by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Conceptually, Big Wreck's debut album, In Loving Memory of..., is similar to such post-alternative, heavy neo-prog acts as Dream Theater, but Big Wreck isn't a metal band. Instead, Big Wreck is a hard rock band with prog pretentions, relying on texture and subtlety, not numbing riffs. With music like this, it shouldn't be surprising that the group is better at playing than songwriting. Each of the tracks contains unexpected and provocative musicianship, but many of the cuts simply lack strong hooks or melody. Nevertheless, there's enough skill within the group's music to make In Loving Memory Of... an intriguing, promising debut.