Exposé Online » Reviews of releases for 2013

Items found : 303

The Red Masque - Mythalogue

The Red Masque's releases up to now have been mixed bags for me, with some tracks I really like and some that I'd just as soon skip. With Mythalogue, they've finally hit the...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-09-05)

Robert Wyatt - '68

After Soft Machine’s first American tour both Kevin Ayers and Mike Ratledge hurried on back to Europe to lick their wounds while Robert Wyatt stayed on in the US with friends. Opening for the...

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(Posted by Jeff Melton 2013-10-19)

Zevious - Passing through the Wall

As someone who's been listening to progressive music since back in the 70s, when I first heard the style called "math-rock" in the 90s, it was apparent to me that King Crimson was a...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-05-29)

Jodie Lowther - Klepsydra, Skeleton Moon & Circles and Holes

Jodie Lowther is one half on London-based electronic band Quimper, whom we’ve been covering for a few years now. Jodie provides vocals and visual art for Quimper, but she is an experimental...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2018-01-31)

Various Artists - Psychedelic Underground 17 & 18

Since the Garden of Delights label began in the early 1990s (they were originally called Penner Records), they have produced this Psychedelic Underground promotional series, each one...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2018-02-23)

The Wrong Object - After the Exhibition

It's been about half a dozen years since we’ve heard something new from this Belgian jazz-rock powerhouse. Based on the original compositions mostly of guitarist Michel Delville and...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-06-23)

Schizo Fun Addict - The Sun Yard (Special Edition)

US band Schizo Fun Addict first appeared on vinyl on Bracken Records in 2007, Andy Bracken’s indie label that was the precursor to Fruits de Mer Records. Schizo Fun Addict was also the first...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2018-02-04)

Dreadnaught - Have a Drink & Gettin' Tight with Dreadnaught

Rather than push out another full-length album to follow up 2007’s High Heat & Chin Music, American prog rock trio Dreadnaught have opted to keep fans occupied with a pair of EPs...

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(Posted by Paul Hightower 2016-07-22)

Spirits Burning & Clearlight - Healthy Music in Large Doses

Spirits Burning is the ongoing project of Don Falcone and guests, many of whom appear regularly on most of the releases, including members and ex-members of various space rock bands far and wide,...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-05-08)

Kevin Kastning / Sándor Szabó / Balász Major - Triptych & Becoming

In all the music I've heard from Kevin Kastning (both with and without his frequent collaborator Sándor Szabó), one thing that has not been present is any kind of percussion....

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-05-13)

IQ - Tales from the Lush Attic

I would think most people count this as IQ's debut album, even if there was a previous cassette release, but though it's an album I've known for a really long time, it's a recent...

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(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2018-01-04)

Humble Pie - Performance - Rockin' the Fillmore

As I get older, I find that I've had most of my peak musical experiences, and so the releases that really stun me come fewer and farther between. I had just started revisiting Humble Pie when...

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(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2017-12-14)

Banda Elástica - Aquí, Allá y Acullá

It’s always good to hear something new, or even old as it may be, from this long running Mexican band who got their start in the early 80s, and were last heard from on their 2003 release...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-28)

Aurora Lunare - Aurora Lunare

Promotional materials don’t always get distributed promptly (this one, released at the end of 2013, didn’t end up in my hands until the end of 2015), and things don’t always get...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2017-08-30)

Trance Lucid - Palace of Ether

It appears that Trance Lucid has been around in one form or another since the mid-90s, with four previous CDs in their catalog, though this is the first I've heard of them. They are currently a...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-08-28)

Colosseum - Those Who Are About to Die Salute You

John Mayall often gets lost in the list of influential musicians but it wasn't just the blues alone that he had a powerful influence on. Just off the top of my head, he was largely responsible...

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(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2017-06-08)

The Soft Hearted Scientists – Whatever Happened to the Soft Hearted Scientists

In their never-ending search for new and exciting music, Fruits de Mer has uncovered a hidden gem from Cardiff, Soft Hearted Scientists. This quartet of Nathan Hall (vocals, guitars, organ,...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-06-09)

Soft Hearted Scientists - False Lights

This past May saw the release of the latest CD by those gentle scientists from Cardiff. They have been furiously working in their secret lab to brew their latest concoction of 14 whimsical Brit...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-06-20)

David Helpling & Jon Jenkins - Found

Found is the third and final installment of the trilogy collaboration between Spotted Peccary mainstays David Helpling and Jon Jenkins that began with 2007’s Treasure, and...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-14)

Nicholas Chase - Bhajan

Composer Nicholas Chase has a number of releases to his credit, but this is the first time we have reviewed any of his works at Exposé — perhaps all of those six...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2017-02-22)

Aisles - 4:45 AM

Here’s one of the better bands I’ve heard from South America. Hailing from Chile, Aisles is built around Germán Vergara (guitar, keys) and his brother Sebastián (vocals)....

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(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-10-19)

Bobby Beausoleil - Dancing Hearts Afire

In the spring of 2013, Bobby Beausoleil released this as a download, a single 18+ minute piece of music originally written and recorded for his wife of 30+ years, Barbara, who had planned to...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2017-01-04)

Lin Di - The Gossypium Era

With The Gossypium Era, Cold Fairyland leader Lin Di has produced her most personal and singular work to date. The scope of instrumentation is much reduced from her band work, with pipa,...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2016-12-23)

Usssy - Usssy

As the music industry has changed over the last few years, some of the functions previously performed by record labels, such as paying advances for studio time, serving singles to radio, and...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2016-09-05)

Guapo - History of the Visitation

With a cloudburst of menacing dark energy, Guapo is back. Actually, for those who’ve been keeping track they never really went away since their 2004 Cuneiform release Five Suns,...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-01)

Mount Pressmore - Enjoy

Enjoy is the debut album from this Austin, Texas group, and presents ten tracks of unique melodic music. Leader Thomas Shaw plays a Rhodes electric piano and sings, and his keyboard work...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2016-11-26)

Aktuala - Aktuala, La Terra & Tappeto Volante

The creative forces behind Aktuala were Walter Maioli (arabic oboe, bamboo flute, naj, harmonica, piccolo, etc.) and Daniele Cavallanti (soprano and tenor sax, clarinet) who formed the band in...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 1995-07-01)

Aktuala - Aktuala, La Terra & Tappeto Volante

The creative forces behind Aktuala were Walter Maioli (arabic oboe, bamboo flute, naj, harmonica, piccolo, etc.) and Daniele Cavallanti (soprano and tenor sax, clarinet) who formed the band in...

» Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 1995-07-01)

Aktuala - Aktuala, La Terra & Tappeto Volante

The creative forces behind Aktuala were Walter Maioli (arabic oboe, bamboo flute, naj, harmonica, piccolo, etc.) and Daniele Cavallanti (soprano and tenor sax, clarinet) who formed the band in...

» Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 1995-07-01)

Aktuala - La Terra

Regarding La Terra:

In the wake of the popularity of transcendental meditation in the 60s, the Beatles and others also incorporated the sounds of India and other cultures,...

