DELUSION SQUARED II

If the music business was anything like it was before the digital rape that is now, new talent scouts would be scrambling over one another to sign this band as the new Rush, Porcupine Tree or Evanescence. Delusion Squared II follows up with equal greatness to their fantastic debut album Delusion Squared from 2010. How three people can put together the level of talent that is on these recordings is truly impressive. Steve Francis and Emmanuel de Saint Meen sure can play - multitalented to say the least on electric and acoustic guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, piano all playing together or as a beautiful solo instrument. All this topped off by the hauntingly lovely Dido-esque voice of Loraine Young who could easily be a prog nerd's new fantasy girl.

Delusion Squared II captures the modern prog sound with crossover appeal to pop and metal fans that is gaining popularity these days. We once again have a deep concept album about a post-apocalypse world that should please the true progheads, but the four movements and 9 songs stand well alone for the itunes crowd. The production is top notch on the level of Steve Wilson or Arjen Lucasson (Ayreon) quality. Delusion Squared II proves that this is the best new prog band to come out in the last two years. If this band can ever play live, get them to NEARfest(?) or Rosfest ASAP.

Best album of 2012 ??? - we shall see...