Time Flies and North of Tomorrow Captures It on “Intangible Lines”

If your musical sensibilities were forged in the crucible of classic rock radio and the adventurous spirit of alternative’s golden age, you understand that some bands are more than just collections of songs—they’re entire worlds. Think of the sprawling, atmospheric landscapes of Pink Floyd, the quirky, intellectual art-funk of Talking Heads, the melancholic innovation of Radiohead, the raw, blues-drenched power of Led Zeppelin, and the soulful swagger of The Black Crowes. Now, imagine a band that doesn’t just admire these titans from afar but dares to converse with their ghosts, weaving their influences into a new, intricate tapestry. Out of the Arizona desert, the seasoned trio North of Tomorrow has done just that with their fourth full-length album, Intangible Lines, a masterful 12-track project that rewards patient listeners with a depth and sophistication that feels both timeless and refreshingly new.

The story of North of Tomorrow is itself proof of enduring chemistry. Core members Brian Mueller, Gary Adrian, and Stephen Rogers first cut their teeth as teenagers in the band Talus, gigging across the western U.S. before life pulled them in different directions. But some musical connections are too strong to sever. Reuniting after years apart, they embraced a new methodology inspired by the legendary Steely Dan: build the songs from a solid core and invite a global cast of musicians to add their unique colors. This approach, utilizing talent from every corner of the world, transforms Intangible Lines from a simple rock album into a rich, cosmopolitan statement. Aged for decades, their sound is that of musicians who have shed the need to prove themselves and are focused solely on the art of creation.

From the opening notes of the album, it’s clear this is a record meant to be experienced, not just heard. The production quality is immense, thanks to the golden ears of mastering guru Bob Katz and the Grammy-winning team at The Bakery handling the vinyl cut. This is a front-and-center sonic experience. The first track, “Time Flies,” sets a nostalgic and narrative tone, with Mueller’s vocals carrying the weight of memory over a beautifully arranged backdrop. It’s a story of paths diverged and futures that became the present, a theme that resonates with the band’s own long and winding road. The album then deftly shifts gears. “Maybe Yes” is a playful track built on a series of questions posed to a hesitant subject, its charming simplicity is a perfect follow-up to the opener.

As the album unfolds, its genre-bending ambition becomes thrillingly apparent. “Big Wide World” floats on a dreamy, psychedelic cloud, while “St. St.” takes a sharp turn into a gritty, noir-inflected landscape where cello lines weep over a tale of heartbreak and hard-earned wisdom. The band’s refusal to be pigeonholed is their greatest strength. They can be tender and pastoral, as on the beautiful “When The Purple Flower Blooms,” which features delicate mandolin and a soulful saxophone that feels like a warm breeze. Then, they can stare into the abyss on “Taking on Water,” a track that masterfully captures the feeling of being overwhelmed by life’s pressures. Throughout it all, the musicianship is stellar. Gary Adrian’s bass is a fluid and melodic anchor, while Brian Mueller’s guitar work and keyboard textures create a constantly shifting sonic environment. Stephen Rogers’ role as the sonic analyst clearly pays dividends, as every layer is perfectly placed.

Intangible Lines are reflections on life, love, and loss from a vantage point of experience. “Wanted to Say Something” perfectly captures the quiet desperation of unspoken feelings, while the ironically titled “Me Oh My” wraps a dark, siren-song narrative in a deceptively bright musical package. The instrumental tracks, “You Were Saying?” and “Windward,” are not mere filler but essential parts of the album’s narrative arc, showcasing the band’s instrumental prowess and their ability to convey emotion without a single word. It’s a complete work, designed to be absorbed from start to finish, with each track contributing to the overarching mood.

Indeed, Intangible Lines is not just a collection of well-played songs; it’s the culmination of a decades-long musical conversation between friends who were fortunate enough to find their way back to each other. Give this album the time it deserves, and it will give you something new in return every single time, proving that sometimes, the most profound journeys are the ones that take a lifetime to complete.

Order your vinyl edition of “Intangible Lines” at: NorthofTomorrowMusic@Gmail.com