Steve Adams- Camera Obscura (04)
12/04
Steve Adams was the guitar player for Peter Barden's Mirage, which was basically a resurrected Camel minus everyone but Bardens and original drummer Andy Ward. With Barden's passing, Mirage is no more, but Adams carries on the Camel-esque legacy with this tasty solo album. He's also played with such greats as Billy Cobham, Mick Fleetwood, A guitar heavy, mostly instrumental offering, Adams expressive playing shines on such tracks as the classic synth-heavy progger Seven Four and the the bluesy tribute to the late Bardens, The Door Stays Open. While Adams sounds a bit like Andy Latimer in many places, with his knack for wringing raw emotion out of the strings, but he also has the chops of such greats as Joe Satriani, and he plays both with restraint and wild abandon in all the appropriate places. He even does a cover of the Steve Hackett classic Jacuzzi, which is a treat. Then there's Perelandra, a smoking instrumental apparently named after the CS Lewis book of the same name. The two songs with vocals, Silent Divide and Wisteria, don't have any particularly spiritual overtones, but they are decent songs nonetheless. The artwork on this CD is top notch as well. If you like guitar oriented prog music that mixes feel with technical guitar prowess, then you need to pick up Camera Obscura. Go to http://www.steveadams.net for more information.
Gathering Speed (04)
07/05
I took far too long to review this excellent release, which somehow got lost in a pile of already-reviewed discs. Mixing the modern vibe and intensity of Radiohead with the 70's prog rock musical adventurism, Big Big Train crafted one of my favorite releases of 2004. Gathering Speed is a concept album that tells the story of a British airman that was shot down during WWII. This English band from Dorset at times sounds like a ringer for early Genesis, full of lush melodies and instrumentation, and a very Phil Collins-like singer (think Wind and Wuthering era). That's not a bad thing (although I've heard clonish bands that I didn't like), but they also remind me of Pink Floyd in places, with the spacey synths and prominent female backing vocals. However, all comparisons aside, Big Big Train really stands on their own right, since their songs are very original, creative, and their musicianship is fantastic.The lyrics really don't touch on spiritual matters, but they are well crafted and original. Why this album wasn't at the top of every top ten list last year is beyond me. Gathering Speed is an album you'll find yourself going back to again and again for inspiration. The songs stick in your head, and, like Genesis of old, it has just the right mix of strong melody and progressive virtuosity. Highly recommended. For more information, visit http://www.bigbigtrain.com
One of my favorite modern prog bands, Big Big Train has managed to follow up their fantastic album Gathering Speed with an even better effort. The Difference Machine, Big Big Train's fifth album, rarely left my CD player the first month I had it. Unfortunately, it got misplaced a bit during a move, and only recently unearthed, so this review isn't the most timely. For fans of British progressive rock and early Genesis, Big Big Train has it all: creative, original instrumentation, haunting lyrics, and top-notch vocalist Sean Filkins. Gregory Spawton, the main writer, keyboardist, and guitarist is a genius. Andy Poole and Steve Hughes are a powerfully sold rhythm section. Add guest musicians like Nick D'Virgilio (Spock's Beard, Genesis) and Peter Trewavas (Marillion), and this album goes over the top. The lyrics poetically speak of love's longing, stars falling, seasons changing, and signals fading, and the mystical Difference Machine pulsates in a swirl of mellotrons and saxaphones. Songs ebb and flow like the sands in the desert. Musical interludes lure you off to contemplative dream states. Powerful shaking bass lines tumble you like the rising tide. In a word, it is epic. If you are one of those nostalgic types that believes all the best prog music was recorded in the 70's, I think you are dead wrong. Go to http://www.myspace.com/bigbigtrain, go to http://www.bigbigtrain.com, go wherever you can find a sample, check them out, take some time to listen and absorb, and then break out your credit card. You will want to own this album. {dt}
Tim Burness - Finding New Ways to Love (04)
07/05
Combining English modern pop with progressive instrumental meanderings, Tim Burness's solo album is an enjoyable foray into his personal story. Mixing pop-spirituality with new age philosophy, many of the songs read like a self-help recovery journal. The instrumentals are quite enjoyable, and I look forward to future releases from Mr. Burness. For more information, go to http://www.timburness.com .
