UNTIL ALL THE GHOSTS ARE GONE

As with the "Larks Tongues.." thru "Red" era of KING CRIMSON, ANEKDOTEN proposes an intense mellotron soaked take on heavy prog rather than the mellow romanticism of early MOODY BLUES, Crimson, or the myriad disciples that followed. Comparisons to a RIVERSIDE and growl-free OPETH are also appropriate. Nonetheless, on this album, the band also navigates pathways of resounding beauty that contrast with the claustrophobic atmosphere elsewhere. Moreover, rather than overexerting the tron flutes and brass, the band invites guests to lend their respiratory systems to the authentic instrumentation. How quaint! But also most effective, especially when blended with 12 string guitars and their ilk, like in "If it all comes down to you".

As a fan of the lighter end of the spectrum, I find plenty to enjoy here, in music that works for lazy drifting and active listening, but my personal highlight is "The Writing on the Wall", especially the last few minutes, at first palpably light, almost dainty, before a brilliantly emotive guitar/mellotron blend parades triumphantly to the exits accompanied by dignified choral effects. But on the more big P prog substantive scale, I also want to signal the tasteful saxophone work over hypnotic rhythms as the album's closing instrumental winds down. In contrast, "Shooting Star" is a bit too SPOCK'S BEARD like for my taste, with a rather trite verse-chorus structure and lyrics somewhat redeemed by instrumental illuminations in the break.

Landing somewhere between 3 and 4 stars, "Until all the Ghosts are Gone" bubbles up because of its appeal across the prog diaspora, a knowing blend of dark and light to haunt us until...