THE UNDERFALL YARD

BBT's "The Underfall Yard" is quite good example of good crossover prog for me. There are plenty of multi layered boys' vocal bands and synth-pop bands and all other types of mostly pop-bands,who decided because of current progressive fashion just to add some vintage keyboards sound to their music or make it a bit more complex. Then listeners without deep prog knowledge or with deep under-skin love to pop-harmonies name such release "prog- masterpiece". A believe that "prog fashion" will pass very soon and no-one will remember such fake "progsters" .

In such strange times it 's really pleasant to find some real crossover prog album: album with some softer and possibly more melodic sound, sometimes a bit more accessible music, but that music is prog!

I you as me not very big fun of fakes, but at the same time like melodic,a bit vintage,but quality prog, this album is for you. Yes, there are plenty of citation from early Genesis, but in all music is still enough original and pleasant. Musicianship is surprisingly of high level, and in fact it's difficult to criticize this album's music on any department.

Being released in mid 70-s, such album could be really the one in the centre of attention. For today it sounds a bit dated, not too much original, but there are many listeners for whom originality or innovation isn't too much important. If you're one of them, take this album and you will enjoy!

I am new ideas and sounds seeker, so I am not very happy when didn't find them there. But still really enjoyed this release: far from Supertramp's " Crime Of The Century" (which is absolute etalon of great crossover prog for me), but much better than many of genre competitors all around. Should attract many neo-prog lovers ass well.

My rating is 3+ ( fans early Genesis and other melodic not very complex and well arranged symphonic prog could add plus 1 point over my rating).