TIME VOYAGER

Barock Project is an Italian Prog band started in 2004 that mixes classical (mainly baroque style), with rock, jazz, and pop in a progressive rock framework. This is their 7th album, but first that I have heard from them. I only recently discovered this album and wasn't sure what to expect, but was completely blown away by how great this is. By the 2nd song (Summer Set You Free, with its viciously infectious rhythm, beat, and melody, and it's mostly in 11/8 time!), I was totally hooked. Sensational album! Superb Symphonic Prog. Great balance between the classical influences and more rockin' aspects, as well as deft handling of all the other myriad influences for a truly wonderful listening adventure. Especially appreciate the way they interwove the more eclectic proggy elements (such as odd beats and time signatures, extended instrumental passages, etc) with more mainstream melodic rock and vocal harmonies. I was particularly impressed with how they had embraced and incorporated so much 70's and 80's American prog into the mix, with notable influences from Kansas, Styx, Ambrosia, Toto, Steely Dan, and others (which is unusual for Italian or other european prog bands), in addition to references to other classic bands (Jethro Tull, Yes, Neal Morse, etc.). It certainly does harken back to the glory days of mid-70's prog, although they also add many more modern touches as well, creating a very dynamic, invigorating, and exciting mix. Wonderful songs and structure. Great keyboards and guitars, great vocals and harmonies, and great drumming throughout. This is a concept album following a traveler lost in time, so the style also varies across the various songs dealing with different time and place aspects (12 songs, 70 minutes runtime), including a pirate-inspired proggy sea shanty (The Lost Ship Tavern), and a jazz-rock track that opens with a a fusion intro then glides into a Steely Dan-esque jazz-funk groove (propaganda). Overall, a superb album, with numerous highlights throughout, and no lapses or weaknesses. This is my favorite prog album of the year so far. Just fantastic from beginning to end, and anyone who enjoys classic symphonic (or modern) prog should be thrilled with this album. Best Tracks: Summer Set You Free, Carry On, The Lost Ship Tavern, Voyager, Mediterranean, Lonely Girl, Propaganda. Rating: 5 stars (only album so far this year to get a 5 star rating from me).