ONE OF THE MANY

Canadian composer, multi-instrumentalist, and prog rock artist Rick Miller has been around for many years (has released 13 albums since 2000), but this is the first album of his I have heard, and it is quite wonderful. A moody, somewhat dark, but very melodic and beautiful concept album dealing with issues of emotional struggles, memory issues, nostalgia, and loss. The obvious musical reference here is Pink Floyd, as the mood, style, and sound is undeniably Floydesque, but with various other elements reminiscent of The Moody Blues, Mike Oldfield, Porcupine Tree, and The Alan Parsons Project. This is an excellent album that unfortunately seems to be getting lost in the shuffle of bigger name releases as no one seems to be talking about this one, but it is quite wonderful from start to finish. Even with the obvious musical references, Miller has constructed a wondrously vivid and creative musical gem here. Best tracks: Atrophy, The Lost Years, One of the Many, Perchance to Dream, Another Time. Rating: 4 stars