THE VIOLENCE OF AMATEURS

Mike Sary's avant-prog unit offer up a gateway drug both to their own discography and to the wilder side of prog in general, walking a fine tightrope. Had they been a bit more harsh, challenging, and obtuse with their experimentalism, they'd have turned off listeners used to calmer brands of prog; had they spent more time offering the pastoral prog and Muffins-y Canterbury fusion material which forms the more accessible component of their sound, they'd have turned off those who want something different and unusual. As it stands, they manage the balancing act adeptly, producing an ever-changing musical landscape which demonstrates that avant-garde experimental prog doesn't have to be difficult and inaccessible.