FROM SILENCE TO SOMEWHERE

Wobbler, From Silence to Somewhere. Where to start? Well, I like it. A lot. Listening to this album is a treat.

But is this truly prog? Yes it is expanding on the works of the prog greats in the early seventies. But prog is pushing boundaries. Expanding on current sounds, exploring news grounds. Wobbler doesn't do this. Instead, they are celebrating the early seventies prog. Which I very much appreciate.

From Silence to Somewhere ? Has a bass reminiscent to Squire, keys that are very much Wakeman-esk, guitars that are sounding like Howe, a Tull-ish flute around minute 8.

The build-up of the epic is also reminiscent to Yes pieces like Close to the Edge with pieces of Thick as a Brick and other masterpieces. After eleven minutes starts an ELP section. Followed by Tull. At a certain point, around the 15- minute mark, I hear Crimson and Genesis influences.

The usage of instruments is very early 70-ish too. I hear an organ, a synth, mellotron, woodwinds, minimoog, Hammond. Everything we like from early 70's prog.

In the end, they crafted it into a cohesive and enjoyable whole. Nice. But not original at all. 9/10

Rendered in shades of green - Piano and mellotron. We prog adepts LOVE our mellotron! 7.5/10

Fermented Hours - Starts with a keyboard sequence that could come from ELP. Then it gets into motion resembling heavier works from acts like Crimson. But there's also some Yes to be heard there. When the pace slows down, we arrive at my favourite section. Very ELP-like, laded with Mellotron that is. But we also hear some Wakeman style keys. And more Yes, with the keyboard and guitar. And a voice reminiscent of Gabriel. In the end, I applaud the great musicianship and enjoyed the ride. But I still missed the emotional connection with the piece. 8/10

Foxlight ? Has a flute to start it off. Combined with early Crimson like melodies. Yes, there's a mellotron :-) The track uses many different time signatures and dynamics. It is a mishmash of styles that feels a bit flat to me. It gets very Yes-ish around 9 minutes, with a KC mellotron added. The end of the track has a Tull vibe, using instruments you would associate with acts like ELP and Yes. It doesn't do a lot to me either. 7.5/10

This album is very much looking in a rearview mirror, 45 years back. I love it. I like listening to it and I enjoy it. Wobbler masterfully crafted an album that combines all the great elements of Yes, Crimson, Genesis, ELP, Tull and more into one cohesive and delicious album. But is it a masterpiece in prog? Is it essential for any prog fan? Also if they have the entire collection of the early 70 greats? I don't think so.

I give it 3 stars.