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It's not all that common for a debut to knock my socks off but Norway's Withem have done just that with The Point of You. Progressive Metal bands are always going to be measured against Dream Theater and there are certainly parallels between the two bands but Withem are no mere clones. To begin with, they don't hit you over the head with their musical prowess. Sure, there are plenty of time changes, technically challenging songwriting and fancy finger-work. Withem also write some truly catchy songs, full of melody, soaring vocals and big keyboard and guitar runs. Take, for example, the chorus on "Born to Live." I was singing this from the first time I heard it. It is songs like this that got me back into Metal in the late 90s. Some might think it too "happy" but to them I say "get over it," this shit is just plain fun to listen to. Other songs lean more towards the Progressive but with a strong Symphony X streak. Take "Phrenesis" where the guitars are extra crunchy and the vocals downright mean. There are no weak spots anywhere to be found on The Point of You. This is an auspicious beginning for a very promising band.