Australian Progressive Rock Scene

*by this I mean the exclusion of lame subgenres (sorry) such as: post-metal, math-rock, ambient, industrial and progressive metal

Why do you write "should"- are you the ultimate authority on what's prog, and what it should sound like?

And you're literally saying nothing when you accuse entire sub-genres as not how prog should sound. 

And come to the think about it, I know no Australian bands.

 

I feel ashamed that I'm Australian when I see how rude and unattractive most Australians are when I'm forced to walk through the city.

My 'recruitment drive' is to attract people that are open minded and passionate but feel that the current scene is not for them and have greater appeal to the way prog used to look and sound. I really don't think that's so far-fetched, it's just a bit wishful...apparently.

Of course, bands often put into those sub-genres can sound traditional, however that's not my point. Many of the bands in those sub-genres do fit their label and I will not hesitate to dismiss them in my endeavours because:

1) Progressive elements that have been implemented into modern music is not my idea of prog rock

2) Most of those sub-genres tend to have a scene of their own already, whereas my idea of traditional prog is left to a few small circles of old purists it seems...

By 'traditional prog' I refer to the sound created by the greats (Pink Floyd, Genesis, PFM, ELP, King Crimson, Nektar, Camel...etc) as well as by the some of the more obscure bands of the time (VDGG, Gryphon, Spyrogyra, Gong...). 

And sure, some new bands may proclaim to take great influence from these bands but for some reason it's never quite produces that familiar feeling as with traditional prog. Whether its the lyrics or the production or the fashions or the live shows or the music itself...something is always missing.

I can honestly say that it's not just because of the time period we live in because that is such crap.
If 'traditional prog' resonates with your lifestyle (for me that's the simple farm life) and you can play an instrument with ease then there should be nothing stopping you from creating that feeling that bands once made.

Sure, the development of the music is cool and whatever...but where prog has gone is not for me (or my close group of friends) and hopefully for other people out there who wish to create a scene for enthusiasts and musicians.