My lesser known and unknown new prog bands thread |
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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 08 2007 at 17:27 | ||
Muchas gracias Bhikkhu, I am glad that you will add Neverness to prog Archives because at this moment I am too busy to add new bands to Prog Archives because of the many reviews I have to write for Progwalhalla and Prog Archives and to maintain my two threads in the Recommendation section. And also thanks for checking out the new Italian band Obscura, very interesting to say the least This evening I enjoyed this outstanding musical experience:
TARKUS (BR) — Ao Vivo Em Niteroi Review by erik neuteboom (erik neuteboom) Special Collaborator Symphonic Prog Expert — First review of this album —This is a Brasilian six piece band rooted in 2000, they have released two studio albums: A Gaze Between The Past And The Future (2002) and Mundus Novus (2006). In December 2006 Tarkus also released the live CD entitled Ao Vivo Em Niteron (2005, Brazil). This DVD contains 12 composition (including the ten CD tracks and two extra songs), the running time is at about 1,5 hour. We can enjoy many camera positions and lots of solo shots, the lightshow is no more or less than tasteful with wonderful red, blue and green colours, the excellent musicians play very enthousiastic and the female singer sounds warm and passionated. From the first moment I listened to Tarkus I was carried away by their wonderful symphonic prog compositions featuring a lush keyboard sound (two members are keyboardist), strong and warm female Brasilian vocals (at some moments similar to Bacamarte), a dynamic and fluent rhythm-section and a crafted guitar player (from acoustic rhythm guitar to propulsive riffs and sensitive soli). The most remarkable element is the sound of the Minimoog, the music contains lots of spectacular soli with strong hints from Seventies Rick Wakeman. The climates on the ten compositions shift very flowing from dreamy to often bombastic and some songs deliver solo pieces on classical piano (very sparkling) and classic guitar (with flageolets that remind me of Steve Hackett). My highlights on this very compelling CD are O Portal (pleasant changing climates and a great build-up that culminates into an exciting ‘grand finale’’ with Minimoog flights in the vein of the final part of Starship Trooper by Yes), Vida Nova (warm intro with classical guitar and piano, then lots of shifting moods and again exciting Minimoog runs and sensitive electric guitar) and A Danca Escolhida (wonderful twanging guitar, than first a dreamy atmosphere and then a strong build-up to a bombastic final part with powerful organ waves and propulsive guitar riffs). The final track Ensaio Dos Ventos delivers a pleasant atmosphere with a rock element (swinging piano, R&R guitar and powerful vocals) but it ends with a symphonic prog finale that delivers sparkling piano and sensational Minimoog flights, goose bumps! The two extra songs are also worth listening, “no fillers, all killers”! First No Campo, a solo piece on the Takamine acoustic guitar, the atmosphere reminds me of Steve Hackett his composition Horizons, emphasized by the use of flageolets in the end. Then the wonderful and very compelling Vale Magico, it starts with a majestic church organ sound, then a slow rhythm with a captivating electric guitar/sitar (on keyboards) duel and a grand finale featuring lush keyboards, this is Progheaven! I can only conclude with “highly recommended”, in my opinion Tarkus deserves worldwide attention, what a band, what a performance, what a splendid DVD! Edited by erik neuteboom - September 08 2007 at 17:28 |
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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 08 2007 at 22:23 | ||
Here is my opinion about the new Riverside EP:
RIVERSIDE - 02 Panic Room (***1/5)
- Riverside is a band that I discovered thanks to Prog Archives, I had read so many positive reviews about their first album Out Of Myself that I decided to check it out. From the very first moment I listened to their Heavy Prog I turned into a fan, I love that compelling and dynamic sound with the emotional vocals, heavy guitar riffs, propulsive rhythm-section, sumptuous keyboard layers and lots of tension. For me the successor Second Life Syndrome is one of the best progrock albums released in the last ten years so I was very curious about this EP, especially after reading the mixed opinions. Well, here is my musical vision about this EP.
