REDEMPTION

Cheat The Prophet, formed by brothers Matt Mizenko (bass, guitars, keys, vocals) and Todd Mizenko (guitars, keys, vocals), plus longtime friend and collaborator Jamie Boruch (drums, percussion), were once part of prog acts Ars Nova and Nepenthe. Now, with Redemption, they're back with a mix of old-school progressive ambition and a more modern neo-prog sound. Think IQ, Porcupine Tree, Steve Morse and others great neo acts . Despite the variety of influences, the band sounds really good.

Redemption is six tracks long, just under 38 minutes, but it's packed with rich musical textures analog keyboards, strong bass lines, great guitar work, and a very interesting drumming. The production also has a fresh, modern sound.

With Redemption , the band shows their experience in the classic prog now on the neo prog scene. Delivering decades of progressive and alternative influences but never fall into nostalgia they create something different. Cheat The Prophet takes risk with real emotional and artistic payoff.

The album opens with "Chaos," a great short-prog song full of everything we love catchy melodies, gymnastics keyboard solos, awesome bass and guitar tones, and energetic drumming. It keeps you alert and wanting more.

The second track, "Bad Bitch," tells the story of a bad, dirty woman. It has a bit of an '80s pop vibe, but it's still grounded in that strong neo-prog sound. The keyboards, drums, guitars everything is tight and well done.

"Marvelous World (Losing Season)" is the third song not my personal favorite, but still a solid track. It has a nice middle section with vocal harmonies and strong keyboard work. Acoustic piano and guitar lead most of the way, and in the final minute, finally explodes with the sound we've been waiting for.

"Paper White" (11:16) is an instrumental acoustic piece, with a bluegrass feel. It's played on a steel-string guitar in a Leo Kottke kind of style. Very cool and fits surprisingly well in the album.

The final track is "Whisper," a long 11-minute song in eight parts: i. Numbers ii. Queen of Diamonds iii. 1954 iv. Fever Dream v. Louder Than Bombs vi. Mommy Dearest vii. Revelation viii. Glory

This is my favorite song on the record. It starts with a mellotron and takes you on a kind of hypnotic trip, with sudden changes. It's about war and a turbulent life. The band sounds amazing here the playing is full of emotion, and the arrangement has a lot of great moments.

The bonus track, "Zaff's Fez," wraps things up. It's a killer instrumental that shows the whole band playing full force. A great closer.

Redemption is a strong album. The songs are well written, and the instruments are used in a smart way that lets the melodies evolve naturally. For me, "Whisper" is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. Maybe the only weak point is brothers Mizenko lead vocals not too bad, just flat in places but it doesn't take anything away from how good the album is. If anything, it gives it character. Another standout for 2025.

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