TPA Interview: Tony Levin

An Interview with Tony Levin

[Click here to read the full interview at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

TPA Gig Review: Kate Bush - Before The Dawn, live in London

Kate Bush - Before The Dawn - Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith, London - 9th September 2014

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

At no point in the show was the sound balance anything less than perfection and the lighting and visuals just superb. Despite having watched transfixed by her every movement for the last three hours Kate Bush has successfully maintained an enigmatic facade whilst involving and engaging her audience with a warmth that was unexpected. Her vocal is beyond reproach, richer and with more depth than you might expect but more than up to the task of delivering these wonderful songs. She has involved the right people to produce a show that defies expectations. It may not be the populist crowd-pleaser but for true fans who love her and her work this show couldn't get any better. I don’t need to hear a carbon copy of Wuthering Heights or see her leaping around in a leotard any more. As an artist she has developed over the intervening three decades and is now comfortable enough to almost effortlessly produce a show of this magnitude. Amazing. I hope that one day she will revisit some of her older work in order to reimagine it from her current perspective. That would be a very different but no less fascinating show.

TPA Gig Review: Acid Mothers Temple and the Melting Paraiso UFO, Them Squirrels, Fist Of The First Man, His Naked Torso live in Cardiff

Acid Mothers Temple and the Melting Paraiso UFO / Them Squirrels / Fist Of The First Man / His Naked Torso - Clwb Ifor Bach, Cardiff - 29th August 2014

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

His Naked Torso
...certainly a name that conjures images but none that are likely to describe the music that the duo produce, unless the torso in question is bloodied and battered at the bottom of a particularly tricky staircase. Featuring guitar with drums and keys (often played concurrently by the drummer, both drumsticks in one hand) they make a semi-improvised and squally noise that is very entertaining. Tunes they don't have in abundance but they were certainly the most experimental band on the bill and some of the ideas are very good. With lashings of youthful energy behind the cathartic music they were well worth seeing.

Fist Of The First Man
...The guitars made a fine racket, speedy picking in unison a speciality, but the bass is what made it for me. I spent much of the set watching full pints of beer on the table next to me bounce merrily towards the edge and certain oblivion with each pounding bass note. There were times where I thought I might soil myself, the notes pitched perfectly to render bowel control useless, but fortunately I managed to retain a semblance of decency as the bass continued to rattle the ribcage and thump the gut in a most enjoyable way – this makes me sound like some kind of masochist but, honestly, it isn't like that... A great take on the noise genre delivered with style, confidence and plenty of variety within the ideas, Fist Of The First Men were probably my favourite non-Japanese band of the evening.

Them Squirrels
...as twinkling twin guitars and occasional violin made an impression, the sound often morphing from quaint melody into thrashing noise. There appears to be more Alt to this band than the others but another entertaining and energetic performance that was enthusiastically received by a now packed Clwb audience.

Acid Mothers Temple and the Melting Paraiso UFO
...Most of the set was solid in-yer-face Spacerock but they also worked through some Blues orientated pieces and some manifestly Japanese material including throat singing and recorder from bassist Atsushi. Throughout the mostly instrumental set were songs sung in I’m not sure what language but it didn't really matter anyway as most built gradually through repetitive mantras to deafening crescendos, from simple beginnings of pleasant phrases and melodies to howling cacophony and back, sometimes a number of times within each song. The control was extraordinary and the way the songs shifted gear took the breath away. At times, as noted, the intensity was such that I could see drummer Shimura Koji flailing away pounding his kit but couldn't actually hear what he played, the all-encompassing and visceral shitstorm around it rendering it indiscernible.