Fude (UK) - Secrets (06)
Fude has released a dynamic four-song EP called Secrets. This unique progressive hard rock band from the UK is hard to pigeon hole. Sometimes you hear Radiohead, sometimes you hear Tool, sometimes you hear space rock freaks Hawkwind or 70's Kansas, but always, you hear something creative and modern sounding. Fude is a band that the younger generation will certainly latch onto, as they mix prog metal and modern rock seamlessly into a creative mix much like The Mars Volta. But enough of comparisons. Fude does their own thing, mixing tripped out jams and walls of guitars with interesting lyrical banter and spacey synth sounds. The Portrait of Dorian Grey stands out with its unique vision and heavy riffage. The title track, Secrets, starts out more contemplative, yet builds nicely to a feverish emotional pitch and proggy finale. But its the last song, A Leaf, A Plant, a Snow Flake that is the gorgeous standout. Somewhere I saw their music billed as "inspirational," but without lyric sheets it was tough to decipher much in the way of spiritual content in their songs (which makes me wonder why these bands send their CD's for review at www.spiritualprog.com in the first place). Fude is made up of Chris Davison, Matt Roberts, Sam Cull, Adam Austin, and Tom Soron. Interested folks can go to their website, http://www.fude.co.uk, only to find out that it has absolutely no information about the band or where to find their CD's.
Gigur - Fin Del Tiempo (06)
Gigur is a new progressive rock band hailing from Mexico that definitely deserves a listen. Mostly instrumental, they combine elements of jazz, hard rock,
ambient, and old school prog, layering synths and guitars and vocal harmonies over a bed of groove. Talented guitarist Ivan Tamez leads the charge, and the virtuosity of he and Ricardo
Vilchez on bass, Mercy on drums, and Jorgo Bringas on guitars and synths are immediately evident. Fin Del Tiempo is professionally recorded and played with passion. This has quickly
become one of my favorite albums to chill to in the evenings, spurring my writing creativity. The artwork on the album is really cool and creative (apparently the band won monetary aid from
the Mexican government to produce the CD), but it has little information on the songs, lyrics to the sparse vocal parts, or much else, and what there is in Spanish. Musically, it is very unique,
but in places it brings to mind King Crimson or Pink Floyd if you stretch your imagination. Highly recommended. Check them out at http://www.gigur.com or http://www.myspace.com/gigurartrock {dt}
IZZ - My River Flows (05)
Doone Records
1/06
Having suffered heavy IZZ withdraws; my addiction is once again full blown with
no recovery program in plain view. IZZ (after nearly three years (I don’t count
“Ampersand” as it was a B-side/rarities deal) between albums) have released “My
River Flows,” a full album of new material and energy. “My River Flows” does
not disappoint and it is in my top five albums of 2005/2006.
What is most noticeable on this release is the definitive evolution to their
sound. Their signature vocals and arrangements are echoed in the background and
a new ethereal lushness augments the additional vocals of Anmarie Byrnes and
Laura Meade. The opening/title track immediately grabs the listener with
crispy, dissonant guitar and AM radio vocals. The middle instrumental break is
phenomenal! Fripp-esque patterns are aflutter with a great lead synth and
discordant guitars. Dynamically, this song is all over the map, straight
forward rock, brash punk and complex virtuoso rhythms provide the skeleton to
this exciting icebreaker. “Late Night Salvation” has one of the best guitar
riffs to have been written. A mover and a shaker, this tune features the fine
guitarwork of Paul Bremmer – in your face at times and lightly flitting on your
nose the next, I was very impressed with his musicality. Tom Galgano’s vocals
are crystal and pristine in both real and falsetto voicings. In the solo
section (yes, Bremmer is still great) what struck me the most was the tight and
in concert relationship of drum team Greg DiMiceli/Brian Coralian and bassist
John Galgano. The even have the co hones to add a drum solo in the tune! While
normally this would be a non-value add to any non-live production, it is
massively appropriate here as it adds to the tension and release of the song.
