Continua

In chemistry, when certain incendiary elements amalgamate, they become vehemently explosive. In alternative rock, when certain incendiary elements amalgamate, they become Continua. In fact, whenever the five gentlemen who encompass Continua – Cincinnati based darkwave singer Bishop Battle, Day of Awakening’s Brian Buckalew, and guitarist-songwriter Jason Mulkey, who are joined by Maiden Cane lead guitarist Joey Gilbert and drummer Troy Parrish are able to conjoin their collective talents, the result is a sweeping sonic rhapsody that reflects where their inherent mastery of melody intersects with their technically sharp musicianship.

Continua soar to lofty heights on their debut EP “Flagship”. Hard-hitting and driven, there’s a lot of ear candy sprinkled throughout every song, as Continua reel in glimmering flavors of glam rock, grunge and pop. Perhaps the primary strength of this band, and of this EP in particular, is the amount of space each instrument, and vocalist, gets. This says plenty for the mixing, but even more so for the songwriting and arranging.

The instrumentalists are absolute masters of their instruments, but there is no overplaying to be found on “Flagship”. One point is easy to make right at the outset: Bishop Battle is one of the stars of this recording. Whether it’s stretching out aching notes on rockers, angelically dipping into his falsetto, or delivering a heartfelt ballad, he knocks it out the park.

Bishop’s combination of emotion, power and vulnerability makes him the ideal singer to deliver these new sonic creations, and thereby gives Continua one of its signature palettes. It does help that he has a dynamic ensemble behind him.

Brian Buckalew succeeds in being a rock-solid bassist, bringing his punchy attack to the fore more often than one might expect. Drummer Troy Parrish elevates the band by a few degrees, his precision and power is present on every track, delivering extra intensity.

Lead guitarist Joey Gilbert delivers inspiring playing throughout the EP. Whether it’s a toned-down style or fretboard frenzy, His tone and technique are impeccable. Equally importantly, is Jason Mulkey, who lays down luscious beds of sound that help drive the emotion of these songs. He shines in both writing and performance. The point that comes clear, is that Continua fully coalesce into strong musical homogeneity.

The truth is, every musician helps enormously to add their own vital piece of skill to the complex, but yet fascinating sonic mosaic drawn by this alternative rock collective. Opening with “The Darkest City”, Continua takes your breath away from every angle and every perspective. If the vocal harmonies and guitars fail to reel you in at the first instant, then back away now. The epic aura and soulful verses pave the way before the climaxing choruses stir the soul.

The robust “Fluorescent” is a perfect example of the incredibly melodic, yet thunderous formula Continua are able to weave into their songs. The song also showcases how the mix ensures each instrument has its moment to shine.

Among the many inspired moments present on this EP, the listener will be taken completely by surprise by the exquisite, surreal edge, of the deliciously melodic, “Simple Plan”. Everything is heightened to a superior level on this track, including the blistering guitar solo.

“Echoes” begins as a chilled ballad before erupting into a stirring and dramatic anthem. Bishop Battle’s moving storytelling and heart-wrenching vocals, make this one of the most intriguing songs on the “Flagship” EP.

It is here that you that you begin to sense something extraordinary in this recording. Continua is as much about writing catchy, accessible songs with strong melodies, as it is about writing incredible rock music.

“Always Tomorrow” is outstandingly written, sung and played – a song that encapsulates the spirit of a collective able to allow their artistic vision to spread its wings into infinity without any constriction. This is a tune where the extraordinary balance of vocals and instrumentation never ceases to surprise, in an arrangement of mesmerizing beauty.

The closing track, “Daybreak” leaps forward and twists itself into an understated but zestful power thrust, punctuated by muted guitar lines, and sweetened up by soaring vocals and scintillating keys.

