OBSCUROS

"Obscuros" is the latest release from the indie prog band Disconnect. It is their second full-length album released in the last 7 months (!!). I've already reviewed their debut album ("Radio Hostile") as well as their follow-up EP ("Fragments"). I really dig this band a lot, and without question "Obscuros" is their finest effort to date. I thought they were already hitting a good stride with their debut, but "Obscuros" is definitely their most progressive work I've heard yet.

"The Visitor" - The song begins with some very heavy riffs and the type of intense & precise drumming I've come to expect from this band. If I had to compare the sound of this track to something, I'd have to say it reminds me of Oceansize (particularly the Effloresce era). The song builds to a lovely ending, very powerful song. It may be my favorite song on the album.

"Circadian Rhythms" - lots of percussion and keyboards to start this one off...some screeching, distorted guitar brings to mind The Mars Volta. When the verse sections kick in, you can hear the Porcupine Tree influence the band carries with them. The chorus sections offer a very nice melodic break from the angular approach of the verse sections. The song ends with a tasty fadeout with acoustic guitar & percussion.

"Obscuros" - the album's only instrumental track and one of the best songs I've heard from this band. The song evolves through many phases - initially sounding like a lost King Crimson song, then moving into a very Pink Floyd type of vibe. The middle guitar solo section once again recalls Mars Volta and features some nice guitar leads (with a slight Flamenco accent in approach). Another highlight of the album for sure. The bass really stands out on this song, impressive stuff.

"K.G." - according to the band's Facebook page, this song was written in dedication to Kevin Gilbert. The lyrics are definitely a nod to Gilbert, while the music reflects Gilbert's style as well as Spock's Beard and Neal Morse. Features a nice piano/acoustic guitar solo section as the outro.

"What Else Is Left To Say?" - a 14-minute epic prog rock classic (in my opinion). I've spun this song at least 10 times and I still get chills during certain parts. This track is really hard to classify. It begins with a 70s prog sort of feel, then moves into a VERY prog-metal part. It continues to evolve and the influences of Porcupine Tree and Pink Floyd make another appearance. They even manage to channel a little OSI here. The drumming throughout is outstanding to the point of even making the listener feel emotion through the drumming. Electronic drums are used with great effect in parts.

"Aggregate Waste" - probably the most straightforward on the album, but still prog. It reminds me a little of "Squonk" by Genesis without being derivative. It also has a Steely Dan sort of feel as the lyrics are rather biting.

"Outlander" - very powerful track that takes you through a lot of different moods. Main verse sections are in Disconnect's trademark odd meters. I absolutely LOVE the solo sectiont that begins with a Mellotron solo and moves into a bombastic guitar solo with a underlying riff that is unstoppable. The song ends on a dark note, returning to the vibrato guitar heard at the intro underneath a legendary recording made by Robert Oppenheimer ("...Now I am become Death, destroyer of worlds"). Good stuff.

"A Most Unpleasant Business" - this song tells the tale of a suicide by hanging from the point of view of someone who seems to be observing the event. The intro/break riff is in a time signature that I still haven't been able to sort out. The verse sections give you a Porcupine Tree/Pink Floyd vibe.

In a very short time, Disconnect has gone from making very good prog ("Radio Hostile", their debut) to making excellent prog ("Obscuros"). They are definitely a band that more people need to hear, and hopefully they will get noticed. I consider "Obscuros" to be an excellent album and have no trouble giving it 5-stars.