Yes-like harmonies adorn the “acoustic” section of the song while guitar and
lead synth solos scamper about. The track getting some airplay is “Anything I
Can Dream” with an apparent nod to the matchless essence of The Beatles. Piano
driven, this is the most straight forward composition on the CD. A pop-lovers
delight, “Anything I Can Dream” moves and grooves to it’s hopeful message. I am
a sucker for songs written for band member’s children as my favorite song is
their most sparse tune on the album – “Abby’s Song” employs awesome acoustic and
electric guitar to fortify the beautiful lyrics of praise and hope for a child
loved. The guitar harmonics play at the end of the song is inspiring. The CD
finishes with the epic “Deafening Silence.” A “to-the-brim" instrumental
highlights the bands skills and songwriting expertise, giving way to ebb and
flow vocals from Byrnes and Meade. This tune of spiritual question and
redemption makes very appealing to the Cprog group as it’s message offers a
positive and hopeful picture. Grand in composition, yet simple in the aural
picture they seek to create, IZZ saves their best for last using the
Byrnes/Meade female voices to add the missing element to their evolutionary
sound.
I know that IZZ don’t profess to be a Christian Progressive band, but their
literal and auditory sounscapes certainly leave one in a great mood! “My River
Flows” should bring IZZ to new audiences, fans and hopefully support. A great
band made better with Byrnes/Meade and a commitment to push the envelope
musically. More info: www.izznet.com (brother Jon Rice)
07/05
Hailing from Bulgaria, Music Station burst onto the international prog metal scene in 2003. Their album Shaping is a creative tour de force, more progressive than metal, featuring expressive keyboards, shredding guitars, and fine vocals from Pavlin Manev, who sounds a bit like James Labrie. The artwork and packaging are top notch, and the music is well recorded and fun to listen to. Although originally shopped to Virtuosity as Christian prog-metal, there isn't much evidence of Christianity in the lyrics, which are harmless and interesting enough, mostly detailing love and loss. If you are into European progressive rock, and you enjoy more melodic metal like Dream Theater, Music Station is worth checking out. For more information and sound clips, go to: http://www.ubp.online.bg/ms_en.htm
07/05
Fusion guitar whiz Paul Nelson has been around the music scene a while and played with many top notch musicians. His EP Look showcases his tasteful studio-honed chops, with the backing of Dean Vali on bass, Mike Mancini on keys, Jim Vali on drums. Nelson is extremely expressive, and reminds me a lot of Larry Carlton. If you like guitar-monster jazz, then you need to pick up this excellent release. The song Full Blast sounds like Dixie Dregs on steroids. This guy can smoke. Check out more information and sound samples of Paul Nelson at http://paulnesonguitar.com.
The Crowning of the Sun (99)
I get a lot of CD's sent to me to review, but this one really jumped out at me. Mike Kovacs' "crowning" achievement thus far is this 9 song, 54 minute labor of love, The Crowning of the Sun. It's an energetic disk fairly brimming over with tight, hard prog-rock in the vein of the Galactic Cowboys, early Rush, Spock's Beard, or Big Wreck. Kovacs, from Cleveland, Ohio, put it together over a couple of years time in a private studio, using two different guitar players and two different bass players. All the musicians are really top notch. Mike plays some powerful drums, and he sings pretty well too, although hard rockers may have a problem with his voice. It kind of reminds me of Brett Kull of Echolyn, sort of off-kilter, which I happen to enjoy. The multiple guitarist drive this disc, with tasty melodic riffing, crunching and soloing over the tight rythm section throughout. They sound alternately like Steve Vai, Jimmy Page, and Allan Holdsworth in places. It's your basic catchy groove-based rock and roll, with progressive left turns, long solos, and clean, edgy vocals. Despite being an independant release, the production is great, the artwork is excellent, and I find myself spinning it way more than I would have expected for an unsolicited CD that magically showed up in my mailbox one day for my perusal. It's good stuff. The lyrics are intelligent, if a tad trite in places, but you won't notice unless you actually read them. The self-conscious parts are actually kind of humorous, like reading someone's diary. A Star to a Star, which contemplates God's industrious nature, has some spiritual meat for those so inclined, although it's a bit out there musically. The rest of the songs are purely secular in content. Standout tracks for me are the title track, The Castle Dweller, and the finale, True Passion, which has some really tasty guitar and bass work. Mike Kovacs deserves some recognition for his hard work and talent. No Brass is a winner. Like the liner notes say, "If a musician plays only for himself, and nobody is there to hear him, is he really a musician?" In Mike Kovacs case, most definitely. Check out sound bytes of No Brass on his web page, http://www.nobrassmusic.com/ and decide for yourself. {dt}
