This album has been released in three-song drips and drabs over the last year. I've been tempted to review each, but now that the scope of the entire project has been revealed, I guess the time has come.

Nomadic Narwhal Fathoms (Parts I-IV) (self-released)

Nomadic Narwhal takes elements of metal, modern rock, electronics and grunge, finding a sound that veers from new age to aggressive and just about everywhere in-between. This Dayton band likes to call its music cinematic, and these power instrumentals sure do amp up the drama.

Oh, and there's a companion video. Nomadic Narwhal has a few things it wants to show you about the mess we've made of the earth. The totality of this album is the soundtrack. I can't say the video explains the songs better than the music, but it does bring a new perspective to the overall project.

Despite all that, this isn't a polemic without words. Nomadic Narwhal creates scene after compelling scene, inviting the listener into an unknown world. I really don't think this fits into any particular genre, any more than I think the four parts to this set make nearly as much sense as the whole. Dip your toe in or simply take a dive. The water may not be warm, but it is inviting.

Jon Worley