FUTURE MAN

Solterra's 2014 release lies somewhere between modern takes on fusion and heavy prog, and turns out as an excellent year ender. The band place themselves first and foremost into the realm of fusion when describing themselves, but the very modern, at times pretty heavy, leanings are immediately apparent on the spectacular opening title track, which also of course shows off their fusion side. Throw PT, Machine Mass Trio, and "Turn On The Bright Lights" into a blender set to "progressive" and you get this wonderful combination. Going forward, there is an interesting and enjoyable mix of the two styles, and no track particularly sticks out only because every track is pretty good. I will mention "Enoch" as the best track, with particularly heavy sounds amongst the quieter and wonderful fusion material, and it leads into "Soliloquy", a small but beautiful track, very well. This is just an enjoyable mix of seemingly disparate modern trends played excellently. Post-2000 PT fans may find most to savour here, but modern prog fans in general should all find enjoyment in this record.