Greg Puciato – Mirrorcell CD (Federal Prisoner)

Greg Puciato‘s Mirrorcell is an album that’s hard to turn off once you start listening. The album unfolds like a journey through a diverse sonic landscape, with the artist showcasing his knack for crafting songs in multiple genres. This versatility is one of the standout qualities of Mirrorcell, and it’s a testament to Puciato’s skill as a songwriter. Mirrorcell wastes no time in setting the tone. The opening track, Is This Hell You Find Yourself, is a short but effective piece that sets an ominous mood. From there, the album jumps into Reality Spiral, a heavy track fully stacked with sludgy riffs and dense textures. The song showcases Puciato’s talent for infusing modern sensibilities into classic rock tropes, making for a catchy and infectious tune.

But it’s not all heavy rock on Mirrorcell. The album bounces between genres, with some tracks leaning into more pop-influenced territory. Lowered, which features Reba Meyers of Code Orange, is a prime example. The track is a hook-laden piece of post-punk/goth rock-infused alternative rock that could find a home on any modern radio station. Similarly, Never Wanted That is a melancholic anthem that’s more introspective than some of the other tracks on the album. The versatility of Mirrorcell is striking, but Puciato’s singing abilities are shining bright throughout the album the most. The artist has a ferocious, passionate voice that perfectly suits this material. Whether he sings over sludgy riffs or lighter, more pop-leaning tracks, Puciato’s vocals are always commanding and engaging. The album’s standout vocal performance comes on its closing track, All Waves To Nothing. The song is almost a nine-minute masterclass in dynamics and vocal control, with Puciato wailing and screaming overturning doomy riffs.

Throughout the album, Chris Hornbrook of Poison The Well joins Puciato. The two musicians have an easy chemistry on the album, with Hornbrook’s propulsive rhythms providing a perfect backing for Puciato’s vocal acrobatics. Perhaps some readers may look at We as a downside of an album, but Puciato still showcases he’s a versatile artist capable of composing and performing excellent synthwave, synth pop, and goth rock songs. Mirrorcell is a fantastic album that showcases Puciato’s boundless creativity and songwriting chops. The album’s versatility and exceptional vocal performance make it a standout release. Puciato’s solo career is off to an impressive start, and it’s clear that he has a lot to offer as a solo artist. Mirrorcell is a must-listen for fans of heavy rock, alt-rock, and everything in between. Head to Federal Prisoner for more information about ordering.