BANTAM TO BEHEMOTH

This is a fabulous album. I really didn't know whether to give it a four or five star review. Probably 4.5 stars, but since the software requires you to pick, a 5 it is. This is complex music and therefore harder to get into than much other prog. It also helps if you have been exposed to fusion jazz.

The songs on this album are varied, complex, and just marvelous. Some are melodic, while others not so much. The keyboard work is great, as is the other instruments. Some people claim that this is retro prog, but I have to agree with Dan Britton, the leader of this group, that it is really not. Compared to groups like Beardfish, who I love, but are clearly attempting to do retroprog, this is quite different. Sure it builds on the 1970s stuff, but it is different enough to avoid the retro label (not that there is anything wrong with that label).

I think the cover of this album is a very good one. Not only does it call to mind the band's Birds and Buildings name, but it captures the swirl of the music, which one experiences listening to the album.

Really, a great album!