DEEP

3.5 stars. STICK MEN might just be the hardest working band in Prog these days. They are constantly touring and releasing live recordings to the point that they are up to around 44 live recordings, mostly digital mind you. They are a trio of Markus Reuter along with former KING CRIMSON members Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto. So yes KING CRIMSON is a good reference point.

"Deep" was released in 2012 and the tour that followed was recorded and released as their first live record called "Power Play". And that live record is my favourite STICK MEN release. So yes it's a little ironic that I can't give this studio record 4 stars but the live one I gave 5 stars to. A tribute to how this band brings this unbridled energy to their live shows. All of these songs just sound better on that "Power Play" record.

Four tracks stood out for me on "Deep" including the opener "Nude Ascending Staircase" which is incredible live. The bass/drum intro is great here along with the guitar throughout. "Cusp" has these repetitious drum patterns along with a guitar melody that comes and goes. "Horatio" is a powerful tune while "Concussion" does it for me with the riffs and wicked bass lines. This tune is the only one of the four not on the live "Power Play".

Right now I'd recommend "Soup" and "Prog Noir" as my favourite studio albums by them, but man that second "Midori" show from Japan with David Cross adding violin is amazing. That one and "Power Play" are my two absolute favourites by this band. Check out some of their other live records too with Mel Collins guesting, and another with Gary Husband guesting. These guests in a live setting certainly change the flavour of some of these tracks. Great band!