Honestly, this would have been out a lot sooner, but we took a trip to Boise and Bend that left out the chance to post.
Best of the Week
Sonar - Three Movements
2023 3 tracks (42:28)
David Torn had some ECM releases using spacey elements with his guitar to perform the classic ECM austere sound. As a part of a band whose work I’m not familiar with, he augments the band’s more prog rock leanings to a good effect. Electronics artist Schwalm rounds out the sounds to make these three long pieces a cut above the others. It all flows nicely with not a lot of ups and downs. For those who like their rock flavored with parts Tangerine Dream, Brian Eno, and Klaus Schulze, this will appeal to you. A-
Interesting Finds
Anna von Hausswolff - Dead Magic
2018 5 tracks (47:10)
The massive organ Hausswolff uses provides darkness already, but this is definitely more spooky than normal. Plus, look at the cover! Regardless, she has tremendous compositional skills and a riveting voice, when she chooses to use it, that could pierce metal. The cut “Kallans ateruppstandelse” (I’m missing several Swedish lettering marks) sounds a little like the main theme of the Robert Langdon movies; that’s a compliment, by the way. The 16-minute “Ugly and Vengeful” (another cheery title) takes a while to build up but then she releases full power through pounding drums and intricate guitars and keyboards. Moody and brooding, it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. But, if you’re in the mood for it, she is something special and uncommonly unique. A-
Envy Of None - That Was Then, This Is Now
2023 5 tracks (21:25)
This EP has a couple of redone numbers along with a few new ones. A nice continuation of the first outing. B
Vulkan - Technatura
2020 12 tracks (1:04:11)
Another Swedish prog band (they don’t run out of them, do they?) with decent chops. Described as heavy metal in most posts, this album features a lighter touch akin to Opeth in their more accessible form. One song is sung in their original language, but everything else is in English. The only reservation is a few growls from the singer, but very limited. It’s good stuff. B
Daniel Tompkins - Ruins
2020 8 tracks (38:09)
One of the more metal artists on the KScope label, Tompkins could match up well with Breaking Benjamin. The first cut, “Wounded Wings” featuring Plini, is an excellent restrained use of the power normally delivered. They may be relegated to the four-minute song, they do so in a manner that is remarkably interesting. B
HamaSaari - Ineffable
2023 7 tracks (38:39)
HamaSaari is a French prog band showing off the more delicate side of prog. Trading in the power chords and staccato drumming for jangly guitars and harmonized voices, it still has characteristics of interesting rock. It’s a bit of a mash up between Genesis and The Pineapple Thief. That doesn’t mean it can’t bring the power as the Haken-esque “White Pinnacles” demonstrates. But that isn’t the general tone, just quality prog rock. B
Hypno5e - Sheol
2023 8 tracks (1:03:51)
Combining moments of Haken-like power chords and rhythms with easier moments of a Porcupine Tree or The Pineapple Thief, there are some things to like here. The real shame is that when they bring the heat and scream unintelligible lyrics, it’s just noise. Honestly, if there was a way to edit the song in a manner to reduce or eliminate to growl parts, it would be a hell of an album. C-
Kanaan - Downpour
2023 7 tracks (40:50)
I call this crude rock because Kanaan likes to load a bunch of their songs with fuzzy guitars and yummy licks. But hidden in this Norwegian band’s effort is a knack for subtly changing the song structure instead of sitting on a regular timing pattern. There is a certain amount of freedom and recklessness, in a compelling way, to some of their jams. The track “Downpour” sounds like a straightforward instrumental until towards the end when they thrash with wild abandon. Rock on an acid trip. B+
Silver Moth - Black Bay
2023 6 tracks (44:27)
Moody esoteric Gothic rock. I like dark themed music as much as anyone, but it does have to have a little feeling and complexity beyond incessant droning. It isn’t unpleasant to listen to, but the level of sameness in the compositions leaves us wanting for something more. C
Les Dunes - Les Dunes
2023 8 tracks (41:34)
My first experience with this French prog rock band mainstay, and it’s a good one. They have elements of Russian Circles and Radiohead thrown together with a haunting backdrop. B
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