TPA CD Review: Levin Brothers - Levin Brothers

Levin Brothers - Levin Brothers

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The one cover on the album is King Crimson's Matte Kudasai and this is a truly lovely version of a track that will no doubt be familiar to most people reading this. Here it is recast with Tony's bass taking on the Belew vocal melody, a sweeping backdrop laid down on piano that lets the beauty of this piece shine anew. Pete steps up for a solo as the brothers switch roles as smoothly as if they’d been playing together for decades. Oh... I like jazz but am certainly no expert, having started with fusion and made tentative forays into what it developed from, and don't have a real depth of knowledge on the genre as I haven't spent enough time listening to the originals from the period that this release celebrates but this recording could well open the door to that world. For any fan of quality music played with real enthusiasm and passion by truly skilled artists you can't ask for more and I'm really glad I've had the opportunity to review Levin Brothers.

TPA CD Review: Richard Pinhas & Yoshida Tatsuya - Welcome In The Void

Richard Pinhas & Yoshida Tatsuya - Welcome In The Void

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Welcome In the Void is the second album of Pinhas' 'Devolution Trilogy' which started with Desolation Row in 2013. As Pinhas explains:- "It is about the historical-political effect of machines and neo-liberalism, and their attempts to put people back into slavery. It is a cry to revolt against slavery. The trilogy is concerned with the devolution of mankind, of civilization, capitalism's devolution, and mainly the devolution of human/biological faculties – and how all this is related to the rise of machines." It's his album and it can mean whatever he wants it to but for me it is simply a fascinating work full of breathtaking and brilliant moments from both men. I often struggle with disc long electronica that meanders without any real point. This album is different. There is purpose and excitement to be had and the journey is quite ride. Ever wondered what it would sound like if a million guitarists seemingly play what they like whilst an army of giants beat on oil tankers with tree stumps? Well now we know. And it's good.

TPA CD Review: The Bob Lazar Story - Ghost Of Foodstool

The Bob Lazar Story - Ghost Of Foodstool

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Predominantly a guitar/bass/drums trio with bits of keys thrown in, throughout this release the recording is excellent, Chris Jago’s drums being particularly noteworthy as the sound is beautifully delivered to give the tracks the required momentum and sparkle. There’s a cheeky grin and twinkle in the eye about everything in Matt’s catalogue and it makes me smile. You can’t say fairer than that. There is only one thing wrong with Ghost Of Foodstool – it’s about half an hour too short. It’s a sort of EP but is gone before you know it which is a shame as this stuff warrants the longer format to really immerse yourself into. As a whole it is fragmented and scattershot but that is one of the strengths as it remains fresh as a listening experience, the quality of the work overcoming the miniscule running time. Full credit is due to Matt Deacon for the accomplishment on this one which is certainly a polishing and improvement from Space Roots. Here’s to the next full length release. Let’s try and get at least 40 minutes next time Matt, if it isn't too much trouble of course!!

TPA CD Review: Stars In Battledress - In Droplet Form

Stars In Battledress - In Droplet Form

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The way that phrases change and merge organically into new ideas without being overused keeps the shifting landscape intact. The listener cannot just sit back and tap their feet to this, concentration is required – if not demanded – to allow the music to truly speak to you. And make no mistake, it has plenty to say. The extended instrumental coda brings the minimalism and repetition of Erik Satie and Phillip Glass to mind and underlines the quality inherent within In Droplet Form, a striking conclusion to a wonderfully conceived album. To sum up, In Droplet Form is an album for those who do not have a fixed idea of what prog needs to be. For listeners who pride eclectic above electric it is an intriguing experience that comes very highly recommended.

TPA CD Review: Homínido – Estirpe Lítica

Homínido – Estirpe Lítica

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Intensity and enthusiasm remains at the heart of the music. There is true energy and all of the performances are noteworthy yet not allowed to overshadow or take away from the importance of the songs as a whole. The almost angry parts are offset by the fragility of other elements to produce real depth; kick drums can hit you in the throat whilst the bass growls around but soon a violin part or soothing vocal will sail over the top to calm things down. The whole is beautifully rendered. This is a fantastically satisfying collection of songs from a distant corner of the globe that deserves to be heard; these are quality musicians who have produced a quite brilliant listening experience. You can currently get copies of the CD directly from the band (bandahominido@gmail.com) or download it from their Bandcamp page where you can hear Estirpe Lítica in full.

