Album Review: Review: Keyan - Gradient EP

Adelaide certainly has no shortage of musical talent, and the Debut EP from solo guitarist Keyan Houshmand entitled Gradient is a shining example of what the City of Churches has to offer among the broad community of heavy music we’re so fortunate to have in Australia.

Houshmand’s prowess of his instrument is immediately apparent from the opening seconds of Black, painting a very bleak and punishing soundscape within the mind. Riffs strike with such ferocity, and the drums pummel your head so hard that the temptation to break into a private mosh pit is almost too strong. As the title suggests, the three track EP explores how everything we experience falls onto a spectrum. In his own words, “Nothing is black or white, […] everything is grey.” This thesis is shown by way of all three tracks containing a leitmotif who’s presence and tone change to compliment the nature of each song. 

After the onslaught of Black has subsided, White makes way for a beautifully uplifting movement where Houshmand’s fretwork really shines, utilising a clean tone, more dynamically complex drums and gorgeous synth production that bolsters the jubilance and excitement as his fingers dance across the fretboard. By the time we come to closing song Grey, all I can think of is “I want more.” And more he delivered. The joy of White and the negativity of Black merge together to create something that can only be described as a beautiful sadness. 

Gradient is a truly impressive debut EP for Keyan Houshmand that takes you on an emotional journey you’ll want to ride over and over again. FFO: Plini, I Built The Sky, Polyphia, Periphery.