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(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2017-01-12)

Various Artists - Plankton

In 2013 Record Collector magazine launched a new series of albums focused on labels they rated as “modern collectibles.” Righty they chose Fruits de Mer as their first release...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2016-11-21)

Nektar - Remember the Future - 40th Anniversary Edition

In late 1973 and early 1974, Nektar was at the peak of their powers, and this concept album was about to sweep over American audiences with generous radio play followed by a massive concert tour...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-06-20)

Vespero - Careful with That Axe, Eugene

One of Fruits de Mer's November 2013 vinyl releases is a cover of two classic Pink Floyd songs by Russian space rock band Vespero. Vespero has been fairly active since forming in 2003 and have...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-12-22)

Herd of Instinct - Conjure

Herd of Instinct is back with a second helping of a dozen new tracks. They are a quartet now; seems that Gayle Ellett (Hammond, Rhodes, Mellotron, and Moog – from Djam Karet) has upgraded...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-05-01)

Sanguine Hum - The Weight of the World

On their second full-length studio release, this British four-piece has crafted a remarkably original and compelling set of tunes that even surpasses their previous Diving Bell from two...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-29)

3RDegree - Human Interest Story

A four-piece from New York City, 3RDegree specializes in well-crafted, hook-infected, song-oriented rock with strong melodic drive and progressive overtones. In fact they've been around for...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 1997-02-01)

Focus today, ten studio albums and 40+ years on from their 1970 debut, is still very much recognizable as the same band, due to the long term guidance and helmsmanship of keyboardist, flautist, and...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-15)

FM - Black Noise

The reissue of the second album by this excellent Canadian trio has been long awaited by many. A rather nonstandard three-piece, their most unique feature was the substitution of mandolin/violin...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 1994-08-01)

Jack o' the Clock - All My Friends

This Northern California ensemble plays an off-kilter mix of a number of styles with enough originality to make what they do hopelessly unclassifiable, yet beckoning on a number of levels. There...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-12)

Zhaoze - Yond

By now there's a well-established formula followed by most post-rock music. It involves a medium slow tempo, a quiet beginning, and a long, slow buildup to a loud, dramatic finish. As formulas...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-08-20)

Juha Kujanpää - Kivenpyörittäjä: Tales and Travels

When I initially listened to this instrumental album, I was struck first by how pleasant it was, and second by a feeling of familiarity. It reminded me of something, but I couldn't place it....

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-31)

Jack Dupon - Démon Hardi, Bascule à Vif, Tête de Chien & Les Ronfleurs Dorment

I’ve been debating with myself about how I would review this collection of music, individual reviews or one combined review. Jack Dupon’s music is difficult to describe, so instead of...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2015-06-08)

Shane Morris & Mystified - Emergence

Shane Morris operates in that area of sound sculpting where you have to abandon any attempts at analysis and just let the recording flow over you. Sometimes, for a trained musician, this isn't...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-08-03)

DeeperNET - One

Once sequencers became available and started getting attention with artists like Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream, it quickly became evident that dance music would never be the same. "I Feel...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-10-07)

Gravitsapa - Radio Free Vulgata

This release on Tenzenmen collects together this Ukrainian band’s two Bandcamp EPs from 2013, Radio Free Taxipod (tracks 1 - 4) and Vulgata (5 - 9). Within a few seconds of...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2016-04-09)

Magenta - The Twenty-Seven Club

According to legend, blues legend Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to achieve success. Then at the ripe old age of 27, the devil cashed in the debt. Over the years there...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-01-11)

Sophya Baccini's Aradia - Big Red Dragon (William Blake's Visions)

Sophya Baccini began her musical career in 1990 as the singer in the Italian dark progressive band Presence. She has a long career in prog rock and musical theater. In 2009 Sophya released her...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-04-17)

Il Tempio delle Clessidre - alieNatura

October 2013 saw the release of Il Tempio delle Clessidre’s long awaited second album alieNatura. Over the three years since their debut the band has gone through some changes. They...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-01-21)

Three Monks - The Legend of the Holy Circle

The Legend of the Holy Circle is the second all instrumental release by this Italian trio of Paolo “Julius” Lazzeri (neogothic organ & synths), Maurizio...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-05-04)

Alpine Decline - Disappearance & Night of the Long Knives

When I last checked in with Alpine Decline (reviewing their first two releases), this LA...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-04-23)

Alpine Decline - Disappearance & Night of the Long Knives

When I last checked in with Alpine Decline (reviewing their first two releases), this LA...

» Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-04-23)

Alex's Hand - Albatross around the Neck

In my review of Madame Psychosis, I wondered what Alex's Hand might get up to next, and here we have the answer. Albatross is every bit as varied as the EP, with some of the...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-06-16)

Antonius Rex - Hystero Demonopathy

Antonius Rex has been around since the 70s, the band whose stock in trade is combining solid symphonic progressive rock with occult lyrics and dark imagery. When there are only three members of a...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-08)

Dice - Dice, Four Riders of the Apocalypse & Live Dice

During their short career, which spans the late seventies, Swedish band Dice (never to be confused with the Swiss neo-proggers Deyss) released only one self-titled album, an excellent testament to...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 1996-03-01)

Dada - Dada & Castle Wall

From the ashes of Charisma, the duo of Mutsuhiko Izumi and Kenji Konishi – both on guitars and synthesizers – released two albums during its existence. Their 1978 debut, entitled...

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(Posted by Mike Ohman 1996-03-01)

Osage Tribe - Arrow Head

The Osage Tribe were practically a super group in the annals of Italian history, fitting somewhere between I Gleemen (pre-album) and Duello Madre or Il Volo. Being on Bla Bla records naturally ties...

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(Posted by Mike McLatchey 1995-07-01)

Alain Markusfeld - Le Monde en Etages

Most, or at least some, may be familiar with the French guitarist’s solo albums released on the Egg label in the late 70s – Le Desert Noir, Platock, and...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-12-07)

El Sledge (+) - Doom

As the two piano notes, colorful cascade, and acoustic guitar opening with voice at the beginning of the first cut gives way and builds to a more edgy and anguished rock, one might detect a...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-11)

Jack Ellister - Dawn Dream Club

Jack Ellister is no stranger to Fruits de Mer. He has appeared on several releases over the past 12 months with covers of The Beatles and the Stones, as well as his self-penned “The Man with...

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-27)

Mongol - Doppler 444

How this one was missed by Exposé’s radar when it first came out is still a mystery to me, having only been brought to our attention earlier this year. The six tracks herein...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2001-03-01)

Arabs in Aspic - Pictures in a Dream

Arabs in Aspic — an odd name for an excellent Norwegian prog rock band. Pictures in a Dream is their fifth release. For this outing, the band (Jostein Smeby, guitars, vocals; Stig A....

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(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-08)

Pixel - We Are All Small Pixels

This Norwegian quartet truly has a magical sound unlike anyone else out there right now, and this, their newest release just begs for repeat listens. With a powerful string bass presence, a...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-11)

Akasha - Akasha

This is a reissue of one of Norway's classics, the self-titled debut by Akasha. This is definitely one for symphonic freaks and not for the Mellotron-whiners as this album has more 'Tron...

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(Posted by Mike McLatchey 1995-11-01)

Petrina - Petrina

I had not heard of Debora Petrina until she was suggested to me by an email from Jolanda (She Owl) – both are...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2015-09-27)

Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys - Soft Time Traveler & Trapdoors

Imagine that a good friend invites you to a party in a questionable part of town, hosted by a mysterious psychic who's predicted that the world will end tomorrow. You're not sure the...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-06-18)

Walter Sickert & the Army of Broken Toys - Soft Time Traveler & Trapdoors

Imagine that a good friend invites you to a party in a questionable part of town, hosted by a mysterious psychic who's predicted that the world will end tomorrow. You're not sure the...

» Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-06-18)

John Wetton and the Les Paul Trio - New York Minute

On October 14, 2013, John Wetton appeared at the Iridium club in New York City to perform at a benefit for prostate and testicular cancer research. Because the audience weren’t all familiar...

