Albuquerque band Left Brain is living, local proof that striking originality, flawless musical textures and a refusal to concede to conventional music approaches are not just illusory anecdotes of the epitomized act. For nearly five years, the group has remained of the city's most favored outfits and after recently parting ways with former-vocalist Tristin Rogers, Left Brain has chosen to stick to a fully instrumental approach, a risky but practical decision that will surely pay off.

"We have been 'vocal-less' for a good part of the year." said guitarist John Allen in a recent interview with Local iQ. "We decided to continue playing music (after splitting with Rogers), acting as an instrumental band, and that takes either stupidity or the drive to continue playing. The audiences have taken well to it, so that's why we've continued to go forth with this album."

After receiving so much praise from audiences, opting to maintain a "vocal-less" sound seems like the most logical idea. And at this point, their