Week of May 8, 2022

 Along with new entries that are current releases, I added a touch of the eighties and the nineties which was an era of rock I really thrived on. In particular, there was a subset of bands from a record label that put together a portfolio of sounds that represented the energy and brashness of that period. Enigma Records. Long defunct, they had released a compilation of their offerings called the Enigma Variations. Really just a promotional album, the grouping of work isn’t too dissimilar to the playlists we play today. 

Best of the Week

IQ - The Road of Bones

One of my need-to-check-out bands. Often said in the same breath as Marillion, I think of them as more closely related to the later Genesis period before they became a ballad band but after Gabriel left. The twelve-minute song “Constellations” is a prime example. Several tracks made it into the playlist because they excel at making long extended compositions interesting.

Pure Reason Revolution - Above Cirrus

Well, 2020’s Eupnea was fabulous, so it was a given to listen to this 2022 release and see if they could match it. While Eupnea had an electronic dance music flair and lot’s of German lyrics, Above Cirrus has a more conventional prog rock feel by leaning on hard guitar riffs and a beat more akin to electronic music. Their knack for blending these two worlds makes them unusual, but in a good way.

Gazpacho - Night (Remastered)

Why a Norwegian band would name themselves after a cold soup from Spain is beyond me, but maybe some of this playfulness is part of their character and it shows. The A-Ha quality vocals belies the fact that they have great compositional chops and prog rock appeal. Four of the eight tracks exceed double-digit minutes and they use the time well to build the music into a multi-layered story.

Rain Parade - Emergency Third Rail Power Trip

Probably the most notable release by Rain Parade, the album sparkles with the catchy tunes, psychedelic guitars, and harmonizing vocals. It hasn’t lost a thing in the nearly forty years it was released. This should be an entry in the hall of fame for this period of rock music.

Interesting Finds

Soen - Lykaia

A Swedish supergroup that has compelling tunes using a hard driving sound similar to Tool and Flying Colors. Another words, pretty good.

The Leaving Trains - Transportational D. Vices

Lots of fast, quick songs ala The Minutemen. Don’t get too attached to the riffs they employ because they aren’t there for long.

Anathema - Distant Satellites (Tour Edition)

A KScope label band that has been around thirty years, this 2014 release supposedly had more electronic music infused from prior releases. It also has Steven Wilson’s production hands all over it which is a sign of good things. It’s pretty evident because songs that would have probably sounded boring or uninspiring by others have zip and impact.

Pattern-Seeking Animals - Only Passing Through

Lively energetic prog rock using a variety of keyboards, horns, strings, and of course, guitars to produce a sea of sounds. They sound a lot like Spock’s Beard which isn’t surprising given they are essentially Spock’s Beard without the Morse brothers

Lunatic Soul - Fractured

Probably compared to Muse and Tears For Fears because of their poly-rhythmic electronic style, A little light in substance but still listenable.

Airbag - All Rights Removed

First thing I hear is the 17 minute song “Homesick”. The only problem is, the song has no real changes, like alternate interludes or choruses to break up the main theme. Not as good as Disconnected or A Day at the Beach.

Alcest - Les voyages de l’ame

Translated as “Journeys of the Soul”, the sound embraces heavy metal, but in a warm melodic manner. A strong comparison could be made to Bob Mould’s band Sugar, but with better vocals.

Green On Red - Scapegoats

I forgot what was intriguing about Green On Red. If they had a doppelganger, it would be Camper Van Beethoven as they use the same bluesy folksy whimsical tunes that showcases simple musical lines instead of power rock. There are times that is a welcome change.

T.S.O.L - Change Today?

A rolicking rolling bundle of fun tunes, many of which are counter-culture themed. A lot of George Thorogood is in their music, but a little quicker and not quite as bluesy.

Forgettable

Secrets of the Moons - Seven Bells

Ugh.