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(Posted by Paul Hightower 2015-08-08)

Storm - Lost in Time

The Storm, or simply ‘Storm’ as they were billed on their second album, were a Spanish band formed at the end of the 60s by brothers Angel and Diego Ruiz (guitar and drums respectively)...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-26)

Rob Jacobs - Rob Jacobs

Rob Jacobs is the lead singer and guitarist of the band Wei Zhongle, whose Raised High / Brought Low I

» Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2015-07-29)

Yuka and Chronoship - Dino Rocket Oxygen

I'll admit to reservations coming into this one. While the idea of a keyboard-centered band led by a Japanese woman doesn't by itself promise bad results, in my preparations I searched for...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-04-13)

Wei Zhongle - Raised High / Brought Low

In the history of rock, most bands have consisted of guitars, electric bass, and drums. A lot have added keyboards, and smaller numbers have added strings and woodwinds of various kinds. But Wei...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-07-19)

P.K.14 - 1984

After the magnificent City Weather Sailing, I was wondering what this Nanjing band would come up with. They'd produced a series of albums of increasing depth and complexity, so...

» Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-04-09)

Robert Rich - Trances / Drones

McLatchey's Top Tier #21

I'm not sure there's any musician alive who has a discography as long and deep as Robert Rich, and as I continue to make posts there's going to be quite a...

» Read more
(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2015-06-18)

Magnetic Sound Machine - Plays The Snow Goose

Most fans of progressive rock are well aware of Camel’s 1975 release The Snow Goose — it’s safe to say it’s widely beloved and considered a classic. Most of those who love that album... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2015-03-30)

The Green Pajamas - November

By 1987, when the Green Pajamas released their masterful second album, Book of Hours, they already had quite a backlog of material that hadn't been released — songs that tended more toward... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-07)

Pink Octopus - SexBeef and the Pink Octopus

Seattle’s Pink Octopus is primarily the venue for the compositions of Jonathan Louis Huffman, with vocal parts devised by Matthew Swartz (who has a band called SexBeef, hence the album title). At... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2015-04-26)

Chui Wan - Bai Ye (White Night)

Seems like most of the bands coming out of China these days fall into one of two camps: they're either noisy art-punk or post-rock. There are also straight-edge punk bands, metal bands, and others,... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-04-01)

Robert Wyatt - '68

This is one of the most amazing archival releases of "lost" music ever presented, at least for Soft Machine fans. I always thought of the first two Softs albums as the first phase of the band, with... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-25)

Grateful Dead - Sunshine Daydream - Veneta, Oregon 8/27/72

McLatchey's Top Tier #11

I didn't like the Dead that much growing up as a youngster and to this day I'm still not too fond of their 80s and 90s work. But around 2000, I thought I'd...

» Read more
(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2015-03-12)

Not a Good Sign - Not a Good Sign

Not a Good Sign. What an unfortunate name for a band; that has to rank among the all-time worst. But don’t let that influence your decision whether to check this band out, the music herein is... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-27)

Eskaton - 4 Visions

McLatchey's Top Tier #8

So here's one that I couldn't put down when I first heard it in the early 90s. By this point I had checked out both Ardeur and Fiction and...

» Read more
(Posted by Mike McLatchey 2015-02-21)

Eskaton - 4 Visions

[This review was specifically about the 1995 reissue on the Ad Perpetuam Memoriam label. - ed.]

Finally! After a long wait, the long promised CD reissue of Eskaton's cassette-only...

» Read more
(Posted by Mike McLatchey 1996-03-01)

Karl Bartos - Off the Record

Karl Bartos was one quarter of Kraftwerk in their “classic” years of the late 70s/early 80s. He was a major contributor to The Man-Machine and Computer World. During those years... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2015-02-09)

Rik Wright's Fundamental Forces - Blue

With Blue, Rik Wright demonstrates that you can move away from overtly outside styles (as he explored back with » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-07)

Robert Rich - Trances / Drones

This may be my favorite rerelease of the year, especially in the electronic/ambient vein. Trances and Drones were Stanford-based composer Rich's second and third cassette releases in... » Read more
(Posted by Mike McLatchey 1995-03-01)

The Keith Tippett Group - Dedicated to You, but You Weren't Listening

By the time Keith Tippett released Dedicated to You, but You Weren't Listening, his second album, in 1971, he had already garnered a rather formidable reputation as a creative and... » Read more
(Posted by Rob Walker 1995-03-01)

Chaos - Tecnica Mista

Tecnica Mista is an eleven part structured improvisation for seven players that seems to wander the boundaries of the musical map between jazz, subtle psychedelic sounds, eastern and world... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2015-01-22)

Jazz Q - Živí Se Diví: Live in Bratislava 1975

On February 2, 1975, the six-piece Jazz Q arrived from their home base in Prague (now the Czech Republic) to play at the Bratislava Lyra Festival in Slovakia. Of course in those days both cities were... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-10-26)

Ovrfwrd - Beyond the Visible Light

If I were the kind of writer who likes to grab attention by making provocative statements right off the bat, I'd probably start out this review with "Originality is overrated." A lot of fans of... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-10-09)

Mike Keneally & Beer for Dolphins - Sluggo! Deluxe

There is a recent trend in reissuing albums these days, King Crimson, Jethro Tull, etc., where the reissue includes DVDs containing the original mix, lossless mixes, as well as 5.1 surround sound... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-09-18)

House of Never - House of Never

Taking their name from a Miguel de Cervantes quote “By the streets of ‘by and by’, one arrives at the house of ‘never’ ” House of Never is one of several Austin area neo-progressive... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-10-06)

The Luck of Eden Hall - Victoria Moon

The Luck of Eden Hall initially released their seventh release Victoria Moon as a limited edition CD as a premium for their Kickstarter campaign in June 2013 to help fund their trip to the UK... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-08-31)

Gentleman Surfer - BLALKS

This Sacramento band is a perfect example of something coming out of the blue to blow you away. I don't even remember how I came across their page on Bandcamp, but I am so glad I did.... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-08-09)

The Claudia Quintet - September

John Hollenbeck and Company's latest collection of jazz-inflected chamber music is another winner from start to finish. For composer Hollenbeck, the month of September often features residencies or... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-08-01)

Amy Denio - Prodigal Light

Listening to Prodigal Light is like opening up a box and finding a whole miniature city inside, with buildings, parks, people, animals, and so on, all existing with no apparent awareness that... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-07-08)

Lemur - Silentia Nova

A lemur is a primate from Madagascar and the name derives from Roman mythology meaning ghosts or spirits. I’m not sure how that relates to this young German band, but they do compose and play heavy... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-07-11)

Regal Worm - Use & Ornament

Regal Worm is the brainchild of Jarrod Gosling from the UK with a long and varied musical career starting with hard rock/metal as a teen, to indie and dance music at college, and moving on to weird...

» Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-06-29)

The White Kites - Love Songs

Before releasing their debut album, Missing, the White Kites released a short EP with two songs from the same recording sessions. Both are excellent Brit psych pop tunes. “Love Doctor”...

» Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-07-05)

The White Kites - Missing

I was pleasantly surprised by this new Polish band. I thought that I would be hearing music like some of the other contemporary Polish bands like Riverside, Turquoise, or Lebowski. Instead I heard a... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-06-29)

Arena - Rapture

This Metal Mind DVD (yes, it was recorded at the same theater in Katowice, Poland, where they all are) gives British neo-proggers Arena a chance to reconnect with their fans after a six-year hiatus.... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-06-27)

Miriodor - Cobra Fakir

When I first learned that Miriodor was a trio on their new release, I was a little apprehensive, since I really loved the varied sound they had with violin and woodwinds. But then I remembered that... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-01-28)

Maelstrom - Maelstrom (AKA On the Gulf)

A 1973 release originally titled On the Gulf, this album from American sextet Maelstrom is representative of what myriad groups were attempting in the early 70s following the explosion of... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-06-15)

Alejandro Villalón Renaud - Simbiosis

This Mexican artist is clearly inspired by 70s Tangerine Dream — I definitely hear some Rubycon and Stratosfear in here, but more as inspiration than emulation. There are modern... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-06-19)

Yuka and Chronoship - Dino Rocket Oxygen

Two years after their debut release, Yuka and Chronoship are back with Dino Rocket Oxygen. There is a marked improvement in composition and musicianship. The music is more sophisticated,...

» Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-06-20)

Osada Vida - Particles

Polish prog rockers Osada Vida have been going for about 15 years now, and in that time they’ve steadily cultivated an audience based on a steady release and gigging schedule that showcases their... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-06-08)

The Inner Road - Ascension

Ascension comes fairly soon on the heels of 2011’s Visions for this British two-man band. Since then there’s been a change at the guitar position with Phil Braithwaite being... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-06-11)

Ovrfwrd - Beyond the Visible Light

Ovrfwrd is another new US band playing intelligent and complex instrumental progressive rock. Hailing from Minneapolis,MN, the four seasoned musicians are Rikki Davenport (drums), Mark Ilaug (guitar),... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-06-09)

Gretchen Lohse - Primal Rumble

After challenging my ears with the likes of Raoul Björkenheim or Zevious, sometimes I just need to take a break with something a bit more on the calm side. Sometimes it will be electronic music on... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-06-04)

Star Period Star - Can't See the Forest

Can't See the Forest starts out with "Survivorman," which has a great beginning, a rocking riff with nice interaction between guitar, bass, and keys (mostly organ). Then about a minute and a... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-06-02)

Picchio dal Pozzo - Live

Picchio dal Pozzo has a long musical career dating back to the early 70s. Their first album, released in 1976, was an Italian spin on the Canterbury sound (Soft Machine, Gong, Henry Cow, and...

» Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-06-01)

Dan Pound - Spherical

Dan Pound is an electronic musician who has released 15 albums over the past several years. Each album has a different theme. I usually do not think of music as having a shape, but in the case of this... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-05-29)

The Sours - The Sours

One may immediately be reminded of the late 1960s and early 1970s post-psychedelic emergence of the singer-songwriter ‘less-is-more’ musical ethic, where great lyrics, simple accompaniment and a... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-05-29)

Circa - Circa: 2007

The continuing saga of Billy Sherwood finds him following up his efforts on Yes albums like Open Your Eyes and his collaboration with Chris Squire (Conspiracy) with an album of songs... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2009-07-01)

Crystal Jacqueline - Sun Arise

Ever since I discovered Crystal Jacqueline from her two Fruits de Mer releases, I have been fascinated and trying to fully grasp what she is doing musically. With the release of her debut album I have... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-05-26)

Ampledeed - A Is for Ampledeed

Ampledeed is a young band from California State University Northridge consisting of Max Taylor (percussion and keyboards), Aaron Goldich (keyboards), and Luis Flores (guitar). It is difficult to... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-05-24)

Paynbird - Eschatosophia

Eschatosophia is Paynbird’s second offering following 2005’s The Street of Seven Stars. The trio from Bergen, Norway, has created an ambitious album that encompasses an eclectic... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-05-23)

Il Segno del Comando - Il Volto Verde

Il Segno del Comando first came together in Genoa, Italy 1995 and released their self-titled debut LP in 1996. Six years later they released their second album and then went inactive in 2010. Through... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-05-21)

Necromonkey - Necroplex & A Glimpse of Possible Endings

Necromonkey offers up some interesting and often challenging sounds, from the duo of David Lundberg and Mattias Olsson, the former a keyboard player for Gösta Berlings Saga, the latter the original... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-05-13)

Crystal Jacqueline - A Fairy Tale

One of the recent Fruits de Mer releases is a 7 inch from someone new to the label, Crystal Jacqueline from the Welsh band Honey Pot. This colored vinyl gem features three cover tunes from the golden... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-25)

Clive Nolan - Alchemy & Alchemy Live

Clive Nolan, the Andrew Lloyd-Webber of prog, is back with another theatrical extravaganza. Those familiar with 2008’s She will be right at home with this production, although there are... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-05-12)

Clive Nolan - Alchemy & Alchemy Live

1974 - 1974 & The Death of the Herald

When a bad chooses to name itself after a year, you have to figure there is some significance to that year in relation to their music. So when you listen to 1974 (the band), you might expect the music... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-04-30)

Gleemen - Oltre... Lontano, Lontano

The history of the Gleemen goes all the way back to 1965 when guitarist Bambi Fossati got together with Maurizio Cassinelli (drums), Angelo Traverso (bass), and Marco Zoccheddu (guitarist who went on... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-04-29)

Blue Dawn - Cycle of Pain

Cycle of Pain is the second release by this Italian band who cannot seem to make up their mind regarding their musical style. This disc is a mixture of doom metal, 70s hard rock, symphonic...

» Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-04-27)

Altare Thotemico - Sogno Errando

When most of us think of Italian progressive rock, the first things that come to mind are likely bands like PFM, Banco, and Le Orme — all roughly part of what is generally called symphonic rock. But... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-04-25)

Alpine Decline - Alpine Decline & Visualizations

There are a lot of bands in the world, millions probably, and each one is unique in some way or other. But Alpine Decline is more unique than most. I know "more unique" is not semantically correct...

» Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-04)

Alpine Decline - Alpine Decline & Visualizations

There are a lot of bands in the world, millions probably, and each one is unique in some way or other. But Alpine Decline is more unique than most. I know "more unique" is not semantically correct...

» Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-04)

Ovrfwrd - Beyond the Visible Light

For a debut effort Ovrfwrd are off to a good start. This young quartet from Minneapolis specializes in energetic progressive rock instrumentals with the emphasis on tight interplay and heavy duty... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-04-19)

October Equus Quartet - Isla Purgatorio

So if you are familiar with their earlier releases, you may be asking what’s the difference between October Equus and October Equus Quartet? The answer is really no difference. With the exception of... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-04-16)

Akku Quintet - Stages of Sleep

One would think that an album titled Stages of Sleep would almost have to be some kind of floating ambient music. Not the case here. Akku Quintet is a Swiss based jazz ensemble led by Sonar... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-04-07)

Steve Hackett - Genesis Revisited: Live at Hammersmith

Few here will disagree that Genesis’ finest material is from 1970-77, and after that the band pretty much turned their back on those years, eventually condensing seven years into the “Old... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-04-08)

Ultimate Spinach - Live at the Unicorn, July 1967

Ultimate Spinach was a Boston based band from the late-60s psychedelic era (five or six-piece, depending on which incarnation) that lasted from around 1967 through 1970 and possibly beyond, producing... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-03-30)

The Residents - Mush-Room

This productive unit of avant-gardists has been plying their trade for over 40 years now, and still, nobody outside their inner circle knows their true identity or how even many members there are.... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-04-01)

Láquesis - Láquesis

It certainly seems like the Three Fates from Greek mythology have a particular attraction to progressive rock musicians. ELP did a suite devoted to them, and here we have an Argentine band named after... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-26)

RanestRane - A Space Odyssey, Part One - Monolith

Here we have the first installment of RanestRane's "alternative soundtrack" to Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, covering the first two sections of the film ("The Dawn of Man" and "TMA-1"). I... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-19)

