A Light Within
Dying Clock
Kansas City-based atmospheric prog-rock outfit A Light Within releases their new single, “Dying Clock,” their first new material in over a year.
Vocalist/keyboardist Kyle Brandt says, “This track really feels like the story of who we’ve been and where we’re heading next. It moves through the same contrasts that have defined us from the beginning, like those wide, atmospheric moments that open up into pulse-heavy synth lines and then crash into the heavier guitar sections. Lyrically, it confronts the ache of holding on even when life forces distance, trying to navigate the space between fighting for something and accepting what’s slipping away.”
After taking an extended break, A Light Within reformed in 2022: the band continued as a four-piece, with Josh Bennett switching to bass from guitar. The rest of the band consists of Kyle Brandt (vocals, keys, production), Jeff Irvine (guitar), and Nick Sloan (drums).
During the break, Brandt and Irvine revisited the band’s debut EP, Preface, essentially giving the EP an overhaul of modernized production, cleanness, and changing some parts. They released the restructured EP as Re:Preface in August of 2024.
“Dying Clock” was written and recorded over the course of 2025. The band asked Kelli Scott, the drummer of Failure, to play drums on the track, while Madelyn Robertson played bass.
“Dying Clock” rolls out on a gleaming, floating intro vaguely reminiscent of Tool, yet at the same time totally different. The similarity is more a feeling than a sound. As the melody takes shape, edgy, luminous colors prevail as urgent vocals imbue the lyrics with intense emotions. When the cascading guitars enter, the harmonics become magical, delivering a surreal flying effect.
Scott’s use of cymbal splashes gives the tune an alluring, murmur-like aura, adding to the gliding, misty feel of the long and wonderfully evocative solo section.
“Dying Clock” finds A Light Within delving deeper into atmospheric gravity, evolving ever more rather than beginning anew.