TPA CD Review: Knifeworld - The Unravelling

Knifeworld - The Unravelling

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Knifeworld is a band that has developed, stayed together and evolved and The Unravelling shows all of the parts bedded in and road tested with each member comfortable in their role. The results are 100% satisfying for anyone with a liking for a rollercoaster of ingenious melody and the unexpected set within a generally upbeat format. You can’t help but smile when listening to Knifeworld no matter how sinister and edgy they get. This is a very special band that deserves to be heard. There is thought, care, enthusiasm and above all talent in abundance. The results are shimmering in their intensity with all of the band’s facets beautifully displayed. A wonderful record and my favourite of 2014 so far, the competition will have to go some to beat it. If you get the chance to catch the full octet live don’t miss it, it’s quite an experience.

TPA CD Review: Yes - Heaven & Earth

Yes - Heaven & Earth

You can read the full TPA Review here

...I’m fed up with being fleeced for sub-standard material by one of my favourite bands but I won’t be duped again. I used to buy Yes albums on release unheard and without a second thought; not any more. I’m resigned to the fact that no new Yes material will ever take me to the otherworldly places of yore. They’re still great live but if they want to make a studio statement of any note it needs much more planning, time and attention to detail to realise properly. This album does not inspire at all which is what the best Yes music does. Invest with caution or if you’ve got more money than sense as there are far more worthy causes than this to spend your cash on.

TPA CD Review: Kant Freud Kafka - No Tengas Miedo

Kant Freud Kafka - No Tengas Miedo

You can read the full TPA Review here

...A real melding of styles, No Tengas Miedo is a beautifully arranged work of which Herrera should be justly proud. His contributions are central to the music but he has surrounded himself with the right players and instruments to fully realise his goal. I can’t recommend this album enough, there is plenty to get your head around but it lures you into its orbit without any fuss or stress. You don’t wrestle with No Tengas Miedo, just let it wash over you and work its magic. Another fine album that will no doubt be in many people’s best of 2014 lists and is sure to be appreciated and frequently played for years to come. How Javi Herrera will top this I can’t imagine but I’m looking forward to hearing what he comes up next.

TPA Gig Review: Anta, The Fierce and the Dead and Thorun live in Cardiff

Anta / The Fierce and the Dead / Thorun - The Moon Club, Cardiff - 5th June 2014

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

Thorun
...Their music is muscular, rhythmic and catchy as hell and they got it across well to the small crowd who just lapped it up. With their third album, Festival At Fires Peak, just released this is a band to watch and a very enjoyable live proposition should you be partial to a bit of doom laden, Sabbath influenced riffery – and with titles like Look Mom, I Made A Death Machine they can’t go wrong!

The Fierce and the Dead
...A terrific Chief closes out the selection from Spooky Action before 666…6 from the On VHS EP – a song that has pretty much become the band's anthem – merges into a flailing Landcrab which sees Stevens soloing like a madman – including briefly playing behind his head – over the frantic rhythm section. Eventually he finds himself laid out on the floor in front of the stage – still playing – much to the hilarity of the appreciative crowd who responded with huge applause at the end. A thoroughly enjoyable set from a great live act.

Anta
...The whole is stately and impressive but imbued with an inner evil and as the set progresses it occurs to me that Anta are probably the most ‘Epic’ sounding band I’ve ever heard.

...Three very different bands each ploughing their own furrow of instrumental mayhem – all of them very successfully. A great showcase for guys who enjoy doing their own thing...

TPA Gig Review: Yes in Bristol

Yes - The Hippodrome, Bristol - 12th May 2014

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

...This is just wonderful music played with passion and precision. Initially I was sceptical of the three album concept as it takes the unknown out of the set and you know what’s coming but I love these three albums and there was not a song I wished wasn’t there. Overall, a fantastic celebration of Yes music that completely validates the band’s continued existence.