Midday Veil - The Current

I always find it interesting to discover a band that arrives at a kind of progressive or experimental music from outside the community of what normally gets covered on this site. Midday Veil is a case... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-12)

Regal Worm - Use and Ornament

If you've been longing for an extended piece of music that brings to mind both Genesis ("Supper's Ready") and Hatfield and the North ("Mumps"), you're in luck with Regal Worm's "6:17PM: The Aunt Turns... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-10)

The Fierce and the Dead - Spooky Action

"Majestic." Now there's an adjective you don't see applied much to music in the last few decades, especially not any music that derives in anyway from an aesthetic of noise or punk. But it is a word... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-09)

Nheap - Flying and the Silence

Late night or early morning chill-out music, that's what Nheap feels like to me. It's similar to the atmospheric instrumental music heard out of the ex-Japan camp (Barbieri, Jansen, Karn, Sylvian),... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-06)

miRthkon - Snack(s)

miRthkon, they of the irregular capitalization, are back with another dose of insanity involving guitars and saxes. Right out of the box, "QXP-13 Space Modulator" (aside from being a great title)... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-03-05)

Heyoka - The Spirit of Revelation

Not so long ago in a land called Texas there was a progressive rock band with a strong local following that for whatever reason remained unsigned during all their years together, which was most of the... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-02-26)

Sweet Madness - Made in Spokane 1978-1981

At the end of the 70s, as the importance, popularity, and artistic viability of ambitious progressive rock waned and stripped-down punk and electronic styles started capturing interest and commercial... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-02-25)

Fatal Fusion - The Ancient Tale

There are so many different ways that music can succeed or fail that it's pointless to try to catalog them. Melody, rhythm, harmony, performance, lyrics, originality, emotional or intellectual... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-02-25)

AeTopus - Angels and Machines

AeTopus is the ongoing project of Washington-based composer and musician Bryan Tewell Hughes. He’s got several other releases under his belt, mostly centered around himself on synths and keyboards,... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-02-19)

The New Alchemy - On the Other Side of Light

On the Other Side of Light is the limited edition LP (also available in CD form) by Swedish band The New Alchemy (Per Svensson and Ebbot Lundberg). Both Per and Ebbot started their careers as... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-19)

Persona Grata - Reaching Places High Above

New progressive bands keep popping up from some of the most unlikeliest of places. Case in point is the new band Persona Grata from Bratislava, Slovakia. The band is a sextet of guitars, keys, bass,... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-18)

Il Rumore Bianco - Mediocrazia

In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, Thomas Pessina (keys, synths, and backing vocals), Michele Zanotti (electric and acoustic guitars and sax), and Alessandro Danzi (bass) decided in the summer...

» Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-16)

Bone Cave Ballet - Will of the Waves

What a unique name! I’m not at all sure what it means, but it does sound cool. Bone Cave Ballet is a Seattle-based band that is entering their sixth year as a band and Will of the Waves, a... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-14)

Yeti Rain - Stars Fall Darkly

Darkly, indeed. The improvisations presented by this trio (bass, drums, and winds) tend toward the atmospheric side, even when things get noisy and chaotic. There are long sections of relatively... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-02-14)

The Knells - The Knells

The Knells is Brooklyn-based Andrew McKenna Lee’s musical project combining elements of Renaissance madrigal singing, 20th Century classical music, jazz, and progressive rock. The Knells ensemble... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-13)

São Paolo Underground - Beija Flors Velho e Sujo

Considering this is São Paulo Underground’s fourth release, I can only assume the musical chemistry is still working for this trio. As on past albums, Chicago-based horn player Rob Mazurek and... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-02-06)

Believe - Hope to See Another Day

When it appeared in 2006 many were hoping that Believe would be veteran Polish guitarist Mirek Gil’s return to the sort of progressive rock he had championed as part of Collage. His work with Mr.... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-02-06)

Distillerie di Malto - Suono!

It’s been at least a dozen years since the release of his band’s privately produced debut Il Manuale Dei Piccoli Discorsi, and it’s probably been close to that many years since I’ve... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-02-04)

Fungus - The Face of Evil

The Face of Evil is the debut album on Blood Rock Records by this Italian goth/prog/psych band consisting of Alejandro J. Blissett (guitars), Carlo Barreca (bass), Dorian Deminstrel (vocals... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-02)

Desert Wizards - Raven

In 2007 four friends strongly influenced by 70s hard rock and psychedelic music put together Desert Wizards. They self-released an EP in 2008 and then a full-length album in 2010. Based on this... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2014-02-01)

Steve Jansen - Slope (Remaster)

Steve Jansen’s (Japan, Rain Tree Crow) inaugural solo release has been given the Burning Shed deluxe reissue treatment. This package consists of the original Slope album (plus remixed bonus... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-01-31)

Chameleon - Rising

History is replete with young American bands that came of age in the early 70s, profoundly influenced by the then-current crop of British progressive acts. Some of these bands broke nationally (Kansas... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-29)

Key of the Moment — The Switch

Okay, so Key of the Moment isn’t the first FFPM (Female-Fronted Prog Metal) band in the world, but it’s a small enough category that they deserve some notice just for fitting there. The... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-01-28)

Art Rock Circus - Variations on a Dream

The ever-shifting and meandering constructs that alternate between keyboards and guitars, incorporating flute and mallet percussion patches, supported by a solid rhythm section on the first two cuts... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-28)

RPWL - A Show beyond Man and Time

I hadn’t heard much from German proggers RPWL lately, so was eager to get reacquainted via this live DVD. The concert at the Wyspianski Theater in Katowice, Poland, was the last of the tour to... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-01-26)

Levin Minnemann Rudess - Levin Minnemann Rudess

You throw Tony Levin and Jordan Rudess together in a studio, and people are going start thinking it's a Liquid Tension/Trio Experiment session and Mike Portnoy hasn't showed up yet. Then in walks... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-01-22)

Tim Bowness / Peter Chilvers - California, Norfolk

California, Norfolk was a Tim Bowness (No Man, Henry Fool) and Peter Chilvers (Samuel Smiles, Brian Eno) collaboration originally released in 2002. It was Burning Shed’s (which Bowness and... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2014-01-22)

Burnin Red Ivanhoe - BRI

One of the most, if not the most important Danish rock band of the late 60s and early 70s, Burnin Red Ivanhoe released three acclaimed albums between 1969 and 1971, split up in 1972, and then... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-11)

Burnin Red Ivanhoe - Canal Trip - An Anthology 1969-1974

During their initial period from 1969-72, which this compilation covers, Burnin Red Ivanhoe was probably the most important Danish rock band; their sound was a proto-progressive style that blended... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-17)

Solstice - Prophecy

Solstice is one of those bands that has their own sound, songs that are immediately recognizable regardless of what album they came from over a thirty year period. And nobody can accuse them of... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-13)

Osservatorio delle Terre Emerse (OTEME) - Il Giardino Disincantato

This nine-piece ensemble led by composer and multi-instrumentalist Stefano Giannotti brings an abundance of ideas and influences to the table. One can hear a strong presence of folk, chamber and... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-14)

Steve Howe - Homebrew 5

With Homebrew 5, Yes and ex-Asia guitarist Steve Howe continues with another collection of his recent demos and partially completed pieces. On first pass, it’s clear that Howe makes steady... » Read more
(Posted by Jeff Melton 2014-01-10)

Tugs - Europa Minor

How many times have we heard about Italian bands who were active in the 1970s, but failed to get any recordings out before the musical styles changed and progressive rock was no longer fashionable;... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-09)

