THE LOST ART OF TIME TRAVEL

Metal Church guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof pleasantly surprised the progrock world with his musical project named Presto Ballet. Their debut CD entitled Peace Among The Ruins turned out to be a worldwide acclaimed album since its release in 2005. Meanwhile Presto Ballete have released four studio-albums, their latest is entitled Relic Of The Modern World (2012), this review is about their second effort from 2008.

During my first listening session I notice that Presto Ballet their melodic sound is in the vein of their previous album: a tasteful colouring with vintage keyboards (cascades of Hammond along Minimoog and Mellotron) and music that alternates between Heavy Prog, symphonic rock and AOR. The one moment you can enjoy twanging guitars, Mellotron, Moog Taurus bass pedals and lush Mellotron waves like 76-77 Genesis or bombastic climates with powerful Hammond and propulsive guitar work similar to early Kansas. The other moment the music sounds accessible with acoustic rhythm guitar, vocal harmonies and cheerful Minimoog flights, often evoking Styx.

On The Lost Art Of Time Travel the band has matured in writing, especially the first and final epic compositions showcase Presto Ballet its glorious 24-carat symphonic rock. From twanging guitars and sparkling Grand piano to swinging bass guitar, powerful Hammond runs and fat Minimoog flights in the varied The Mind Machine. And lots of shifting moods with soaring Solina string-ensemble, warm vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar, violin-Mellotron and Hackett-like guitar, culminating in a grand finale delivering Minimoog, violin-Mellotron and twanging guitars (a kind of "70-77 Genesis meets Seventies Styx") in Haze, what a splendid farewell.

I am impressed how professional and well produced this second Presto Ballet CD sounds. If you are up to music that shifts from 24-carat symphonic rock (between Genesis and Yes) and Heavy Prog (with obvious hints from Seventies Kansas but also Rush) to an AOR sound similar to Styx, then you will be carried away to Seventies Progrock Heaven with The Lost Art Of Time Travel!