1. 02 Panic Room (4:00) : This is the typical Riverside sound as I described in the intro featuring great dynamics and tension. The vocals sound quiet melancholic as if there is a lot of anger and despair under the surface. The final part delivers wonderful orchestral keyboard arrangements. 2. Lucid Dream IV (5:00) : A swinging rhythm with powerful bass runs, then a bombastic climate featuring lush organ waves and strong drumming, culminating in propulsive guitar riffs and sensational work on synthesizers, gradually becoming more fiery, very exciting! 3. Back to the River (5:00) : After a SF-like intro, we can enjoy sensitive electric guitarplay, supported by mellow organ, the atmosphere becomes more lush and suddenly ... there is the legendary guitarwork from Shine On Your Crazy Diamond, followed by a wonderful final part with howling guitar and a bombastic organ sound. 4. 02 Panic Room Remix (4:00) : This final piece contains a slow rhythm with melancholical vocals in a mellow climate, blended with lots of strange sounds, in the end we can enjoy warm acoustic guitar play. It's not easy to return after making a brilliant album but I am very positive about Riverside after listening to this EP and I am looking forward to see this great Polish band on the Dutch Symforce Festival in Tilburg on September 15th! Edited by erik neuteboom - September 08 2007 at 22:25 |
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Atkingani
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator / Retired Admin Joined: October 21 2005 Location: Terra Brasilis Status: Offline Points: 12288 |
Posted: September 08 2007 at 22:32 | ||
Hi, Erik, just checked your Tarkus DVD review and gave me the wish to purchase it.
Today, I received Notabene's and Court's debut albums and liked both, especially the first one.
Also, in the package another Brasilian band, VELUDO - their history is quite similar to Spin XXi, since they have a bunch of years on the road but only got their first official record recently. I didn't hear them yet, well, let's see...
I also completed my collection of HADDAD's studio album with their 1997 release.
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Guigo
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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 09 2007 at 00:43 | ||
I knew you would be interested in the Tarkus DVD, Atkingani I don't know about Veludo and HADDAD, I will check out these bands, thanks. Notabene makes wonderful music, I hope they are not just another new Italian one shot band.
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Prog-jester
Prog Reviewer Joined: June 05 2005 Location: Love Beach Status: Offline Points: 5863 |
Posted: September 10 2007 at 16:32 | ||
erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 10 2007 at 17:50 | ||
Here is your review in its full splendor, Prog-jester
RITUAL — The Hemulic Voluntary Band
Review by Prog-jester (Igor Sidorenko) Prog Reviewer Amazing!!! About the Tarkus DVD, I got nothing but very positive reactions, many progheads are eagerly waiting for their order and thanks to the Musea distribution that's no problem here in Europe Edited by erik neuteboom - September 10 2007 at 17:51 |
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avestin
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 18 2005 Status: Offline Points: 12625 |
Posted: September 11 2007 at 19:31 | ||
CAPHARNAÜM (do not mistake with the other similarly named prog metal band in PA, which are good as well, only not relevant for this thread) are from Montreal and they have a penchant for the heavier side of progressive rock (not metal). Being instrumental, they create dynamic and exciting sound textures, topped with lead guitar that swirls around. They have released in 2006 an album that has been re-released in 2007 by Unicorn Digital records (home to some excellent progerssive rock bands like The Gourishankar, Mystery, Karcius, Karfagen, Nil, Sympozion, Kopecky, Spaced Out, Hamadryad, Kaos Moon). The album is called Le Soleil est une Bombe Atomique
CAPHARNAÜM — Le Soleil est une Bombe AtomiqueReview by avestin (Assaf Vestin)SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Zeuhl/RIO/Avant Team While the name Capharnam would seem a unique name for a band, there are in fact 3 bands of the same name (including this one), although only one more shares that Umlaut above the A. The other two bands, though, are metal bands (one is playing progressive music), and this current one, is playing another kind of rock. Posted Sunday, July 29, 2007, 09:00 EST | Permanent link |
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dalt99
Forum Senior Member Joined: April 23 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 454 |
Posted: September 12 2007 at 00:08 | ||
Fantastic Erik!! This album is in my top 3 favorites of the year. AMAZING keyboard work on this realease, BUT there are also MANY wonderful melodies. shifting moods and a great rhythm section with the bass and drums. And of course that great Italian singing!
Edited by dalt99 - September 12 2007 at 00:10 |
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Best of 2006 that I've heard:
PFM-Stati Di Immaginazione Zenit-Surrender (Best "unknown" album) Oaksenham - Conquest of Pacific 2007: Phideaux - Doomsday Afternoon La Torre Del Alchimista - Neo |
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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 12 2007 at 05:57 | ||
Thanks Avestin for your contribution and your support to this thread
Dalt99, La Torre Dell Chimista is one of the few new Italian progrock bands that can compete with the in general superior new Latin-American prog (Nexus, William Gray, Tarkus )
Only a few days to go and then ... the Symforce Festival in Tilburg (Holland) on September 15th, I am looking forward to see the new Swedish progrock band Beardfish but my main focus is on Riverside
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Dirk
Forum Senior Member Joined: August 11 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 1043 |
Posted: September 12 2007 at 11:56 | ||
Beardfish is a very good band , i look forward to seeing them next Saturday. Main Focus for me is on Focus and TFK, i'm curious if TFK will play songs from their new album.
