Originally conceived as a solo project for Luis Carlos Maldonado, a child guitar prodigy who has established a reputation as a studio session player for John Waite, UFO, Glenn Hughes with some assistance from his friend Tim Alexander (who has had stints with Primus and A Perfect Circle) on drums, Into the Presence’s self-titled debut increasingly became a mutual collaboration based on both Maldonado’s and Alexander’s love of 70s music and 70s analog recording techniques on albums such as Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon, Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here and others.

Into the Presence’s debut will remind erudite music listeners of those great 70s albums – the songs maintain a warm, slightly grainy tone which is rare in sparkling-clean digital era. For example, there’s a section of “Radio,” which has a ghostly reminiscence to Pink Floyd’s “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” while other songs have flamenco-inspired rhythms. Although in many ways, sonically Into the Presence may also remind listeners of an artsy, gothic White Stripes based on their sound – and on a certain level, it’s a fair comparison, if slightly inaccurate.  Where this band and their debut album differs from the White Stripes and others is in their ability to play around with several different genres in subtle and novel ways much in the same way as A Perfect Circle.

Strangely, the dark, gothic feel of many of the songs will probably unconsciously remind some listeners of A Perfect Circle’s debut, Mer de Noms and thematically the songs are very similar – the songs here deal with love, loss and regret in very universal, pop music terms without the same dark, clinical coldness of A Perfect Circle’s debut.

Indeed, because of this populist sentiment Maldonado’s lyrics are clichéd and at times sound sappy and melodramatic but his amazing, soaring vocals add an anthemic and powerful sound, even to groan inducing lyrics. Freddy Mercury who had the same almost operatic style would be the best and most likely comparison. Surely, in the current rock scene, Maldonado’s voice is a rare thing. Plus the simpatico and interplay between Maldonado and Alexander – both who have been good friends for years – is amazing.

On songs such as “End Game” “Radio” and “My Only Crime,” Maldonado’s guitar work manages to dart and soar alongside his vocals while Alexander keeps things grounded with drum work that manages to play with time signatures and adds a full, earthy thump to the proceedings. For a debut album, Into the Presence may very well have a big future ahead.

Beer Pairing: Keegan Ale’s Mother’s Milk Stout: This, Kingston, New York-based microbrew is well suited for listening to Into the Presence. Mother’s Milk is a powerfully robust and dark brew with manages an earthy and complex but enjoyably bittersweet taste which fits well with the lyrics.