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High Wheel — 1910
(Progress PRCD022, 1993/2007, CD)

High Wheel — Remember the Colours
(Progress PRCD023, 1994/2007, CD)

by Mike McLatchey, Published 1996-03-01

1910 Cover artRemember the Colours Cover art

High Wheel is a relatively new German outfit with two albums solidly in the neo-progressive vein. While both are private releases, the band would fit very comfortably on the SI label as the music is very mainstream, heavily lyrical and has strong Marillion, Pendragon, and Rush influences. Unlike many heavily lyrical yet poor English speaking groups, High Wheel seem fairly professional and focused within their sound. None of it makes me cringe in embarrassment like many a SI or WMMS neo. Both albums are very similar, although I'd give the debut the edge as the tracks are longer in general and there are a couple of classic prog-rock moves throughout that help to relieve the monotony of so many vocals. The crux of the matter is that High Wheel doesn't really have a whole lot of compelling ideas, and certainly not enough to be making CDs this long. This really comes out on in the newest CD where the lyrical drudgery really makes for frustrating listening. Fortunately, most listeners probably won't mind and most neo-progressive listeners will like High Wheel as it's certainly an inoffensive blend. However, if you like more adventurous music, this ain't yer area...

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 9, 2007 releases, 1993 recordings, 1994 recordings

Related artist(s): High Wheel

 

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