SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC - PART TWO

I spent the summer and fall of 2008 listening to a lot of blues and jazz and got behind on my prog. So during the past few weeks I've been picking up some of the top releases of 2008 and 2007 as chosen by the reviewers on this site. My favourite so far has been Sleeping in Traffic Part II. While Part I is a superb 4.5, Part II is clearly deserving of 5 stars. From Sunset to Sunrise, this new Beardfish release is musically engaging, thoroughly entertaining and pure prog. These young guys have been studying classic 70s prog artists and the influence of Frank Zappa, Gentle Giant and even Deep Purple on the heavier moments can clearly be heard. However, while tipping their hats to the greats of the past, Beardfish is wholely original. They don't sound like anyone in particular but if some one topld me they werer from the early 70s, I'd believe them if I didn't konw better.

Everything from the musicianship to the singing is top-notch. Whese guys even have a wacky sense of humour which we don't seen very often in contemporary prog. The production and sound quality are excellent as well. I'm not sure if this is a digital or analog recording but not only do they play vintage 70s music but the album sounds vintage 70s as well, and I mean this in a good way.

To me this is clearly deserving of 5 stars. I can't wait until their next release.