Weeks like this are ones to savor and enjoy. Several made the Best list because they were strong outings. Those that didn’t make it had some incredible moments even if they didn’t reach the A list. A couple of jazz influenced numbers appeared which is great to see. Even one from an old time favorite record label, ECM.
Best of the Week
Kavus Torabi, Richard Wileman - Heaven’s Sun
2023 2 tracks (38:50)
Yep. Two tracks, that’s it. Both pieces feature multi-layer combinations of keyboard sounds and rhythms not unlike some of Eno’s great work (including just barely tolerable vocals Eno projected). Not one for staying on an idea very long, the songs morph and detour gently down a zig zag path. In the end, it is all very enjoyable and great music to just sit back with a glass of beer in your hand and let the days’ weary effects wash out of your fatigued body. To me, that is what makes prog music the best - long extended ideas well performed and savored into the evening.A-
They Watch Us From The Moon -
Cosmic Chronicles: Act 1, The Ascension
2023 5 tracks (43:07)
Yes, Rush lives in the hearts of rockers all over and this space rock adventure has many of its components. A unique blend of power chords, catch melodies, and mysticism brings an intoxicating blend of music to the table. I started off with the first and last tracks (“On the Fields of the Moon” and “Return to Earth”) and both had me reaching for the volume knob to turn it up. The band is from Kansas and apparently has limited reach. Hopefully they are able to get some traction and start touring further out. A
eMolecule - The Architect
2023 11 tracks (1:09:54)
If Haken had a little brother, this might be it. Predominantly, that is the norm in this set, though they are capable of a couple of ballad type numbers. “Mastermind” is a singularly interesting song, weaving procession music, dramatic movie music, and hard rock that commands your attention. Many of the songs have crafty mechanisms to elevate the interest of a song from good to really good. I find myself getting into many of them. This appears to be a debut effort and I’m looking forward to what steps they take next. A
Haken - Fauna
2023 9 tracks (1:02:11)
Brilliant song craftwork is on display. Listening to “Elephants Never Forget” is very much a Gentle Giant experience, which nobody does or has ever done. It’s fantastic. “Eyes of Ebony” is an emotional roller coaster that was dedicated to Henshall’s father who had recently passed (the ending verse is the key). There is a non-trivial sophistication to Haken’s work exhibited by most of the songs on the album, especially the odd time signatures used in the drumming and chord progressions. One of the best this year. A+
Interesting Finds
Elder - Omens
2020 5 tracks (55:02)
I love how Elder builds a song - it always has a definitive beginning, middle, and end using similar styles to project through it all. With all five tracks at or exceeding the ten-minute mark, why not give more shape to a song? Elder has a recognizable signature which is a double-edged sword. It can appear to be ideas that are a little too similar and thus grow tiring. Sprinkle them in a playlist and that problem is solved. B
Teramaze - Dalla Volta
2023 11 tracks (1:01:47)
From the schools of Breaking Benjamin and Chevelle, Teramaze doesn’t make complicated songs, just straight rockers with compelling melodies and easy hooks. One of the reviews noted they have produced a lot of content, six albums in four years, to the point they are stretching new material on the thin side. Maybe, but even with bringing a couple of prior released songs with alternate takes, there is plenty to chew on. I liked the 2017 demo version of “Weight of Humanity” and “From Saviour to Assassin” because they are new to me. Of the new stuff, “Navigate In Solitude” is a fine song, utilizing Linkin Park-esque melodies and growls. There are two piano versions of songs offering a gentler kinder mix. Overall, this rocks. B+
Graveyard - Hisingen Blues
2011 10 tracks (42:39)
I’m surprised there aren't more blues based rock ala Led Zeppelin in existence, but for now we have the Swedish band Graveyard. The song “No Good, Mr. Holden” clearly had LZ in mind. When mixed with a playlist of contemporary prog artists, the basic blues beat and fuzzy coarse guitars stand out as a different animal. There are a few good cuts mixed in with a number of mediocre songs, though nothing stinks. The recording has that Texas bar band feel. It’s a better singer away from The Fabulous Thunderbirds. B-
Mystery - Redemption
2023 8 tracks (1:14:04)
Long time proggers Mystery issues classic prog tunes with the usual assortment of extended songs, lofty melodies, and strong steady vocals all done with high engineering standards. It sounds great except it is hard to find that bit of magic that raises this kind of music to the upper echelons. Like Neal Morse, it gets ponderous at times. C
SHRVL - Limbus
2023 5 tracks (45:41)
If the album cover looks very similar to The Ocean’s Holocene cover, it’s because this is a solo effort by their keyboardist, Peter Voightmann. In addition, it takes some of the same themes of Holcene and extends them into a deeper darker context. The final track, “Recurrence” is about half the album. It is a luscious piece of a few different movements, sort of in the style of new age music - it’s hypnotic and mind bending. B+
Dominic Miller - Vagabond
2023 8 tracks (32:25)
Given Miller’s history as an American born in Argentina, who studied and played in England, vagabond is apt description. The ex-Sting guitarist plays accessible jazz with a deft touch. The pianist interplay is reminiscent of the Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays days at a gentler level. The bass work is gentle and the drumming is straight from the school of Jack DeJohnette. Of course the ECM production is equally light and airy, adding greatly to the soft timbre. Lovely to listen to when a more relaxing tone is called for. B
Forgettable
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