NIL RECURRING

Nil Recurring has finally arrived, and the impact of it is slowly sinking in. Not only do these four tracks stand by themselves as a very pleasurable listen, they are a fitting completion of the "Fear Of A Blank Planet" album. The studio production is flawless, and the musicianship is of the highest standards. Robert Fripp's influence and contribution is evident on the title track, a Crimson-like offering that even has sax-like guitar in parts, and a wild anarchy driven Fripp solo near its finish. "Cheating The Polygraph" is a power-packed offering that was first heard in concert on the fall 2006 tour and does not disappoint. "Normal" is almost a reprise of "Sentimental," with parts of that song cemented in. Some acoustic guitar parts sound like Steven Wilson invited Ian Anderson to play, but he didn't! The over 8 minute epic "What Happens Now?" starts as a dreamy almost psychedelic offering, but slowly builds into a more intricate symphonic-prog sound, and then ends in an almost metal-like, power-driven frenzy finale. Parts of "Anesthetize" can also be heard within this track. If you add these tracks to the "Fear Of A Blank Planet" album, "Cheating The Polygraph" would be track number 3, between "My Ashes" and "Anesthetize." "Nil Recurring," "Normal," and "What Happens Now?" would follow "Sleep Together," being tracks 8, 9, and 10 respectively. This gives a totally new perspective to the "FOABP" album. But the EP itself stands as another excellent, quality effort by this amazing, prolific group. I could not recommend this more highly to any rock music lover, let alone the prog fans. Total satisfaction.