NARAYAN KEEPS THE PROGRESSIVE REVOLUTION GOING WITH “CYCLES”

Thanks to Adrian Narayan, progressive rock is very much alive and thriving. His newest track, “Cycles,” makes that clear almost immediately. The Melbourne-based musician wastes no time showcasing his technical precision and musical control, guiding listeners through a five-and-a-half-minute journey packed with fluid riffs, expressive phrasing, and impeccably crafted melodies. It’s intricate without being overwhelming, and impressive without ever feeling forced.

Narayan’s influences are worn proudly, particularly his admiration for John Petrucci, as “Cycles” carries a strong Dream Theater energy throughout. Backed by a rock-solid rhythm section featuring Toby Peterson, Stewart, and David Parkes, the track unfolds like a continuous riff showcase. It’s the kind of song guitarists could dissect for hours, loaded with dynamic shifts, tasteful solos, and tonal changes that feel deliberate rather than indulgent. Despite its technical density, “Cycles” never crosses into self-serving territory. Every note serves the song.

Narayan’s ability to change tone and mood effortlessly is one of the track’s strongest assets. He moves between sections with clarity and purpose, packing more memorable lead moments into a single song than some full-length albums manage. There’s restraint here, even in the flashier passages, which keeps the listening experience engaging rather than exhausting.

That said, there’s room for growth. Personally, I’d love to hear Narayan experiment with vocals on future releases, not to distract from the musicianship, but to enhance it. Even subtle or understated vocals could add another dimension, especially given the song’s thematic focus on life cycles, mortality, and self-reflection. With subject matter this philosophical, lyrics could help sharpen the emotional message while still letting the guitar remain front and center.

Even without words, “Cycles” conveys feeling through pure musicianship. It’s a compelling showcase of Adrian Narayan’s technical skill, compositional instincts, and emotional range, proving he can say a lot without ever opening his mouth.