The promotional video for the title track of the new Big Big Train album, ‘Folklore’, has been released. Enjoy!
Review: The Mercury Tree – Permutations
Almost two years after its third album “Countenance,” Portland’s experimentalists The Mercury Tree are back to the business with a brand new full-length album called “Permutations.” This new record proves one thing—this act definitely represents one of the most innovative bands on the current scene, and having said that I certainly hope that some big label will notice the band’s creative potential and sign them what will bring them opportunities for touring and breaking out of the United States. And that is something that I, as a fan of the band, would love to see happen.
“Permutations” is absolutely a crushing record, but in the same time it’s constructive and creative release full of energy and power. On this album, guys own the sound by making it obedient, what’s shown through the unification of all diverse parts.
The opening track “Symptoms” gains the attention it seeks from stabs of post-progressive rock contrasted with avant-garde and psychedelic ambiance. It doesn’t take much for the band to show the beauty of improvisation, as the lengthy song format possibly gives an insight into the band’s songwriting process, what they masterfully do on the title track. Playing this live leaves even more space for additional improvising, what I am sure would be an unforgettable experience. It’s only song number three, and the deal is sealed.
But there is much more than that. “Ether/Ore” soothes far more often than it shreds. The Mercury Tree do not blow their load early in an effort to maintain the listener’s interest, but rather choose to foreplay. The band teases the listener by pursuing unexpected sonic paths while never failing in their ability to deliver a killer hook when atmosphere and melody will no longer suffice. “Placeholder” is probably the most emotional moment brought by Spees’ perfect voice and a short piano passage. Similarly to the previous tune, TMT have a knowledge of when less is more.
The spacious sound patterns are extended most of time with the presence of saxophone, performed by Tony Mowe, which gives the album a brand new side.
“Permutations” is a powerful offering from the Portlanders. The group has taken a distinctive combination of ingredients and squeezed out every bit of potential out of them. Whatever The Mercury Tree do next, in any case, I’m there.
Permutations by The Mercury Tree is available now from Bandcamp.
Long Distance Calling – “Trips” — The PROG Mind
The recent addition of vocals to Long Distance Calling’s sound still doesn’t seem to be able to plug an apparent gap in identity.
Messenger – Threnodies – Album Review — The Blog of Much Metal
Artist: Messenger Album Title: Threnodies Label: InsideOut Music Date Of Release: 22 April 2016 It’s no exaggeration to say that the UK progressive music scene enjoying a period of rude health at the current time. To the already impressively-swelling ranks, you can now add the name of Messenger, a London-based quintet who bring accomplished musicianship […]
via Messenger – Threnodies – Album Review — The Blog of Much Metal
An Apology to Mr. Steven Wilson
I will admit, I find it hard to believe that Steven Wilson’s HAND.CANNOT.ERASE. is now fourteen months old. It arrived on my doorstep—courtesy of amazon.com—on the day it was released, and I played it immediately, of course. At the time, however, I had become truly skeptical of anything Wilson was doing at that moment. My dislike and distrust had not come on me suddenly, but, rather over a relatively long period of time. As I mentioned in a previous post, I didn’t come across his work until a random turning on of album rock radio in Fort Wayne played an incredible song—“Trains” if I remember correctly—just as Porcupine Tree had released IN ABSENTIA. I not only purchased that album that day at a Fort Wayne Bestbuy, but I also searched out an independent CD/record store, and purchased much of PT’s back catalogue. To say that a decade of obsession (in the healthy, fan sense; not in the psychotic sense) with Wilson and all of his art set in. I was certainly a completest. If it had Wilson’s name on it, I owned it.
Bassworks: My Top 10 Chris Squire Bass Performances
Bass legend Chris Squire may be gone, but he is most definitely not forgotten. During the time we were lucky enough to have him in this life, Squire produced some of the most innovative and interesting bass work of any genre of music. Not content to simply keep time along with the drums, Squire put the bass guitar square in the center of the melodic discourse of Yes music, with a unique picked sound that was thick yet trebly.
Compiling a list like this is no easy task when you are dealing with the level of talent that Squire possessed. While there are a few in the list that I knew would be on here, paring it down to just ten was a difficult task. Of course, any list like this is going to be subjective and your mileage may vary. These, however, are my 10 favorite Squire performances.
Continue reading “Bassworks: My Top 10 Chris Squire Bass Performances”
Sympathy for The Syn
I totally love all the tracks on the cool new album from The Syn (some more than others), all of them, that is, except for the title track: “Trustworks.”
Well, I guess I have good instincts. As it turns out, apparently not much “trust” has been in the “works” among The Syn’s band members. Go read about their recent history over at The Progressive Aspect, which is quite comprehensive in the historical review that it offers preceding its album review. I guess I rightly sensed “baloney” ever since I first rolled at my eyes at the song.
The Edge — Live at the Sistine Chapel
On May 1, U2’s The Edge made history by rocking the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel with Leonard Cohen’s “If It Be Your Will,” as well as U2 songs “Yahweh,” “Ordinary Love,” and “Walk on.”
Some grouches are upset that The Edge broke the rules by singing “Yahweh” (a name you’re not supposed to say out loud).
Hey, dudes, if so, still, maybe it was God’s will?
Magenta (Live Concert at Real World Studios) — “Metamorphosis”
We need more Magenta!
Rob Reed and Christina Booth of Magenta teamed up in April 2015 with David Longdon, Nick D’Virgilio, Nick Beggs, and Steve Hackett on the sundry remakes of Hackett’s 1979 track “Spectral Mornings” (with lyrics added for the first time to Hackett’s instrumental music by David Longdon).
More, please!
In the meantime…
Thank you, Cailyn Lloyd
A favorite musician (and supporter) from the opening days of progarchy, Cailyn Lloyd is an absolute gem in the music world. And, from what I know of her, she’s a gem to her family and community as well. Not surprisingly.
Thanks for including us in your lovely ad, Cailyn. Much appreciated!
If you’ve not had the pleasure of listening to Cailyn’s music–Stevie Ray Vaughn meets ELP meets Hayden–you’re in for a huge treat.
Progarchy 