Post modern instrumental atmospheric alternative rock from Dublin, Ireland, Parhelia has released a five song EP that tantalizes the listener. With simply guitars, bass, and drums, this band might be taken by some as a modern rock band in need of a vocalist. However, the songs have much more depth than typical rock songs sans vocals. These four lads have crafted a great album to chill out to in the evenings, and the music is very emotional and well performed. While its not truly progressive rock, it certainly appeals to any that like instrumental music that is creative and full of life. The band is Andy and Greg Clarke (drums and guitar), Cathal Rodgers (bass), and Diarmuid Shore (guitars, samples). Hopefully these guys will quickly finish a full length album, I am excited about hearing more music from them. Check out their web site at http://www.parheliaband.com/ (dt)
Pilgrym - Pilgrimage (04)
5/04
English session player Andy Wells, along with a few other capable musicians, has crafted a lush power neo-prog album under the moniker Pligrym. The cover art and packaging are wonderful, and musically it falls somewhere between Pink Floyd and a proggier Mike and the Mechanics (Wells did play with Mike Rutherford, after all, as well as Sarah Brightman and John Verity). Using an array of vintage keyboards including real Mellotrons, tasteful, soaring guitars, and some excellent vocals, the songs on Pilgrimage drift from heavy prog to pop rock to spacy synth-laden early Genesis-like instrumentals. It's a well recorded album that offers variety and depth, prog music with hooks and sing-able vocal melodies. The sometimes spiritual lyrics are interesting, if a bit ambiguous at times. For instance, Believe Me Now is filled with Christian iconography, yet seems more cynical than supportive.
He's a man with a vision of a future, seeing things the world can't see/Got no time for the wrongs and rights, and the ones who won't believe.. Heaven knows the roads we take, but heaven never lasts.... killing your messiah, like a dog with your bare hands...
and on Reborn:
Hold on begger man do what you can/ hold nobody's hand alone you stand.... Sing a song to be reborn.. Stand up sinnerman please understand/the hangman's waiting he knows no grace/Where riches come without a fight/and the darkness turns to light..Sing a song to be reborn...
It is difficult for the listener to really figure out where Wells is coming from spiritually. Despite that bit of confusion, the album is well crafted and musically cohesive, if a bit short. There is a bonus live cut at the end (Reborn) and a remix of the opening track that fleshes it out to 54 minutes. If you are a fan of English prog, enjoy Pink Floyd and Mike and the Mechanics, and you are looking for something new, by all means pick up Pilgrimage. Check out their web page and sound clips here. {dt}
Somascetic - The Violence of Distance (05)
07/05
This ambitious double CD project is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Shawn Burnette, who also enlisted the aid of drummer Andy Reamer. Alternating between moody, atmospheric, guitar-driven grooves and hard rock intensity, this progressive opus can be a bit overwhelming to the casual listener. The sheer amount of music involved coupled with the poetic, obtuse lyrics seeped in vague spirituality require a serious commitment. However, those that are willing to invest in this recording will be rewarded by the creative diversity invested within. Musically falling somewhere in the huge gulf between Pink Floyd and Metallica, Burnette has crafted some beautiful songs. The lyrics, which are more often spoken than actually sung, meander a lot without really leading anywhere (.."this is your brain on cannabis.."), which could be a disappointment for those seeking more dynamic songs and some sort of resolution to the story. For example, from Ancient Remains:
"When we finally let it fall through and remember when no gods ruled, then they cannot bend, break, or bruise, we'll just let it take us home.."
OK, whatever you say. For more information on Somascetic, visit http://www.somascetic.com. Good luck trying to figure out how to order a CD off of there though (OK, I'll give you a hint, go the "contact" link).