While the market share for progressive rock bands like 32 Leaves may be shrinking in the face of metalcore and pop-punk; the amount of bands out there actually making music for non-commercial interests seems to have gotten even smaller. True, 32 Leaves do straddle the line between radio-rock darlings and brainy rock band, but both aspects are considerately balanced. In turn, with a sense of humble charm and a wide-eyed outlook, the music they craft is often both vast and down to earth in the same instance.

At face value they may be mistaken for a generic melodic prog-rock outfit, but there's a sense of modesty and lack of unabashed balladry here that gives them a bit of a leg up. With a sound that can recall the likes of Oceansize, 30 Seconds To Mars and A Perfect Circle, 32 Leaves are just as likely to meander through lush instrumentation as they are to drive a groove-laden beat home.

The bass lines are steadily resilient and contemplative while sweeping guitars and enthusiastic drumming intertwine to create a starkly moody backdrop. The somewhat detached, though inherently melodic, vocals capitalize on this and match the pacing of the weighty material quite well. Still, while it is an interesting listen, there is an overall dreariness that engulfs the album and can make more than a few tracks sound tiresome - even though the group are instrumentally sound and their compositions are well put together

The main gripes are a lack of pronounced highs and lows, and a rigorous middle course continually being tread. These shortcomings quickly allow repetition to set in. That said, 32 Leaves are still like apples and oranges when it comes to bands such as Staind and Breaking Benjamin. Rather than glossy structures and faux emotion, the material here sounds heartfelt and is densely woven together. Indeed, its indulgence in prog rock layering may get the best of it on numerous occasions, but these 32 Leaves aren't about to be raked up any time soon.