TPA CD Reviews: March - May 2014

I've started writing for Bob Mulvey's The Progressive Aspect and here are my first reviews for that site:-

Sontaag - Sontaag

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The story is left open so no doubt there will be a sequel but I hope that Sontaag and Fortnam will sit back and consider how best to get their collaboration across to any potential audience. This début is not completely without merit but is deeply flawed. and it is a shame that Esoteric Antenna have fired a bit of a blank here as they usually have a knack for producing interesting and entertaining new releases. It no doubt sounded great during the pitch but the substance is lacking to the point of near-invisibility. Built up out of all proportion before even being heard, this was always likely to be a disappointment. A more measured approach may have given it a fairer run as there are indeed some nice moments but ultimately this album is one that you may moderately enjoy in passing once or twice but I just can’t see it having the legs to become a regular feature on anyone’s playlist.

Panic Room - Incarnate

You can read the full TPA Review here

...The melodies are often exquisite and whilst there is nothing over-the-top and flashy about them, the individual performances are all superb and serve the songs well, which is just the way it should be. There are no weak parts to this album and it works beautifully from start to finish. It might lack the angularity and cutting edge to take it to somewhere new but as an album of superbly realised songs this works a treat, every one of them bearing repeated listens. In my opinion Panic Room have certainly got it all right with Incarnate, their best album to date.

Lazuli - Tant Que L'Herbe Est Grasse

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Overall Lazuli have developed a great deal with this album and furthered their sound into a sophisticated yet edgy amalgam of exotic rhythms and catchy melodies. The performances are thoroughly excellent throughout and great care has been taken to ensure that the album sounds as good as it can. They are really onto something with their unique vision coupled with the requisite enthusiasm and passion. Add the awesome wonder that is their live shows and you have a band at the top of it’s game. In November of this year they are taking to the road in the U.K. for a series of double-header shows with the wonderful Moon Safari – I urge you not to miss these, irrespective of whether you’ve heard the albums or not. Lazuli completely won me over within minutes of first hearing them. A truly inspirational band that are reaping the rewards for their individuality.

Matt Stevens - Lucid

You can read the full TPA Review here

...Lucid is a rock record, no doubt about it. It grows in stature with repeated listens and where previous albums chimed, this one crunches and fuzzes with enough ‘Oomph’ to scare even the hardiest soul. The proto-band elements of Ghost which were developed on Relic have come to full fruition after Stevens’ forays with TFATD, this album is in the main closer to Spooky Action than Matt’s previous solo work, the nearest pointer there is likely to be Frost from Relic. Lucid is a different focus on Matt’s playing and a chance to look at his work from a different angle. The King Crimson elements have always been there but they are certainly more pronounced and cathartic here, the mix on energy and elegance making for a fine listening experience that will no doubt bear many repeated plays.

TPA Gig Review - The Aristocrats and Godsticks

The Aristocrats with Godsticks - The Fleece, Bristol - 18th February 2014

[Click here to read the full review at TheProgressiveAspect.net]

Godsticks

...The concise set picked some of their best numbers but there are plenty more where those came from and it can’t be long before they can embark on a tour such as this as headliners. Hopefully these shows will give them more of the exposure that they deserve – full houses are hard to come by in this genre and gigs like this are the showcase that this quality and unique band need.

The Aristocrats

...A spellbinding performance that never dropped below gripping; laugh-out-loud moments coupled with jaw-dropping and super-human technique with the added bonus of bags of melody played by people who inherently understand the music – it all left the packed audience of about 300 in the Fleece stunned. This is why I’m prepared to drive 100 miles after a hard day at work and get half a nights sleep. This is what makes all of the time and expense so worth while.

