Mental Illusionโs debut album, Rough Around The Edges, is an ambitious, deeply introspective ride through 20 tracks of raw emotion, personal struggles, and cathartic release. Released on December 9th, this record is a sprawling collection of rock-fueled storytelling, blending acoustic, electric, and orchestral elements into a soundscape that is as haunting as it is inspiring. Think Muse meets Dave Matthews Bandโsoul-searching lyrics wrapped in intricate instrumentation, pushing the boundaries of conventional rock.
The album kicks off with โAlone in the Dark,โ a seven-minute odyssey dripping with longing and despair. A deep, shimmering orchestral drone sets the tone, while the singerโs raspy, high voice aches with vulnerability. The lyrics read like a midnight confessionโsearching for light in an endless tunnel, fighting against the weight of self-doubt. As the song builds, the guitar solo drives forward with urgency, cymbals crashing in perfect sync, mirroring the emotional turbulence of the lyrics.
Fast forward to โBe the Change,โ and the mood shifts from lament to determination. The gritty, melodic guitars cut through persistent drumbeats, underscoring a lyrical journey of breaking free from the past. The singerโs voice still carries that signature longing, but now itโs infused with a newfound resolve. โI see others that squeak between the cracks, but there is a whisper that reminds me, I can do better.โ
Then thereโs โNever Surrender,โ a beautifully contemplative piece that sways between orchestral grandeur and heartfelt intimacy. The lyrics reflect resilience, a refusal to be defined by past mistakes, and a will to stand tall, no matter what. With the album closing on a sequence of classical instrumentals, Rough Around The Edges transforms into a multi-faceted journey through struggle, perseverance, and ultimately, self-acceptance.
Check it out on Spotify.
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Review by: Naomi Joan