Paul Masvidal (Cynic) Releases New Song “The Spaces” and Announces Solo Album

It’s been way too long since we’ve heard Paul Masvidal’s voice on record — Cynic’s last album, Kindly Bent to Free Us, came out in 2014 — and it’s so, so wonderful to have it filling our ears once again.

The Cynic frontman first started teasing Mythical Human Vessel last summer, describing it as a “trio of conceptual mini-records.” Now he’s released a song from that collection, “The Spaces,” and delved into the concept behind the project further in depth. Masvidal’s new solo material isn’t heavy, but it still sounds a whole lot like Cynic beyond the character of his instantly recognizable voice; there’s a certain quality to the way the melodies are constructed that sounds distinctly Masvidalian.

As could be expected from the always introspective and cosmically aware Cynic frontman, the concept is quite spiritual and heady in nature:

“At the center of Masvidal’s experiment is the use of Isochronic tones, a ‘brain-entrainment’ technology. Isochronics are said to produce bio-chemical reactions in the body that increase serotonin, alleviate depression and stress, improve focus, and aid in restful sleep, similar to the effects of exposure to negative ions in nature.

“Through its incorporation of Isochronic tones, Mythical Human Vessel is intended as ‘an inherently relaxing listening experience, and adding the tones multiplied the benefits,’ Masvidal says. ‘More serotonin for all!’

Throughout all three volumes of Mythical Human Vessel, the sound of undulating and sweeping frequencies in slow and rapid succession act as a subliminal agent to affect the listener positively and help to create a deeper connection to the songs themselves.

So, in other words… hypnotism? BRAINWASHING? I kid, I kid, although I’d let Paul Masvidal hypnotize or brainwash me any damn day.

Mythical Human Vessel will serve as the first independent solo releases on Masvidal’s label, the appropriately monikered Masvidalien Records. The first collection, Mythical, will drop on May 31, 2019; more information on the collection is available here, and you can pre-order it here.

Paul Masvidal is now fully in control of the Cynic name after reaching a settlement with former drummer Sean Reinert in December of 2017. There’s been no word on any new music from that project.