WORLDS

[4,5 - 5 stars] Let me start things off by saying that usually I don't have too much interest in albums with large amounts of tracks (say, over than 10). I definitely prefer my music long, and my "ideal" prog album would probably be around 3-5 tracks. It might be so because I feel like many short tracks usually don't grab my attention enough, and blend into one, unspecified mass in the end. However, Ebu Gogo's "Worlds" is one of the very few exceptions to this rule. I love that record despite the whooping amount of 20(!) tracks in total. Seems to me that where many other bands didn't succeed enteirly, Ebu Gogo managed to keep every track interesting, catchy and different from the previous one. Every one on them has something interesting to offer: a catchy hook, wonderful atmosphere or technical skill.

I'm not really sure as to why is the band listed here as RIO/Avant-Prog, as they seem like a perfect example of the Eclectic category. In its music, Ebu Gogo combines many different genres and flavours, although there isn't much in terms of avant-garde writing. While quite fast and complex at times, for the most part the music is rather laid back, relaxed and just straight up super cool. Sometimes it kinda reminds me of Cardiac's adventurous and humorous spirit.

As for the band itself, each of the members is quite skilled and plays very well, although Justin Abene on the bass guitar shines especially bright. If I still were a bassplayer, this guy would be a huge inspiration for me! The rest of the band deserves attention as well though: Brendan Bell-Leonard keeps the drums heavy and busy, and Gavin Castleton's keyboards (rhodes and synths) are responsible for the majority of the album's charm.

Overall, for me 'Worlds' is a fantastic collection of 20 little musical treats, all of which are full of joy, playfulness and character. Laid back, cool, silly, atmospheric, complex, heavy ' 'Worlds' is all of the above, and much, much more. This record is one hell of a ride, and deserves a warm recommendation to any proghead out there.