PROGRESSION BY FAILURE

How can one man produce something this damn good? I mean sure, both Anthony Phillips and Willowglass are brilliantly fine examples of what only one or two people can do together in a symphonic prog. context when some great themes are established....but Nicolas Piveteau's "Progression By Failure" is a step beyond anything I've heard from a solo project in this genre before, and much to my surprise it's got a spark that only comes around once every blue moon.

Perhaps what makes this stand out the most here is the often meandering, but very memorable and well performed synth-work. Although there are occasional fireworks within the playing, Mr. Piveteau understands quite well that its ultimately far better to emphasize motifs and intricacies rather than the technical explosions so atypical of neo-prog and prog. metal, and his restraint gives this debut work a lot more emotional and enjoyable leverage than it would have otherwise.

Highlights are numerous; the 22 minute finale title track is full of particularly sharp interplay, 'Memories of the Future' has some deliciously arranged dynamics, and 'Talion (my favorite piece here)' is chock-full of an old school classicism that I find quite very endearing. Furthemore, the production values are warm and fleshed out in such a way that your mind is drawn out unconciously with the proceedings.

So take heed folks; this instrumental escapade debut is the underdog gem-album of 2009, and without a doubt the best thing to come out this year in the prog. scene next to Maudlin of the well's 'Part the Second' and Lobster Newberg's "Actress".

Don't tarry; get this now!!!!