Age of Distraction – A Game of Whispers

Self-released, and distibuted by Bad Dog Promotions, A Game of Whispers is is debut full-length album by Age of Distraction. A natural question that arises now; who are Age of Distraction? It’s a relatively new collaboration featuring artists from the UK’s progressive music scene. It features guitarist John Cook (ex-This Winter Machine), vocalist Charlie Bramald (Ghost Of The Machine), Mark Gatland on bass and additional keyboards (Hats Off Gentlemen It’s Adequate, IT), and Dom Bennison on drums, additional guitars, additional keyboards (Last Motion Picture, ex-TWM). A Game of Whispers is also featuring Philip Stuckey (lead vocals on “Take Me Down”) and Ruby Jones (piano on “The Uninvited”, piano and keys on “Take Me Dow”).

On A Game of Whispers these guys are blending melodic prog rock and metal with a modern production. There are 12 tracks featured on this lengthy, yet highly enjoyable album, that epitomize the band’s contemporary progressive rock and melodic metal sound. According to the press release, ‘the album explores the consequences of toxic relationships and communication breakdown, weaving those emotional beats into sonic tapestries that thread the lines between beauty and intensity.’

The already mentioned, “The Uninvited” is the first short song on this adventurous musical journey. It’s a piano-led song (by Ruby Jones), featuring some robotic spoken words which perfectly fits into the overall theme of communication breakdown. Next one is called “Break My Bones”, where it has a wonderful mix of smooth keyboard, melodic guitar parts, ‘easy to listen’ vocals, and a very strong songwriting and emotional/atmospheric progressive rock sound. “Compromised” is the debut single released more than a year ago. It features the bone-crushing riffs, melodic lead lines, propulsive grooves, stunning bass and rattling drums, espeacially the opening of the song. “Compromised” is excellent song full of passion and emotion. “Protect Me” is a bit different song; feels as futuristic, but at the same time very natural, painting these beautiful, emotional and extremely delicate landscapes. Then comes a short transitional song named, “The Plea”. It opens with cool boxed drums, surrounding bass, and an amazing electric guitar solo. It’s a ‘simple track’ where lead break carries the melody. “Take Me Down” is the second single released in summer of 2023, being another thoughtful, dark and brooding song with fantastic melodies. As mentioned in the beginning of the review, it features two guest appearances, where Philip Stuckey (lead vocals) and Ruby Jones (piano and keys) are, with their contribution, making a massive impact on this song. The title track, “A Game of Whispers” is a bit darker, but still melodic piece, with harsh vocals, beautiful leads and immense songwriting. “The Point of No Return” has some wonderful melodic leads in the beginning, while halfway through the song a more groovy parts settle in. This particular song has a nice flow and stellar instrumental performance. “Oceans” is probably the most different and untraditional prog song on this record. It has a deep and vast sound, and for me it’s a turning point on the album. Not much to say about “The Left Unsaid” – it’s the last transitional song. It opens with sounds of the surf and slow played electric guitar. Later some percussion and soft whispering have been added to the mix. I’m not sure, but it feels as “Sneak Attack” is the long song in the album?! Nevertheless, its start is smooth and gentle once again, but the band turns up the emotion in the vocal harmonies, in the chorus. These are delivered at lightning speed. “My Peace” is the closing song on the album. It leaves listener to find its own peace and draw a deep breath, being full of warm keyboards and orchestration, feauturing soothing violins and strings to close the whole thing.

In short; the musicianship is stellar, and after two spins of A Game of Whispers, I am convinced that the members of this ‘supergroup’ are very talented and wonderful songwriters and storytellers. A Game of Whispers boasts a powerful, modern and pristine production courtesy of band member, Dom Bennison. It is further adorned by this stunning artwork of Andjela Vujić.

I can’t tell if it’s due to their stellar musicianship, flow of the album, or extraordinary production, but what I do know is that there’s something about A Game of Whispers that will keep you return and listen to it over and over again.

Based on the previous, I can strongly recommend A Game of Whispers to every fan of good old progressive UK sound as this 12-tracker definitely marks a return to the way the UK used to make great, epic progressive rock albums.

For further info on this progressive, melodic and epic rock album visit https://ageofdistraction.bandcamp.com/album/a-game-of-whispers