THE THOMAS TRACKS

5BridgeS plays a 24-carat symphonic prog reminiscent of Genesis Wind & Wuthering / Trick of the Tale period. Artfully crafted , phenomenal instrumentation with loads of synths layered over organ, propulsive drumming and Taurus bass pedals! (yippee!!) . There is excellent theatricality and interplay between the Hacket-esque guitar and the minimoog, and other keys. At times there is a build up to a 'wall of sound' as present on one of the epic tracks 'Amazon & Haven' , but what is most appreciated is the non traditional song structures that accompany the Gabriel inspired vocals , more like a 'story in sound' rather than the repetitive chorus and verse repetition in so many ununique bands. Not the case here, thank the prog gods. Another feature I like, that isnt used often in prog anymore, with the exception of Hasse Brunisson of the Flower Kings, is employing percussion like various chimes and tinkling sounds that put a flourish in certain corners of the songs and when this is combined with the keys -it provides that 70's retro flavor used so effectively by the Flower Kings. 5BridgeS is 2009 Find of the Year and this excellently composed and melodically complex symphonic prog requires the support of the Prog Archives community. I am awarding a 5-Star ***** to 5BridgeS for their delightful efforts and attentions to the details, that is so many times underused or overlooked which harken back to the golden days of prog, that for a first release, it should be celebrated and shared with others of similar listening interests. So, if you want ro revisit the classic albums of Genesis, then look no further than the musical magnificence of 5BridgeS !! Special thanks to Rob Van der Linden (drums) for getting a pre-release of the CD to me and for the opportunity to review it, so others can be rewarded with goosebumps as I was!