La Torre dell alchemista's Neo is indeed a good album, i wouldn't go as far as saying it's the best from Italy from the last years, i prefer releases amongst others from La Maschera di cera and Randone and also this year's Conqueror and Notabene releases. Neo creates a very nice atmosphere with the mellotron and organ but i feel the album is a bit monotonous, the vocals contributes to that feeling. |
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Prog-jester
Prog Reviewer Joined: June 05 2005 Location: Love Beach Status: Offline Points: 5863 |
Posted: September 12 2007 at 14:41 | ||
Just got two other albums by BEARDFISH - "The Sane Day" and their debut. To be reviewed soon
Eric, I guess you would love to listen to this Highly recommended! Post it in this thread in an appropriate way, please! Edited by Prog-jester - September 12 2007 at 16:27 |
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dalt99
Forum Senior Member Joined: April 23 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 454 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 00:21 | ||
"The Sane Day" from Beardfish is amazing. Every song sounds like a different genre. Great stuff. It took me a LONG time to totally get used to the album but it kept getting better and better every listen. The first CD is the most song oriented. The second CD is more instrumental. Both are great. Fantastic organ playing, guitar playing and melodies.
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Best of 2006 that I've heard:
PFM-Stati Di Immaginazione Zenit-Surrender (Best "unknown" album) Oaksenham - Conquest of Pacific 2007: Phideaux - Doomsday Afternoon La Torre Del Alchimista - Neo |
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dalt99
Forum Senior Member Joined: April 23 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 454 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 00:24 | ||
I need to get the Nexus, William Gray and Tarkus CDs. I just don't know which one to get first!
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Best of 2006 that I've heard:
PFM-Stati Di Immaginazione Zenit-Surrender (Best "unknown" album) Oaksenham - Conquest of Pacific 2007: Phideaux - Doomsday Afternoon La Torre Del Alchimista - Neo |
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jimmy_row
Forum Senior Member Joined: July 11 2007 Location: Hibernation Status: Offline Points: 2601 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 00:54 | ||
I love that one, sooo addictive.
but I actually prefer the new one, Sleeping in Traffic Part One, to me the songs seem more mature and there isn't quite so much fluff (though I'm glad TSD is 2 discs...the more Beardfish, the better).
One of the things I love about them is their use of clavinet and electric piano, reminiscent of Gentle Giant, but still original...Rikard Sjöblom is a very talented lead singer, keyboard player, and even guitarist
Can't seem to find the debut, it must be out of print like The Sane Day, I'd appreciate it if someone could tell me where to find the debut.
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jimmy_row
Forum Senior Member Joined: July 11 2007 Location: Hibernation Status: Offline Points: 2601 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 00:58 | ||
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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 04:46 | ||
WOW, Beardfish is hot looking at your enthousiastic posts, fellow progheads, can't wait to see this promising band Saturday on the Symforce Festival
Yesterday I watched the Tarkus DVD again, exciting work on the Minimoog, mighty close to the sound of Seventies Rick Wakeman
Dalt99, I can only repeat Jimmy Row his words about Nexus, William Gray and Tarkus:
BUY THEM ALL !!
Edited by erik neuteboom - September 13 2007 at 04:47 |
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avestin
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 18 2005 Status: Offline Points: 12625 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 08:36 | ||
What Jimmy said!!!
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Prog-jester
Prog Reviewer Joined: June 05 2005 Location: Love Beach Status: Offline Points: 5863 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 10:19 | ||
Eric, have you checked that review of mine?
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erik neuteboom
Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659 |
Posted: September 13 2007 at 11:24 | ||
I did Prog-jester but I have never been a fan of Discipline and Radiohead so I am not really curious to the music you described .. but thanks for posting, I am sure others will be more curious!
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avestin
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 18 2005 Status: Offline Points: 12625 |
Posted: September 15 2007 at 11:16 | ||
I received the promo for the new album by BIG BIG TRAIN called The Difference Machine
Right now at first listen, this is an intersting release, wuite varied, with some influences from Spock's Beard (wonder if the presence of Dave Meros and Nick D'Virgilio contributed to that). So far, this is a varied and enjoyable album that will appeal to Neo-prog/Symph-rock listeners; well produced, appealing and well composed melodies and songs with some interesting more daring parts, rich in sound. But still this is only first listen and I sense it will grow on me, since for now I quite like it.
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