ANCHOR DROPS

Was all the best progressive rock released in the 70s? Not quite. Would you like to get into some fine new progressive music, that's quite able to stand beside the 70s classics in your collection? If so, have I got a band and album for you!

Umphrey's McGee were formed in Indiana in 1997, and in 2004 they released their fifth studio album. ANCHOR DROPS is a very strong recording, from an obviously seasoned band of accomplished and highly creative musicians.

Categorizing music can be difficult, and Umphrey's is an excellent case in point. Though they are listed here as a "jazz rock/fusion" outfit, the diverse music on ANCHOR DROPS transcends that genre - there is also a strong "Canterbury" element in the marrying of often quirky lyrics with jazzy, "jammy" music, and there is even one track with a pronounced country feel. Umphrey's are not a band to be pigeon-holed!

Categories aside, the fourteen selections on ANCHOR DROPS provide almost sixty-five minutes of top quality, ever-interesting listening - "it's all good," as they say!

Opening number "Plunger" gets matters going with some synchronized, powerful guitar riffs, and a very tight rhythm courtesy of bassist Ryan Stasik, drummer Kris Myers, and percussionist Andy Farag. There are several sections to the song, including one with acoustic guitar, piano, and some Latin-feeling percussion. Never a dull moment!

Next up, title track "Anchor Drops" advances the overall eclectic, intelligent tone with an easy groove, a funky bass line, and some jazzy keyboards. The vocals are solid (four of the six band members sing), and the lead guitar is notably good. Canterbury fans will find themselves in fun and friendly territory here, as this winsome song progresses seamlessly through multiple infectious themes and changes. Simply great, but certainly not "simple" or predictable!

The rock side of the equation rises to the forefront on the superb "In the Kitchen," which just might be my favourite from this stellar set. It starts out with a fast and funky bass riff, and a strummed acoustic guitar, before the vocals and the remainder of the band come in. Again, there are many themes and transitions here, from jazz, to near-metal "rocking out." A particularly pleasing section accompanies the lyrics: "I don't expect to smile when I get home. The blankets that I stole should keep you warm." Then there's the driving chorus: "The TV's on too much, and I don't ever think enough about the things that matter most - complacently replacing a melody with smoke." This one "smokes" -- no mistake!

"Bullhead City" is the disc's country/folky piece. The listener is treated to a male and female vocal duet, in a very catchy song that further highlights this great band's amazing musical range. This one also provides a nice break from the prevailing complexity and intensity.

Any lingering doubts about the group's prog credentials should be dispelled via the whimsically-titled instrumental "Miss Tinkle's Overture." As the word "overture in its name suggests, this number covers a lot of territory in a five-and-a-half fleeting minutes of pure proggy pleasure. A driving, near-militaristic snare, and some superb, soaring lead impart extra distinction here.

"Uncommon" is just that (but then, so is the entire album)! This is a wonderfully tight, quirky number, with memorable, darkly-humourous lines such as "Something about me stinks - something about me smells. I don't want that to be how you remember me - some thing about me stinks. If I was not so strange, if I could only change, I wouldn't be so far, from standing where you are, if I was not so strange."

I could continue with the track-by-track analysis, but in the interest of keeping this review to a more manageable length, I'll wrap it up by saying that you'll certainly get your "walletsworth" (that's the name of the tenth track) with this fine CD. Progressive rock is most definitely NOT dead, and Umphrey's McGee are at the forefront of more recent acts that are bravely taking the music to new and wonderful places. ANCHOR DROPS is one of the very best latter-day discs that I've had the good fortune to hear. Adventurous listeners, and especially fans of fusion and Canterbury, should really enjoy this excellent album. Top-notch musicianship, tight, varied compositions, great vocals, smart and often-amusing lyrics; ANCHOR DROPS is the complete package. Unreservedly, whole-heartedly, gleefully recommended -- you HAVE to check this one out! Play it and smile, prog fans!