The “Flagship” EP contains all the things that make Continua songs so addictive – strong melodies and vocals, technical prowess, and the ability to make you sing along one moment, and then bask in instrumental excellence the next. The album drops officially on November 11, 2020 – just in time to be featured on many a “best-of” list at the end of the year. - JamSphere

Magic happens when musicians collaborate together to create. Continua is the brainchild of darkwave singer Bishop Battle, Day of Awakening’s Brian Buckalew, and guitarist/songwriter Jason Mulkey, who are joined by Maiden Cane lead guitarist Joey Gilbert and drummer Troy Parrish. Each member offers their own set of expertise and experience to make Continua something powerful and whole. While the group may not have always consisted of these five, together they have been able to Continua to the next level.

2020 has seen the push to take Continua further than ever before. November 11th will see the release of their debut EP titled Flagship. This isn’t your average debut EP though. There’s a maturity and depth to these six tracks that only seasoned musicians could bring about.

Every member plays a critical role within Flagship. Each song allows each member their own space to shine through. Together they form a cohesive, hard-hitting album that highlights the best of them. Glam-rock-esque guitar riffs, synthesizers, and grunge and pop elements all make delightful appearances throughout the album, helping make Continua stand out in the alt-rock world.
‘Flagship’ by Continua coming November 11th

The EP opens with “The Darkest City,” a riveting track that will immediately hook you with it’s crushingly clean guitar work. Guitar riffs light up the song as Bishop delivers emotional and powerful vocals that set the mood for the track. Bishop creates a delicate balance between light and dark with his voice throughout “The Darkest City” that brings a dynamic energy to the song.

“Fluorescent” is the next song on the EP and it shows some of the range that is within Continua’s wheel-house. A bit more toned down and melodic in nature, it provides a change of pace for every member to shine through in a different light. It’s evident with every song that goes on that there’s nothing short of talent and desire coursing through the veins of this band.

The diversity continues on throughout Flagship, showcasing the vast knowledge and influences this act has. “Echoes” is a stand-out moment in the EP. Continua created a sound that hypnotizes as well as haunts you. As you continue to work through the track it builds with intensity, keeping your attention fully throughout this nearly six-minute song.

“Daybreak” closes out the EP with a quiet intensity. Brooding vocal layers and soaring guitar riffs stand out in this number, further proving that there’s so much depth to Continua’s talent. This EP is just the kick-off point for this act. With such knowledge, talent, and drive surrounding Continua, it’s clear they’re set for something big. - Indie Band Guru

An impressive debut album from Continua, Flagship deftly balances dark soundscapes with hooky, melodic songwriting — steeped within a confident rock sound with alternative, industrial, and electronic components. Big-time choruses tend to rise from atmospheric, contemplative verses that reward listeners with murky, developing soundscapes. The result is a fully satiating listen, with evident musicianship apparent from the collective of Bishop Battle, Brian Buckalew, Jason Mulkey, Joey Gilbert, and Troy Parrish. The six tracks show no filler, each touting their own character and knack for expansion.

Opener “The Darkest City” doesn’t waste any time in showcasing the quintet’s consuming songwriting and sturdy, atmospheric alt-rock arsenal. “You’ve always dreamed of the darkest places,” the vocals emerge, setting an apt scene. A warming, murky rhythm section adorns the verses with a mysterious glow, escalating to the “don’t wanna live in the darkest city,” vocal hook thereafter. The hook, joined by a vibrant guitar line and uptick in vocal emotion, becomes enjoyably anticipated with each replay. The “say goodbye,” bridge also impresses with its effervescent tone and ensuing chugging guitars. “The Darkest City” plays as a commendable opener, showcasing the band’s murkier rock spectrum as well as retrospective, electronic-tinged effervescence.

“Fluorescent” rides on clearer guitars to start, following a bass-fronted launching pad. Acoustical flourishes linger in the background, as the vocals show an infectious range of tones — from distorted, sped-up infection to the soaring, anthemic glow of the chorus. The brightly enthused chorus reminds fondly of Collective Soul, Manic Street Preachers, and similar manufacturers of hooky alt-rock. “You’re so fluorescent,” the vocals cry out during this fantastic chorus, one of the album’s most accessible and radio-friendly moments. The album cumulatively does well in showcasing a variety of rock-forward styles with songwriting ingenuity, while still retaining accessibility, and “Fluorescent” shows precisely that.

