Doomed Confessionary: Jeff, Kyle & Nick (A Light Within)
Kansas City, Missouri based post-metal ensemble A Light Within debuted their first EP, »Preface«, in 2013 that fused raw, aggressive sounds with progressive post-metal cues. Now, in 2024, they have reworked and enhanced this first release to bring it up to date with their production standard and developed sound.
The band has seen changes in their line-up over recent years. Bassist Andy Schiller departed from the band, leading to Josh Bennett switching live roles from guitar to bass. Despite the changes, the outfit has released four singles over the past year: »Meteoric Fires«, »Count With Your Eyes«, »Terraform« and »Identity«.
These singles were initially intended to be part of the band’s next release, »Reconstruction«, but life stepped in the way and forced the writing to come to a halt. While the band picks up the pieces of the remaining ideas, Kyle and Jeff decided to bring their 2013 debut EP, »Preface« up to the production standards of the new singles. The new EP »re:preface« will be released on August 2nd, 2024.
A Light Within’s live line-up consists of Kyle Brandt (vocals, keys), Jeff Irvine (guitar), Nick Sloan (drums) and Josh Bennett (bass).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Jeff: A Light Within is an alternative, post-rock/post-metal band that likes to experiment with song structures and sound. We’re not truly “heavy”, but there’s definitely a heaviness to our music. You might not know it, but we could be your favorite band.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Nick: Continuing to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of life outside of music itself.
Kyle: A few of us have been prioritizing family and/or work, so finding the time for music can become a bit of a grind.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Kyle: Not many bands remain after 10 years. While we are really slow at putting out new music, I’m always amazed we are still doing it.
Nick: 10+ years of band continuity.
What was your biggest regret?
Jeff: No real regrets, just happy we’re still doing this.
Nick: #noregrets
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Jeff: My favorite show for us would be opening for If These Trees Could Talk, Spotlights, and Driftoff. I was friends with the Driftoff (Featuring members of Junius and City of Ships) guys and a huge fan of ITTCT, but getting to see Spotlights was the icing on the cake for such a memorable night.
Kyle: For ALW the most memorable for me was our CD release show for Body Matter. Amazing turnout and vibes at that show! We had a ton of momentum at that time and it felt like the band was really starting to break out.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Jeff: The scene in the midwest has always been strong, but the diversity of great music being created here is amazing. We have a talented bunch of musicians creating brilliant work.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Kyle: Vola, which has been my fav prog metal band for a few years now. I love every song they put out.
Wheel, which I discovered last year. At first listen I dismissed them but after a couple more plays I was hooked. If I’m struggling for something to listen to, I often resort to their catalog.
Molitoth, which is my other musical endeavor. I really enjoy the music we write and I think it has the quality to be tossed into the same bucket as other prog rock/metals band with a much larger following.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Nick: “Never stop climbing the ladder of improvement” – Jimmy Dykes; “Practice makes permanent” – Doug Auwarter.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Kyle: EverQuest. The best video game of all time.
Nick Sloan: I still enjoy a pack of unfiltered Lucky Strikes from time to time, even though I know the detrimental results of such a habit, even at an occasional rate.
Jeff: Did someone say whiskey?
Can you say something more about the music scene in Kansas City / Missouri?
Jeff: The scene definitely has an ebb and a flow, and right now the type of music we do might be on an ebb, there’s a buzzing flow happening and that’s exciting.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Jeff: Since the pandemic, we’ve been on a slow rebuilding process. Life has halted our progress, but we move on. While no shows are presently scheduled, who knows what tomorrow may bring.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Jeff: Currently we’re finishing up ideas for a new full-length. We’re not pushing to finish it right away, we’re working on it and have released 4 singles that will be on that release. We’ve also completed a remix/rework of our first EP, »Preface« called »re:preface« bringing it up to the production standards we achieved with the newer material.
How can people best support your band?
Kyle: Spread the word, toss a like on posts, subscribe to social media.
Jeff: Stream/listen to the music, buy a song, CD, a t-shirt, share with your friends.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Nick: Thank you!!!
Kyle: We love you.
Jeff: Thank you for your continued support!!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well