THE UNDERFALL YARD

This album came as a complete surprise to me. I actually chose this album having never heard anything by this artist before solely because of the album art. Silly I know, but sometimes taking random chances turn out to be well worth the risk. As it turns out, it would seem that I picked up this year's masterpiece by complete chance.

Now, I've listened to a ton of releases this year, but none have struck me quite as hard as this one has. It makes me wonder what I'd have been missing out on had I decided not to pick this album up. Everything about this album just oozes amazingness. The instrumentation and vocals are absolutely astounding; not a single note feels out of place. The selection of brass instruments used throughout the album also adds another layer of depth, and it works wonderfully throughout. I think you'll find that there's a lot to be heard on this album, but it never manages to venture into the territory of bombastic noodling that so many progressive rock bands lose themselves in.

From the minute I put this album on I knew it had to be something special, and it did not disappoint. I do not hesitate in saying that this is by far the best album I have heard all year.