W.A.L.H.F. MORE F. (WITH A LITTLE HELL FROM MORE FRIENDS)

As an avant-garde prog fan, I had high expectations when listening to this record, especially after reading several glowing reviews. I thought I might be in front of a new masterpiece, but after a few listens, doubts started to set in.

After repeated listens, I have to say it's not as groundbreaking as I initially believed. It's a good prog record, but not revolutionary. Some reviewers made it sound like it could be the next Fragile by Yes, In the Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson, or Foxtrot by Genesis. But let's be fair?those are standards that few modern prog records can realistically meet.

Greco Bastián, the Mexican prog musician, released this album as a sequel to their 2022 record With a Little Hell from Friends. Now in 2024, With a Little Hell from MORE Friends is an ambitious avant-prog instrumental project that brings together a host of guest musicians and complex compositions. The album showcases Bastián's technical skill in detailed compositions, though it leans heavily on familiar sounds reminiscent of Peter Hammill's The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage and the intricate, dark atmospheres of bands like Anekdoten, All Traps on Earth, King Crimson, Magma, and Frank Zappa. This wealth of influences gives the album a nostalgic quality, making it feel more like a respectful nod to the genre's roots than a reinvention.

If you're looking for reinvention, or just hoping to hear great music?well, in my case, I just want to hear good music without bombastic, over-the-top elements. Fans familiar with Hammill's work and his time in Van der Graaf Generator will likely catch echoes of those distinctive sounds here. The atmosphere is brooding, intense, and introspective, though it sometimes feels more like an homage than a fresh statement. While this approach doesn't diminish the album's craftsmanship, it might feel overly familiar to some listeners.

The album taps into the dark, intricate soundscapes pioneered by Anekdoten and refined by All Traps on Earth. The dense instrumentation and haunting melodies evoke the complex arrangements of these prog bands. While Bastián captures this moody, immersive sound effectively, the album leans a bit too comfortably on these established stylistic elements without introducing a distinct twist of its own.

Bastián's choice to collaborate with multiple musicians adds depth and texture to the album, though not always with the impact it aims for. Some guest contributions blend seamlessly into the mix, complementing the core sound, but they don't always stand out in ways that reshape the music. For listeners hoping for bold experimentation, this approach might feel too safe, though it does add a pleasing richness for those who appreciate a more classic prog sound.

The album's ambition is undeniable. However, the intricate layers and abrupt shifts can sometimes feel overwhelming or even disjointed. Bastián clearly has a passion for complexity, though the album might have benefited from a bit of restraint to let certain motifs breathe and develop more naturally.

Production-wise, the album is clean and polished, lending clarity to every instrumental detail. However, the modern sound might feel at odds with the raw, organic quality that grounds some of the classic prog influences Bastián draws from. While the pristine production adds sophistication, a touch more grit might have enhanced the immersive atmosphere.

In the end, With a Little Hell from MORE Friends is a well-crafted work that pays tribute to the giants of prog and avant-garde while showcasing Bastián's technical composition skills. For fans of classic progressive rock, the album's familiar sounds and respectful nods will likely be a welcome experience. Though it may not push boundaries, it's an enjoyable, richly layered album that celebrates the prog tradition with skill and a clear love for the genre's darker, more atmospheric side.

Perhaps my expectations were overreaching. The record is fun to listen to, but before diving into the reviews, I'd suggest forming your own impression. Then, decide for yourself whether this album resonates with you as a nostalgic tribute or if it leaves you wanting something new.

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