Tom Dyer - I Ain't Blue Anymore

On I Ain't Blue Anymore, Tom Dyer functions as a one-man Captain Beefheart plus Magic Band. His herky-jerky take on rootsy Americana encompasses folk, blues, and rock into a bubbling pot of... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-01-07)

The Colorplates - Agony and Ecstasy

I moved to Seattle in 1985, missing The Colorplates by a few years, but if I'd been here earlier, I probably would have been a dedicated follower. The time period of 1979-82, when this band was... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-11-05)

Tatvamasi - Parts of the Entirety

If some genius sat down and analyzed my listening tastes, they could conceivably derive a formula to predict what I would like. A musician could then use that formula to compose music specifically to... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2014-01-07)

Spaltklang - In Between

Led by Swiss saxophonist and composer Markus Stauss, Spaltklang has been in action for a dozen years or more, with a four-piece configuration over most of the duration, and four previous albums (on... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2014-01-06)

Grey Mouse - Trip

OK, so one of the tracks was on the Trail label sampler Psychedelic World Music: Discovery, and the title is Trip — psychedelic space rock, right? Good guess, and with some minor... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-31)

Wailing of the Winds - II

Drones in a swirling fogscape, ambient female voices, acoustic guitars, cello, percussion, harmonium, and other mysterious sounds blend together in this dark, dreamy, medieval folk album by Italy’s... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-31)

Empty Days - Empty Days

Guitarist and composer Francesco Zago is one busy guy. When he’s not working hard on new recordings for his main band Yugen, he’s busy turning out side projects for the AltrOck label at the rate... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-30)

Birds and Buildings - Multipurpose Trap

Like Dan Britton’s other projects (Cerebus Effect, Deluge Grander, All Over Everywhere), Birds and Buildings is a bitch to classify, which might be the main reason it’s so awesome. Musically,... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2013-12-29)

Persona Grata - Reaching Places High Above

I suppose for many listeners, the further from relatable influences music gets, the harder it is to describe. I'm beginning to think the opposite is true for me. Persona Grata in some ways is much... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-23)

Birds and Buildings - Multipurpose Trap

At some point in listening to Multipurpose Trap, the music stops being a mixture of a wide variety of different threads of progressive rock and becomes a thread of its own. I suppose if you... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-23)

The Standells - Bump

Anyone who was alive in 1966 will certainly remember The Standells and their timeless garage-rock hit “Dirty Water.” Even those who weren’t there will have probably heard it on the radio over... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-23)

Vibravoid - Colour Your Mind

FdM's latest Vibravoid single contains covers of three obscure psychedelic songs from the past. The first is "Colour My Mind" by the Australian band Tyrnaround recorded in 1986. The second is "La... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-12-22)

Jack Mazzenga's Space-Time Trio - Had to Say

As a young and undoubtedly snobbish listener, I remember the time in the late 70s when I first heard Dixie Dregs. It was obviously related to progressive rock, and the musicians were superbly... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-19)

October Equus - Permafrost

In 1845 Captain Sir John Franklin led an ill-fated expedition to find the Northwest Passage. After a few early fatalities, the two ships became icebound in the Victoria Strait near King William Island... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-12-19)

The Knells - The Knells

The Knells is the recording and performing project of guitarist and composer Andrew McKenna Lee. The ten compositions here represent a formidable body of work, highly original in many respects, and... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-18)

Birds and Buildings - Multipurpose Trap

There is a lot of complex progressive rock out there, but with most, after a number of listens, the knots and twists and convolutions tend to straighten out as a basic familiarity with the... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-17)

Grateful Dead - Rare Cuts & Oddities 1966

This collection of rare live and studio material that pre-dates the Grateful Dead’s first eponymous album by a year or more was briefly available when it was first released in 2005 on the Dead’s... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-13)

Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused to Sing (and Other Stories)

Prog wunderkind Steven Wilson seems to have finally found his happy place. After years of guiding Porcupine Tree into what became a stifling democratic institution, and then producing two albums as a... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2013-12-14)

Ligeia Mare - Songs We Never Thought Of

First of all, I must say that Songs We Never Though Of is a great title for a collection of improvised music. This collective features an unusual combination of instruments: accordion and... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-12)

Salim Ghazi Saeedi - namoWoman

While the electric guitar is Salim Ghazi Saeedi's primary instrument, namoWoman doesn't sound like a guitarist's album so much as chamber music with electric guitar and (sometimes) drums.... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-11)

FM - Surveillance

Esoteric’s releases of FM’s early albums have been cause for much rejoicing in progdom, since some of the Canadian band’s work hadn’t been available in ages and others never at all. Their... » Read more
(Posted by Paul Hightower 2013-12-09)

Luiz Pérez - En el Ombligo de la Luna

I would imagine that when this album was first released back in 1981, people referred to it as "timeless." It starts out with a wooden flute and a wide array of shakers and other percussion, and in... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-10)

She Owl - She Owl

There's something to be said for the simplicity of a songwriter just sitting at a piano and singing his or her songs. When it works, the directness and intimacy can be very affecting. Of course, if it... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-10)

FM - Surveillance

For their third album, with violinist Ben Mink now fully integrated into the band, the Canadian trio left the sidelong instrumental suites explored on their second Direct to Disc, and went... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-04-01)

Taylor's Universe - Evidence

This latest offering by Robin Taylor’s band is a bit different than the previous two releases, perhaps more introspective and contemplative. The brooding and pensive fifteen minute opener... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-07)

The Knells - The Knells

Some music seems to exist in a world of its own, a place where it came into being spontaneously because it had to exist. The Knells sounds like that to me, music that is somehow not quite... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-06)

Chrome Hoof - Chrome Black Gold

This will rank as one of the most eclectic releases of the year… heck, maybe even the decade, and a definite bizarre twist from what one would normally expect from Cuneiform. Not being well versed... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-12-05)

Beyond-O-Matic - Relations at the Borders Between

The last time I heard Beyond-O-Matic was with Sonic Reclaimator back in 1998. One thing that's changed in the intervening years is that the music is no longer completely improvised. While... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-12-04)

Dylan Ryan / Sand - Sky Bleached

Does the metaphor "broken record" even make sense anymore? Is there a whole generation that has no feeling for what it means? I bring it up because my thoughts about Dylan Ryan and his band Sand may... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-25)

Legendary Pink Dots - The Gethsemane Option

To mark their 33rd year as a band and kick off their American tour, the Dots released their first album on Metropolis Records. It is very impressive when a band, despite personnel changes over the... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-11-24)

Mike Keneally - You Must Be This Tall

In 1987 a 25-year-old guitarist, Mike Keneally, was given the unique opportunity of joining Frank Zappa’s last touring band. Anyone familiar with Zappa knows that he treated music and performance... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-11-22)

La Coscienza di Zeno - Sensitività

La Coscienza di Zeno (CDZ) is a relatively new six-piece band that calls Genoa home, featuring veterans from a number of slightly older Italian progressive bands (Trama, Narrow Pass, Il Tempio delle... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-14)

The Worm Ouroboros - Of Things That Never Were

While one might be mystified by the opener “L’Impasse Sainte Beregonne,” a sort of crepuscular instrumental prog dirge highlighted by electric guitar, flute, and bassoon, things take a more... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-20)

The Cosmic Dead - The Exalted King

This Scottish four-piece of guitar, bass, synths, drums and ‘chants’ –and oscillations, has been kicking around the last couple years releasing albums in micro-quantities, mostly cassettes and... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-16)

Ampledeed - A Is for Ampledeed

Given the general difficulty of writing about music, it's pretty common to resort to metaphors; the first one that comes to mind regarding Ampledeed is "all over the map." I'm not sure if it would be... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-11-15)

Five-Storey Ensemble - Not That City

After about a dozen years, with a handful of excellent releases to their credit, Belarus based Rational Diet has split up, or rather split into two bands, with most members from their last album... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-13)

Bone Cave Ballet - Will of the Waves

Bone Cave Ballet's second release is a five-song EP containing a bit more than 25 minutes of music. Normally I don't like to lead off a review with a negative, but there's so much to like about... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-11-12)

Dušan Jevtovic - Am I Walking Wrong?

