Billed as a theatrical rock ballad from Govey/Matthew, Justice XXIII grabbed my attention from the outset, but knowing next to nothing about the band and their music, I carefully hit the play button, unsure what was about to transpire.
A beautifully mystical intro paints a sonic landscape before a delicate female voice purrs over the top, introducing a soothing male voice that only accentuates the mystery.
There’s some string orchestration chiming gently in the background, giving a sense of calm and belonging to the track, half threatening to explode in the near future but resisting the temptation to instead continue on its whimsical path.
Some well-placed backing vocals add effect before a tasty guitar solo elevates the melancholic sadness, drawing you deeper into the tale of woe, while the delicately placed backing vocals gradually intensify without upsetting the vibe and feel of the track.
Another guitar solo interjects and again the angst fuelled backing vocals portray their feelings as the solo subsides and the soothing vocals return to carry the track into conclusion.
It is definitely a beautiful, well-crafted song that defies modern convention of heavier breakdown, instead building within itself to ultimately travel its own subdued course to good effect.