DPRP Gig Review: The Crimson ProjeKCt - Shepherd's Bush Empire, London - March 2014

The Crimson ProjeKCt - Shepherd's Bush Empire, London - 12th March 2014

[Click here to read the full review at DPRP.net]

[Photo by Stuart Black]

...Unsurprisingly there were encores; a funky and flashing Elephant Talk with a second return for a thumping rampage through Thela Hun Ginjeet complete with Belew's recorded description of the event that inspired the piece just down the road in Notting Hill Gate all those years ago. ...Unsurprisingly there were encores; a funky and flashing Elephant Talk with a second return for a thumping rampage through Thela Hun Ginjeet complete with Belew's recorded description of the event that inspired the piece just down the road in Notting Hill Gate all those years ago. After events in a certain other London theatre of the same vintage not too long ago it might be inappropriate to say that they took the roof off the Empire tonight, but when utilising metaphors it's safe to say that that's exactly what they did. The whole evening was captivating, just superb and another gig worthy of the long journey to London. 2014 is shaping up to be the Year of King Crimson and many of us are on tenterhooks at the thought of what Robert Fripp may have in store for us but tonight was the perfect celebration of the mid-period of Crimson's existence and for that we should all be grateful. [Photo by Stuart Black] [Photo by Stuart Black]

DPRP Gig Review - Camel in London Oct 2013

Camel - Barbican Hall, London, U.K. - 28th October 2013

[Click here to read the full review at DPRP.net]

[Photo by Menno von Brucken Foch]

...The Barbican is the perfect venue for a show like tonight, excellent sound quality from where I was sitting and fantastic views from just about wherever you are in the hall. The setting also made it a memorable event, the only downside being the strict curfew which resulted in a slightly shorter set than anticipated. As such the sole encore was the evergreen Lady Fantasy, a perfect way to finish, a classic from the heyday of the band and always a fitting memorial to the band as it started out. With final thanks to the crowd from Andy, the whole band came to the front of the stage to soak up the applause before departing to a storm of calls for another encore which sadly did not happen. A cliché but they could have played all night; absolutely marvellous.

DPRP Gig Review - Summer's End Festival 2013

Summer's End Festival - Town Hall, Lydney, U.K. - 4th to 6th October 2013

[Click here to read the full article at DPRP.net]

Unto Us ...Some of the songs were familiar but the band have a whole swathe of excellent new material and speaking to Huw later he confirmed that their debut album is (finally) almost finished and should be out in the near future. Based on the quality of the songs played tonight it promises to be a great release and I hope that we don't have to wait too much longer to hear it. Drawing plenty of appreciation from the enthusiastic crowd, this was a great start to what would become a great weekend.

Haze ...The songs certainly benefit from the live interpretations, The Barrister And The Bargast being a case in point, Chris and Paul swapping lead vocals in the tale of the two titular characters. The band's mix of folk and classic rock is very engaging and the enthusiasm with which it is delivered was infectious. An unexpectedly great, upbeat performance from a band I'd very much like to see again.

Sylvan ...A shame but it seems that Sylvan are just not for me and with the evening now running very late - past midnight and with a long trip home imminent - the decision was taken to call it a night during the last number of the main set. Whilst most of the crowd were clearly enjoying Sylvan I found them anthemic but lacking exhilaration.

Silhouette ...Despite the issues with the sound the band performed well as a unit with additional guitarist Daniel van der Weijde making an impact and keyboardist Erik Laan very impressive. Brian swapped from electric to 12-string guitar, varying things up to good effect, and performed well in the frontman role, doing well to get the audience on side, particularly with his heartfelt "don't forget to buy our cds and t-shirts or we can't get home!". The band received a good reception for their brand of melodic prog with the familiar influences of Genesis mixed with Pendragon and the like making for an enjoyable set. A shame about the sound but Silhouette deserved the applause.

Jump ...With time getting on and the draft running times now completely out of the window, Jump were graciously allowed a well deserved encore and returned with The Sniper, a song that they had intended to play earlier in the set but dropped due to the overrun. A fine set of entertaining and enjoyable songs from a worthy band delivered with humour and style: a fine way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

Overhead ...When Overhead returned for a particularly well deserved encore they brought the house down with a rampaging chase through King Crimson's classic 21st Century Schizoid Man, complete with some of the vocals edging into Death Metal territory, all played at breakneck speed - I'm sure there were some sore fingers after that! A wonderful way to finish a great set by a band that I for one certainly need to hear more of.