Whereas “Fluorescent” could have easily rode contently on repeating the title-referencing hook, the second half exemplifies enjoyable ambition. Electronic atmospherics linger past the two-minute mark amidst nocturnal backing vocals, as percussion ruminates with subtle expansion. A blistering guitar-fronted section follows, seamlessly adjusting back into the initial, bright hook. “Fluorescent” succeeds with shimmering production and a wholly melodic pull. The track showcases the band’s ability to infuse hooky melodic charm within the tracks, even as they tout commendably varied structural twists and turns. Whether you’re seeking an immediate hook, interesting soundscape in the rock niche, or both, “Fluorescent” is likely to delight.

Following two creative, yet accessibly soaring, rockers to kick off Flagship, “Simple Plan” follows with a more contemplative, atmospheric showing. Suave vocals and post-punk guitar tones gear toward an eventual rise after the two-minute mark, with triumphant guitar tones ringing about a minute later. “Simple Plan” impresses with its multiple faces, growing from late-night post-punk musings to an exciting vein of rock. Continua show throughout a knack for consuming, evolving rockers, and “Simple Plan” showcases that as well, although with a more contemplative first half in a more atmospheric vein. The touch of backing strings, illuminating with a wintry grace, adds nicely to the conclusion as the post-punk guitars re-emerge.

The illuminated piano tones that open “Echoes” suggest an epic procession, with emotive vocals that follow fitting the ballad-ready approach. The piano lend a hypnotic, graceful feeling amidst the forlorn vocal yearning. Haunting textural components emerge after the one-minute mark, the ghostly feeling resonating throughout. The second half swiftly assumes a grandiose rock feeling, theatrical feeling alongside the gliding strings and clashing percussion. Reverting back into the gracefully hypnotic piano trickles, again reminding of Manic Street Preachers, the track shows firm decisiveness in alternating between the wintry piano-laden bounce and thunderous rock-based follow-up. The “can’t sleep,” rise sends chills, in particular. “Echoes” unfolds into another anthemic success. Like “Simple Plan,” the development from atmospheric passion into a rousing rock pays off thoroughly.

The acoustics, wordless vocal passion, and twinkling keys throughout the intro to “Always Tomorrow” makes for a lushly inviting feel. The vocals are at their most intimate in the album, even as strings and rousing guitars join the fold just prior to the one-minute mark. The passionate vocals — “there’s always a second chance,” — resound with the vocals, strings, and guitars for an aesthetic fondly reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins’ classic “Disarm.” “There’s always tomorrow,” the vocals continue, continuing a convincing, motivational tone that aligns nicely with the confident synergy of guitars and strings, which especially excels as the vocals take a reprieve around 02:20. The word “anthemic” is often used to describe tracks throughout Flagship, and “Always Tomorrow” is no exception.

The finale on Flagship opts for the group’s darker-rock tint, offering both a haunting soundscape and variety of guitar tones, from contemplative to scorching. “Daybreak” initially rides on pulsing guitars and a chilling acoustical reflection, showing one of the album’s more alt-rock focused sounds. Expanded guitar flourishes approaching the one-minute mark mesh well with backing vocal effects, carrying well throughout and especially into the final two minutes. “So hard to carry on,” the vocals let out as percussion and guitars escalate here. Soaring guitars and several layers of vocal passion converge with beautiful results, setting for a finale that fully satiates and continues the release’s knack for anthemic, stirring rockers.

Flagship is a riveting album from Continua, featuring an inventive rock sound with big-time hooks. The tracks within impress with unique fervor, ranging from the soaring accessibility of “Fluorescent” to anthemic alt-rockers like “Simple Plan.” Flagship shows a passionate, highly melodic sound that remains consuming throughout its duration. Debut albums often show indecision regarding stylistic direction or structural convention. Flagship avoids these pitfalls entirely, opting to consistently pursue a winning strategy of valuing rock-based atmosphere, while still offering a bevy of hooks that resonate after replays. Continua’s Flagship is among the year’s strong debuts. - Obscure Sound