, indie, and contemporary pop, the promise was clear. Since then, it is difficult to truly put into words the quality of evolution that Noland has undergone, shifting towards a cinematic alternative rock style with sheer effortlessness. Regardless, this latest single shows that the journey still has many surprises in store, and is undoubtably Noland’s finest work to date.
Whilst Noland has been tongue-in-cheek with his description of this track as “aurafarming indie metal”, the musicianship behind this surprising behemoth of a track is no joke. A sprawling seven minute progressive rock cut that details Noland’s struggles with diabetes and the for-profit medical system, ‘Numbers’ is as ambitious as it is visceral. Pulling influence from the likes of Dream Theatre and Rush, soaring guitar melodies swirl about atop of thunderous percussion, constantly driving forwards with a claustrophobic sense of dread; the walls of Noland’s chronic illness are closing in about him, and those who swore to cure him seem only invested in lining their own pockets.
Noland himself sounds stronger than ever before, unleashing wonderfully overdramatic vocals that feel straight out of a classic 80’s metal record; his anger is palpable as he leaps through powerful belted passages and snarling lows. The track’s mixing and mastering also represent a marked improvement, with Noland positioned in a commanding manner in the midst of the instrumental vortex; it is a track that is rich and densely woven, rewarding multiple listens in spite of its bold run time.
Every track that Noland releases is undoubtedly better than the last, and witnessing this musician evolve is a journey of unparalleled surprises. ‘Numbers’ is indicative of an artist with a continuous willingness to improve themselves, and perhaps more importantly, to challenge themselves. In a world in which the algorithm dictates that songs should get shorter, simpler, and shallower, be a Landon Noland.
For Fans Of: Dream Theatre, Meat Loaf, Coheed & Cambria, Tool, Rush, Zetra
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