Sometimes, the identity we attach to a musician is not entirely representative of who they are. For many, it is human nature to associate well-known artists with particular bands, such as Phil Collins with Genesis, Sting with The Police, or Alex Lifeson with Rush.
A founding member of the iconic Rock band Rush, Alex Lifeson made a massive impact during his time as their guitarist and leading songwriter over the course of forty-plus years and nineteen studio albums. A lifetime achievement, you might think that Lifeson may have wanted to kick back and relax for a bit following the conclusion of Rush after Drummer Neil Peart passed away in 2020. However, you cannot keep the creative mind at bay because Lifeson was back at it shortly after conjuring up some new sounds.
Exploring, Lifeson released two instrumental tracks in 2021 that featured bass from Coney Hatch’s Andy Curran, and it was far different than anything Rush had ever written or recorded. Fascinating, it soon became certain that a new seed was being planted. Something refreshing and exciting, Lifeson and Curran soon joined up with Guitarist/Keyboardist Alfio Annibalini and talented American Vocalist Maiah Wynne to form what is called Envy of None.
An organic unity that found the collective immediately attracted to the music, together as Envy of None, they turned many heads with their 2022 self-titled debut album. Catching many by surprise, this first release hit you with an ambient Alternative Rock sensation, ala those like Garbage, Metric, The Cranberries, or Placebo. It was exceptionally well done and only further stimulated interest in what might be next. Then, in 2023, some additional songs arrived as part of the That Was Then, This Is Now EP, and it became clear that Envy of None was a force entirely independent of any preconceptions about its members’ former projects.
Feeling like a splash of cool water to the face, Envy of None’s refined sound is galvanized by the veteran leadership of Lifeson, Curran, and Annibalini, but arguably, the most crucial piece to this puzzle is the voice of Maiah Wynne. As the youngest member of the band, Wynne fits in flawlessly, and you can tell there is a chemistry shared between each of them… especially as they prepare to release their follow-up album, Stygian Waves.
Their second overall full-length album, Stygian Waves, arrives on March 28, 2025, through Kscope, and it is just as good as their debut, if not better. Featuring pre-released tracks like 2024’s “Not Dead Yet” and the simply haunting “Under The Stars,” there is also the dream-like title track and absolutely stunning Alternative Rock gem “The Story.” The latter two arrived weeks before the album release, making for an exquisite collection of four previews crafted and mixed so that the textures lay perfectly behind Wynne’s singing. Setting a high standard, the remaining five songs on Stygian Waves also do not disappoint.
Highly emotional, Wynne sings about her deepest, most introspective thoughts in a way that invites you to dig deep into your own mind. A truly mesmerizing experience, it will entice reflection on faded memories, past triumphs, and failures. However, the real focus here is on moving forward without the weight of negativity. With this, Wynne stirs up some feelings of sorrow and regret, but also a hope that even while no one knows when their time is up, they can keep moving forward with the benefit of wisdom to be the best rendition of themselves. Simplifying it, Stygian Waves’ atmosphere is one of inner consciousness wrapped around some rich instrumentation and ethereal vocals.
Giving more insight, this album has a sense of connectivity between its tracks and a unique identity, so you remember each moment as it passes. Beyond those songs already mentioned as part of the pre-release, the diversity of “Thrill Of The Chase,” the trippiness of “Raindrops,” and the Electronic Rock sensation of “Clouds” are also clear highlights, but not where the enchantment dissipates.
In the end, Envy of None must be considered separate from Rush, Coney Hatch, or any of the other projects each member was previously involved in. They are a living, breathing band with much appeal beyond past legacies. An exhilarating blend of Alternative Rock that must not be missed and must be heard to believe, Cryptic Rock gives Envy of None’s Stygian Waves 5 out of 5 stars.
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