The first thirty seconds or so of opening track “You Can’t Sing, You Can’t Dance” presents a genuinely melodic piece of contemplative solo guitar noodling, but it’s merely a ruse, as the... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-12)

Grateful Dead - Family Dog at the Great Highway, April 18th 1970

This reel tape turned up in Mountain Girl’s stash of Garcia’s old recordings, a show that was never even known by the Grateful Dead archivists, let alone that it had been recorded. There is a good... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-10)

Blackmore's Night - Dancer and the Moon

Before hearing Dancer and the Moon, I was familiar with Blackmore's Night only by reputation, primarily from the reviews my fellow Exposé staff members have written about their... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-11-10)

Help - Help

In the early weeks of 1971 the eponymous debut by California trio Help began showing up in record racks, a sparkling gem of west coast rock. A mix of period styles and outstanding songwriting filled... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-07)

Jim Fox - Black Water

No, this isn’t Jim Fox’s remake of the famous Doobie Brothers hit. "Black Water" is a single 18 minute piece for three pianos composed (and initially performed at the New Music America festival)... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-06)

Devo - Hardcore

Long before there were five nerds with red plastic flowerpots on their heads playing goofy songs on what sounded like Atari game machines or Commodore 64’s, there was a real band of innovators... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-01)

Audio Cologne Project - 2911

Köln Germany is known for many things: its music scene, the Roman influence, the Dom Cathedral, and its famous » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-11-05)

Dewa Budjana - Joged Kahyangan

Budjana’s second release for Moonjune finds him in a more contemporary jazz setting, not at all unlike his first Dawai in Paradise, except this time much of that album's traditional... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-11-03)

PropheXy - Improvviso

It's worth noting that the Italian word improvviso means unexpected, not improvised (provided I can trust » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-28)

Marco De Angelis - The River - Both Sides of the Story

While De Angelis’ name may be new to most, his lifetime of experience as a studio owner (Soundtrack Studio Roma), sound engineer, record production (covering all styles of music), theater works and... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-26)

Stephen Whittington - Music for Airport Furniture

Consider the airport, the fact that it’s essentially a lonely place animated by your inward thoughts and seeming props called people who move around from gate to gate; you don’t know them, and... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-26)

Blim - Zero / No Frills

Way back in the heady days of the early ‘90s British space-rock jam band scene there was Blim, regrettably and unfairly overshadowed by bands with bigger names who got an earlier head-start, but... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-27)

The Kandinsky Effect - Synesthesia

A jazz-and-beyond trio of saxes, bass and drums, The Kandinsky Effect manages to maximize and enhance their sound using a variety of methods, including studio ambience, electronics and effects. It... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-24)

Submarine Silence - There's Something Very Strange in Her Little Room

When Moongarden side-project Submarine Silence first hit the scene a dozen years ago with their instrumental self-titled debut, their sonic fabric was woven around an attempt to emulate numerous... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-23)

Sendelica - The Kaleidoscopic Kat and It's Autoscopic Ego

Those of you familiar with Fruits de Mer will recognize Sendelica, as they have appeared on numerous FdM vinyl releases over the past two to three years. On FdM this Welsh band has released both vocal... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-10-23)

Helge Sunde & Ensemble Denada - Windfall

Rarely do I come across a recording that I enjoy so much, yet find so hard to describe and categorize. “The Speedcouch” opens this set of seven tracks by Norwegian trombonist and composer Helge... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-17)

Badwater Fire Company - Badwater Fire Company

After years — decades, really — of "prog" being a dirty word in the main stream of music (and music criticism), it's possible the stigma is starting to wear off. By the end of the 70s, the general... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-16)

Forrest Fang - The Wolf at the Ruins / Migration

The miniscule amount of Forrest Fang's music I heard before this reissue arrived was mostly electronic ambient stuff, which is nice enough but not something I'm going to seek out very often. I was...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-15)

Karmamoi - Odd Trip

There are so many bands coming out of Italy these days, it's hard to keep up. Karmamoi's Odd Trip is their second release, and on it they show themselves to be very much their own band, not... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-15)

Active Heed - Visions from Realities

It's been a while since an album struck me so divergently as Active Heed's full-length debut. The opening track, "Flying Like a Fly," while sonically pleasant to listen to, has lyrics that at first... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-10)

Copernicus - L’Étérnité Immédiate

Copernicus hit the scene in the mid-1980s, a rambling beat poet with a message that nothing exists, not the earth or anything on it; his reality is viewed through subatomic terms. If nothing can stay... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-10-06)

The Twenty Committee - A Lifeblood Psalm

The Twenty Committee is a new entry into the stream of modern progressive rock that includes such artists as IZZ, Pineapple Thief, and the like. The music, while not technically complex, is varied... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-10-01)

Jasun Martz - Raspad

This compilation was released prior to Martz’ performances in St. Petersburg, Russia in March 2013. While Martz has toured with Frank Zappa, played keys, synthesizer and harmonica on several of... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-29)

Me and My Kites with Tony Durant of Fuchsia - Me and My Kites with Tony Durant of Fuchsia

In order to put things into a bit of context I have to step back to 1970 and the British acid-folk band Fuchsia led by Tony Durant, named after Fuchsia Groan from Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-27)

White Sails - White Sails

Here is a new direction for Fruits de Mer. Up until now their vinyl releases have been focused on psych, prog, and Krautrock. With this new 7-inch they are moving into acoustic instrumentals. And to... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-27)

Ded Ringer - Wanted Ded & Alive

The three outlaws from San Jose just rode back into town, the fresh smell of gunpowder following them, and the law is probably not far behind. Back to a trio again, guitarist and singer Bob Maddoux... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-27)

Stay - Mersey Dream

Stay is a psych pop band from Barcelona, Spain formed in 2005. They have been regular contributors to the Fruits de Mer catalog for a number of years. This August, Stay returns to FdM with a brand new... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-27)

Golden Blonde - Gwen

I had no idea what to expect when Gwen crossed my desk (so to speak). I knew nothing about Golden Blonde aside from their Australian location. The first time I listened to this music, it made... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-09-26)

Curtis Hasselbring - Number Stations

If you're looking for blurry-lines jazz, where the boundaries between composition and improvisation are only approximate and the concept of "swing" is interpreted very loosely, Cuneiform has another... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-09-25)

Maelstrom - Maelstrom

Black Widow has unearthed an extremely rare and overlooked gem from the early 70s. Maelstrom was formed and led by the late Roberts Owen (guitars, piano, Mellotron, and sax), James Larner (flute,... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-23)

Ingranaggi della Valle - In Hoc Signo

Ingranaggi della Valle (IDV) (formed in December 2010) is another of the many new, young Italian bands exploring and extending the classical Italian progressive movement of the 70s. In Hoc... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-21)

KBB - Age of Pain

It’s been a while since we’ve heard something new by this Japanese instrumental quartet featuring the whiplash violin of Akihisa Tsuboy and the keyboard prowess of Toshimitsu Takahashi. There is... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-20)

