New/Alternative prog recs?

In an attempt to open myself to different types of music I started branching into the bands that are labeled 'alternative' prog or not prog at all...but have certain tendencies. Here are some of the bands I've been digging and I'm wondering if there is more out there.

Porcupine Tree - Well um....everything!

Dredg - El Cielo is an incredible concept and album. Catch without arms was good as well.

Oceansize - Every album has been done well so far, espicially 'Frames'.

Mew - Glass handed kites was a fun album.

The Mars Volta - I like everything they have done so far in their careers. Each one has their own unique moments.

Pure Reason Revolution - I am awaiting for some more. Incredible debut album.

Something Corporate - Shut up. Been listening to this band since the debut and it still rocks it up. Plenty of string sections going on in each and every song. The piano in the forefront definately makes them something different from the typical crap.

Blackfield - Two strong albums, nothing to complain about, it's Steve Wilson!

Abigail's Ghost - An immitation of Porcupine Tree...still, a good one though.

Pineapple Thief - The albums are getting pumped out faster and faster, and the quality is just getting better and better.

Fair to Midland - Latest album is very proggish. I like this band a lot.

Aereogramme - Nice and relaxing due to some nice string sections and appealing vocals.



These bands are on the fence as of right now.

The Dear Hunter - I have both of the cd's. I think it's good, but I feel like it requires a little more attention to come to a real decision.

Amplifier - I didn't really like what I heard on their albums. Listened to them very little though.

Coheed and Cambria - Just not enough listens. I didn't think what I heard was terrible though.

3 - Saw them live and listened to their cd's. It just doesn't sound that great to me. This band is only getting one more go around.

Nosound - They have their moments. I find the vocalists english to be very crappy. The music in the background is pretty mellow. The song 'Sol 29' is musical bliss. The new album needs more listens before I have an opinion.

Gazpacho - Didn't like Night. Giving something else by them another shot.

Paatos - Sounded boring. Only listened to them once though.

No-Man - Liked what I heard. Still not enough to say I adore them.

...And You Will Know Us By the trail of the Dead... - Source Tags and Codes was pretty good. Apparently that is their best by far though. That was their third of five albums.




Bands that I did not like.


The Third Ending - There is potential, but this band did not strike me as special or just doing a nice job like Abigail's ghost.

The Mayan Factor - Nothing special as well...some RHCP moments as well, I hate that band to all oblivion.



Well that is the end of it if you read all that garbage. What I need is some more rec's that are new and fresh bands. Also, if I am riding on the fence about something, a little bit of insight on what to really look for in the band can help a great deal.

Let the word 'prog' label subside in this topic...I just want some nice music.

Maybe a blog could arise from this!

Edited by ProgBagel - July 21 2008 at 17:19

Alright! Bio seems interesting enough, I'll check this out.

Approved some time ago by Crossover, but overdue to be added by me (tried writing the bio some time ago, but writing is not coming easily to me these days): Zettaimu from Japan (click)

This is a really good one: June Cleaver & the Steak Knives (click)

Logan wrote: This is a really good one: June Cleaver & the Steak Knives (click)

my #2 recommendation...

I dont know if it can helped, but I am harry Potter

June Cleaver was in the direction I was looking for, nice music!

Gaylord was excellent!! I couldn't even put my finger on what genre to fit them in, but it was certainly a nice band. They were a little more then I was asking for, but in the end I found a good new band!

Mekhilin wasn't too bad either, I need to listen to them a little more.

Keep the recs coming, just some nice 'art rock' alternative music, a band with catchy melodies would help.


I'm going to add that band ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of the Dead... to my little list, on the middle section. Their album 'Source Tags and Codes' was pretty good, but since hearing that is their best it's a shame that is all they have to offer. I'll check out another one of theirs. I also listened to Mew's 'Frengers' album and it was nice!

One more 'out there' and atmospheric thing I've heard is Ulver's Perdition City. Highly recommended. The opener (one of my all-time favourite pieces) is stunning (and on PA, I believe.)

TGM: Orb wrote: One more 'out there' and atmospheric thing I've heard is Ulver's Perdition City. Highly recommended. The opener (one of my all-time favourite pieces) is stunning (and on PA, I believe.)

Ah!! I forgot about Ulver, being such an evolutionary band, I wasn't sure whether or not to list them. Great suggestion though, I like them a lot and you as well!

The song that dragged me in was Vowels from a Quick Fix of Melancholy EP. Amazing classical piece.

Ok, now I'm not even sure what this thread is about, because Ulver is about as far from alt-rock as prog can get, even though they are very good.

I've heard most of those bands, and I even tried Pineapple Thief because I didn't remember hearing them before. Almost entirely unbearable. However, I can see how you would like them Porcupine Tree and their fanbase are a travesty of prog.

Being that it appears that we have very similar musical taste, here are some recommendations.
Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover
Animal Collective - Strawberry Jam/Feels/Sung Tongs
The Decemberists - Her Majesty/The Crane Wife

also, you didn't list Radiohead. If you sincerely do not listen to them, get on it immediately.

Oh also try Arena - Contagion.