AS THE WORLD

This is simply the best prog release of the decade, possibly the best since the mid-70s. It combines the best moments of Gentle Giant, without the dissonance, and the melodicism of Yes. The vocal harmonies are the best I've ever heard, and the contrapuntal arrangements are breathtaking. The compositions are punchy, with few solos (I personally have nothing against solos), very jazzy yet not fusionny. Lyrically, it seems to encapsulate growing up and dying in America, but is very down to earth and non-pretentious (not that there's anything wrong with bombast either, I like Tarkus as much as the next progger). Sadly, they would break up after this album, but reformed in 2000 and as I write this are recording their first album in 10 years with this lineup.