RANDY MCSTINE – Mutual Hallucinations (Album Review)

The road to being an established solo artist continues. Although Randy McStine has been a member of several bands (e.g. The Fringe, Minneman & McStine, In Continuum) and came to more recent widespread attention by being a member of Porcupine Tree’s touring band, finding his way under his own name seems to be a priority.

No longer using the moniker of Lo-Fi Resistance, McStine has released a patchwork of solo singles, EPs, live recordings, improvisations, and more as he determines what kind of recording artist he wants to be. The most impactful thus far has been “Idle”, which itself is a double-album compilation released in 2019. “Mutual Hallucinations” holds the promise of being the next natural step in McStine’s evolution which could garner a wider audience. Boasting an extremely diverse range of styles, there’s undoubtedly something here for everyone, though adventurous listeners will enjoy the breadth of the entire experience. 

As a singer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, producer, and even drummer, McStine has all of the skills necessary to make a complete album on his own. Still, that doesn’t stop him from bringing in some of his A-list friends to collaborate or add their own unique imprints, most of whom are some of the best drummers alive. “Bodies In Space” is an unlikely opener, a short 2-minute instrumental heavy on electronic sheen, as if to proclaim that this is going to be an experimental album. But it remains accessible and its quirky angular diversions soon become endearing. 

Ukulele forms the foundation of “Counterintuitive”. Like a modern-day Kevin Gilbert, McStine wields a wide array of instruments to pull off the unexpected in a pop song, while Pat Mastelotto does the same on percussion. “Counterintuitive creatures we are, it’s a wonder we’ve made it this far. If we just lived forever, we’d still look for new ways to die.” Mixed by Tim Palmer, it all comes together convincingly, McStine’s vocals being the steady common link.

“Adopted Son” finds Gavin Harrison at the drum kit and Steven Wilson at the mixing board for this expressive ballad, one of the more mellow songs on the album which comes in surprisingly early in the track listing. Then it’s Minnemann’s turn in the drum chair for “Send Your Light”. Having seen McStine perform this song several times in a solo acoustic setting, it’s rewarding to hear the full ensemble flesh it out with some wild guitar sounds and soloing.

A highlight of the album is the 9+ minute “Economy of Differences”. Adam Holzman collaborates on numerous keyboards, opening up the soundscape with sublime style. These two musicians have been teaming up in various contexts lately, and hopefully, a full album will be forthcoming. However, it’s McStine’s vocals that are the glorious standout here, rising and falling with grace and patience.

Bordering on an ambient vibe, it’s an apt precursor to the subsequent instrumentals “Bask” (which features a string section) and “The Scroll”, a proggy delight that includes fretless bass soloing and even Keith Emerson-style organ, while bringing in Nick D’Virgilio on drums. By the time we hit the enigmatic “Incandescent” a little later on – all three instrumentals being mixed by Steven Wilson – we start to see “Mutual Hallucinations” as being a worthy counterpart to Wilson’s own “The Harmony Codex” in scope and content. 

The chiming “Impossible Door” returns to Gilbert/Jellyfish territory, all impeccably performed by McStine with a ravishing guitar solo that ends with a dying Pacman motif. Riding on an anthemic vibe, “Remains” ties things up nicely: “What a time to be alive – what a time to die – what a time to fall in love – what a time it is to try – everything is dangerous – but everything is alright.” Alright. 

Beyond the quality of the music, the instrumentation and the lyrics, what strikes the listener most about the album is its professional style and character. Classy yet edgy, challenging yet accessible, McStine achieves his vision clearly throughout these “Mutual Hallucinations”, paving the way to his desired future as a notable solo artist. 

Released By: Independent
Release Date: November 1st, 2024
Genre: Progressive Rock

Musicians:

• Randy McStine / Vocals, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Electric Sitar, Ukulele, Bass, Piano, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Glockenspiel, Drum Machines, Drums, Percussion

“Mutual Hallucinations” Track-Listing:

1. Bodies in Space
2. counterintuitive
3. Adopted Son
4. Send Your Light
5. Economy of Differences
6. Bask
7. The Scroll
8. Impossible Door
9. Incandescent
10. Remains

Order “Mutual Hallucinations” HERE