Welcome to Awesome Prog!

Fortunately the band have decided to go further. And so this album first and foremost is dedicated to former influencial member Eric Bouillette, who unfortunately died last year. And they also have invited some established musicians in order to beautify this case. Especially when it comes to evocative vocals, rich in variety, exemplarily to name Riccardo Romano. With success one can say. The concept reflects on the human condition as a general rule. In concrete terms this deals with protagonist Rudy, who had 1000(!) lives at disposal and begins to recapitulate his diverse incarnations. It all sounds atmospheric, elegant, instrument-wise the focus lies very much on acoustic guitars and symphonic keyboard patterns.

This one runs into a 70 minutes lasting revelation, when it comes to my standards. Still in 2023. The Australian Prog giants are returning back to a concept album format here, dealing with the downfall of media mogul James Osbourne-Fox concretely, who is imprisoned in his own body after a severe brain injury. This obviously is spiked with references to current conflicts worldwide. The album shows the band on its emotive peak at that time (even so far). Features diversity, a bunch of catchy moments, weird samples. Alongside with the technical and instrumental skills respectively implementation, this marks something spectacular. A really stunning result. Lead vocals are from the finest ever. Hard to beat.

The band around keyboarder Sean Timms re-appears in 2023 with new lead singer Shaun Holton. They are offering seven new Heavy Progressive Rock essentials, again comprised of the wellknown tricky execution concerning the instrumental parts. This skillful blend of atmospheric and powerful moments is recommendable, no reason to complain. Again Steve Unruh and Marek Arnold have been hired for the purpose of serving some violin and wind contributions.

A new collaborative project with roots in Chile, Canada, USA, initiated by John (guitars) and Francis Clark (bass). The essence of this 12 entertaining tracks is very much related to Jazz Fusion, but not exclusively. It's definitely more varied, thus entertaining, due to several Ethno / World and Art Rock elements also added to the music.

Yep, stay for the ending. The Chicago-based musicians continue to push themselves to new heights in music making. Conceptually the album traverses a vast array of themes that are exploring the human condition in general. Ten new atmospheric as well as heavy rocking cross genre explorations are available, adorned with Leslie Hunt's haunting lead vocals. The band once again delivers round about sixty tricky, varied and passionate minutes.

They are hailing from the vivid cultural melting pot Berlin. Quite diverse musicians are aboard on each and every album, where drummer Nicolas Sheikholeslami makes the driving force in general. Now this album sees six collaborators involved. Their music is based on an improvisational attitude and a proper focus on the synthesizer input. This is very much Krautrock inspired, just in the vein of bands like Can, Brown Spirits, diverse Aidan Baker projects, and even Embryo due to some Ethno World imprint. They also had some sessions with ex-Can singer Damo Suzuki, and the essence then was released on another album.

It's the fifth album recorded under this moniker, after they emerged from the Antique Seeking Nuns outfit in 2008. The musicians definitely could preserve and even refine their musical fellowship. This album brings a well balanced blend of short songs and extended pieces, the latter also featuring some improvisational attitude. One significant band trademark is the great symbiosis of atmospheric balladesque Art Rock and tricky Canterbury infected episodes. Some more recognition value actually, especially when speaking of Joff Winks' unique gentle voice and acoustic guitar. Also concerning Matt Baber's looping synths and jazzy electric piano.

New mesmerizing solo musician project from the US, quite similar to the Jay Tausig approach I would say. However supported by session drummer Glen Welman and a female singer at least. The debut album is offering generously atmospheric and really captivating Psychedelic Space Rock music. Pretty much in the vein of Pink Floyd, Eloy, plus a jazzy touch occasionally. Awesome guitar work, important to add.

By re-visiting three older pieces the long-lived grandmaster band is offering a new extensive collection of inspired yet relaxed Jazz Fusion and Canterbury Rock tunes. In a strict sense no founding member is aboard anymore, but John Marshall (drums) and John Etheridge (guitars) are involved at least since the mid 1970s! Furthermore ex-bassist Roy Babbington appears on two tracks. Of course the fierceness and fast-pace rocking moments have decreased over the decades, but the original band spirit is evident as ever. It overall sounds as if they had jammed together a lot in the studio. Including the four bonus tracks the album may have been a little too long for one or two. Anyhow, this comes with great interaction and definitely valuable success, still.

Line up changes are still going on. Longtime keyboarder Markus Jehle had left. Singer Yogi Lang has taken up this part instead, though yet it's not that prominent anymore. Superficially seen the songs seem relatively harmless, after a while the compositional depth reveals anyhow. The overall feel is very atmospheric and melodic. Not their best album ever, but definitely an enjoyable affair.