King County Queens - Ladies and Gentlemen, Your King County Queens

There's something to be said for solid melodic rock without too much pretense. "Power pop" or whatever you want to call it — the stuff Matthew Sweet, Teenage Fanclub, and the like produce. Touches... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-09-19)

Jon Wirtz - Tourist

Wirtz is a Denver based keyboardist and composer who has performed mainly as a sideman for the last decade or so. Tourist is his second album, a follow-up to his 2010 debut Sea... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-19)

Brian Kenney Fresno - We'll Always Have Fresno

We’ll always have what? Those in the know, and almost anyone who’s ever lived in California will know that Fresno is one of the state’s largest cities, located about 200 miles south of... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-18)

Il Cerchio d'Oro - Dedalo e Icaro

As most of us know from Greek mythology, Icarus made wings of red wax and flew too near the sun. The wax melted and he plummeted to his death. There are many meanings to this tragic story such as do... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-18)

Thierry Zaboitzeff - Sequences: Winds of Sand, Women of Rock

Most will recognize Zaboitzeff from his long tenure as bassist / cellist / composer in Art Zoyd. Since the late 90s he has had a very productive solo career, with over a dozen releases to his credit... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-17)

Various Artists - Possibilities of Circumstance

Always good for a mood change when things get too stressful, ambient and electronic music generally has the capacity to just alter your consciousness instantly like turning a switch. With this... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-14)

Heatwarmer - Dessert Menu EP

Heatwarmer fits in with a new generation of musicians pushing the boundaries of pop/rock. I don't know where their actual inspirations lies, but the resulting sound is akin to XTC, Cheer-Accident, and... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-09-16)

Stratosphere with Dirk Serries - In a Place of Mutual Understanding

Stratosphere is Ronald Mariën, who is Dirk Serries' sound technician, but who has several previous solo releases dating from the 1990s. Dirk Serries himself should need no introduction, although he... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-10)

Copernicus - Deeper & Worthless!

Listening to Copernicus is anything but easy. Widely varying music, everything from clattering free improvisation to sloppy renditions of "The Star-Spangled Banner," backs the crazed ranting of the... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-09-10)

Daemonia - Dawn of the Dead / Zombi

Daemonia is a relatively new project by Claudio Simonetti, keyboardist for the legendary Italian prog rock band Goblin. He has teamed with a group of young Roman musicians from the metal scene to... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-09-09)

Causa Sui - Euporie Tide

As far as vintage sounding psychedelic rock goes, this Danish band is at the top of the heap. Both their eponymous debut and its follow-up Free Ride back in the last decade were immensely... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-09)

SimakDialog - The 6th Story

This is chapter six in the SimakDialog story, a superb follow-up to 2009’s Demi Masa, but in fact the more gentle jazz touches driving their sound here harken back to earlier albums like... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-09-04)

L'Albero del Veleno - Le Radici del Male

Since this band claims horror and thriller soundtracks as part of their inspiration, I prepared for this writing by pulling out a few Goblin albums to refresh my memory. It's always nice to have an... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-08-28)

I Know You Well Miss Clara - Chapter One

Moonjune pulls another great band out of their Indonesian hat. This four piece with the unusual name hails from Jogjakarta in central Java, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Java, and a hub of... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-28)

Steve Roach - Live Transmission: From the Drone Zone at SOMA FM

The element of magic that keeps it interesting and intrigues – in this case the listener, is its mystery. Once all the secrets are revealed and the creative processes are laid bare, that mystery is... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-26)

Kaze - Tornado

The melodically unusual, though soft introduction on the opening track “Wao” by two trumpets is punctuated by short doses of blistering squeals and flatulent blasts, but hardly prepares the... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-25)

MonkeyBat - Springtime Love

The guitar trio (often called a "power trio") is probably the most common configuration in rock bands all around the world, but MonkeyBat has a twist on the standard: the exclusive use of acoustic...

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(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-08-23)

The Of - Oh It's the Of

What to make of this one? A band with the awkward name The Of, a CD cover with a cartoonish illustration that harkens to cheesy monster movies, and a band photo featuring aluminum colanders on... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-08-23)

Satoko Fujii - Gen Himmell

Japanese Pianist Satoko Fujii, now resident in Germany, is more typically cast as a player in duos, trios, quartets, and other configurations; an innovator and creative force the jazz / free jazz... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-23)

Allan Holdsworth - Flat Tire - Music for a Non-Existent Movie

It's safe to say that Allan Holdsworth's credentials are in order. In circles where guitarists are discussed for contributions to the state of the art, his name is sure to come up. And it's a pretty... » Read more
(Posted by Jon Davis 2013-08-22)

It's a Beautiful Day - Live at the Fillmore '68

The two disc package at hand contains two very different things: a CD of the live band in 1968, almost ten months before the release of their self-titled debut album, and a documentary DVD The...

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(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-21)

Jean-Paul Prat - Light

Most readers will know Jean-Paul Prat from his 1982 monster epic Masal, an instrumental piece for large ensemble that occupied both sides of the LP. And then there was silence for many years.... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-20)

Rhùn - Fanfare du Chaos

This is the full length debut by French six-piece plus guests Rhùn, which appears to be a self-titled three song demo from 2008 (tracks 4-6) combined with an EP called » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-20)

Natsuki Tamura - Dragon Nat

There’s only so much you can do with unaccompanied solo trumpet: melodies without any supporting musicians, sputtering sounds, squeaks, noisy blasts, and avant-garde sonic experimentation. Tamura... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-19)

Paul Speer - Ax Inferno

Paul Speer is a guitarist and producer originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, probably best known for the two hit instrumental albums he produced with keyboardist David Lanz in the mid-1980s,... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-08-14)

Marc Spooner - A Rite of Spring

Stravinsky was a major influence on twentieth century classical, experimental, and rock music. He was a pioneer in using dissonance, unusual tonalities, and odd time signatures in the early 1900s.... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-08-09)

Brainbox - Mythology

For most, and certainly for myself up until I was enlightened by this three-disc set, Brainbox was just some band that Jan Akkerman and Pierre Van Der Linden were in before the formation of Focus, and... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-30)

Travis Larson Band - Shift

Having followed this trio from their very beginnings around fifteen years ago (and it’s the same three players, no personnel changes), they continue to evolve and improve, growing more cohesive with... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-25)

Homunculus Res - Limiti all'Eguagliazna della Parte con il Tutto

Any disc with a cover this strange will get my attention immediately. And in this case the attention is well deserved, as this is one of the finest and most captivating releases of the Italian scene... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-24)

Kevin Kastning / Carl Clements - Nowhere, Now Here

Here we have something different. Not rock, not jazz, not really anything that can easily be categorized, perhaps something that might find a home somewhere between the ECM or Cold Blue labels. There... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-24)

Karda Estra - Mondo Profondo + New Worlds

After a dozen or so releases, Karda Estra continues to revise and fine tune a sound that is expressive, angular, and uncommonly beautiful. Composer and multi-instrumentalist Richard Wileman has chosen... » Read more
(Posted by Peter Thelen 2013-07-23)

Judy Dyble - Flow and Change

Judy Dyble has a long and eclectic musical career from the early days of Fairport Convention, pre-King Crimson, Incredible String Band, Trader Horne. She took 30 years off to raise a family and then... » Read more
(Posted by Henry Schneider 2013-07-21)

The Aristocrats - Culture Clash

What more can one say regarding one of the most seriously talented three-piece bands playing today? Two thirds of the group is still out on the road cavorting with Joe Satriani while guitarist Guthrie... » Read more
(Posted by Jeff Melton 2013-07-14)