by Andrew Roger

As a video editor, I have a soft spot for instrumental rock. Not having vocals is a blessing as I plod through monotone interviews for hours — the crescendoing sounds of Mogwai, Godspeed, Explosions in the Sky, Tristeza and Unwed Sailor fill my ears. At times, instrumental bands are a fun co-pilot, keeping me awake through their driving repetitiive nature and hum-along melodic excursions. But in both cases, they are supplementary to whatever I happen to be doing.

Masses, from Lincoln, does not let me do that. You can't escape from listening to one of their songs. Often starting simply and melodically, it draws your attention. Then they lay out a foundation of prog rock, but from there you don't know what to expect. Like opening doors in a Wonderland house, one time you see a hallway and the next time it's a brick wall. The music has moved on.

Take a look at "Lamb Cannon." About halfway through, I feel like I'm on a roller coaster that dipped into a completely dark cave and I don't know what's around me as they speed by. How high can I raise my hands? Will screaming even help? I hope they know what they are doing!

Camera: Brendan Greene-Walsh, Django Greenblatt-Seay, Kevin McGowan

Edit: Andrew Roger

Filmed at O'Leaver's Pub on April 16, 2011.

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Listen to more Masses here.