Ravens and Lullabies with Gordon Giltrap and Oliver Wakeman ...Oliver Wakeman has a wonderful keyboard touch but I sometimes find that his compositions, like some of his Dad's solo work, can be a little 'chocolate boxy' and unashamedly romantic for my taste. This however did not detract from a very enjoyable couple of hours in the company of seasoned professionals and a truly legendary instrumentalist who is still a master of his craft. It was an absolute pleasure to finally see Gordon Giltrap play. The encore, again more than well deserved, was the classic Heartsong from Gordon's 1977 Perilous Journey album, apparently last played live by a full electric band at Glastonbury in 1981, and a fine way to close.

Lazuli ...It's one o'clock when they finish and thankfully Lambsie agrees that they can play a quick encore. There would no doubt have been a riot if they hadn't so at the end of a slightly truncated set the band quickly drag the marimba to the centre of the stage and perform their party piece - 9 Hands Around the Marimba with all five members playing it at once. The tune is complex yet mellifluous and they even include a few phrases from Peter Gabriel's Solsbury Hill whilst smacking each other with their marimba mallets. The perfect way to end really! DO NOT miss this band if you ever get the chance to experience them live as they are jaw-droppingly good at what they do. It is difficult not to fall in love with Lazuli, they really do have it all.

Sean Filkins ...The band performed admirably with a particular mention going to guitarist Daniel Maher. Due to ill health Sean's regular keyboardist was forced to withdraw, his place taken gamely at short notice by Dan Parratt who did a good job despite struggling a bit with some of the parts. He seemed to be apologising a lot to his band mates but no matter as just about everyone in the hall understood the situation, the band getting enthusiastic support throughout. A fine set, culminating with the mighty Epitaph For A Mariner, from a very impressive band. I look forward to Sean's next release with anticipation.

Thumpermonkey ...The quartet performed their quirky stop/start songs with wit and intelligence, at times sounding like Guapo with a cheeky sense of humour. The three man frontline were animated and fun to watch, the whole set being a bundle of energy, with fine lead vocals from Michael Woodman. A-Levels have always had a place in prog but at times you'd need a degree to get the gist of what Thumpermonkey do and their music is all the more interesting for that. The set contained a couple of as yet unreleased tracks which bode well for the next album and I know there'll be plenty of people who had never heard of the band who'll now be looking forward to that.

Landmarq ...As for the music, the lengthy pieces were all very well played, the rest of the band generally happy to stay in the shadows behind Tracy and professionally deliver their parts but unfortunately the music just didn't grab me. Their brand of melodic rock with a hard edge remained a little one dimensional. The band are certainly no slouches concentrating on an ensemble approach which suits the music and Tracy makes for a fine focal point but, like Sylvan, Landmarq are another example of a band with real quality that fail to ignite that necessary spark of enthusiasm in me.

Focus ...Guitarist Menno Gootjes was mightily impressive, filling in the Jan Ackerman role with style, but not overshadowed by his reverred predecesesor and proving himself to be a truly great player. Drummer Pierre van der Linden, a member from the heyday of the band, was a ball of energy, his jazz influences coming through as he drove the band along. His solo section could have been a little shorter, as is often the case with these things, but it was indeed a fine performance. Despite all this the stage belonged to Thijs, his fantastic keyboard touch and deft flute marking the music apart. His solo piece was simply breathtaking, bringing real classical beauty into the set and he also successfully got the crowd going with call and response vocalisations. A great man and a true legend, Focus may be all about him but as a unit they can certainly deliver and deserved the headliner/Legend slot.

Fragile featuring Claire Hamill ...It seemed that a little more rehearsal may be required as Claire missed a couple of cues and elsewhere the band were not quite as sharp as I've seen them in the past but no matter, brilliant songs well played leaving the tired but still enthusiastic audience to leave happy for the journey home to start a new working week.

DPRP Yes Christmas Special

My bits from the two-part DPRP.net Christmas Special feature on Yes:-

Yes - Close to the Edge

DPRP Review update 79 of 2013

...Close To the Edge established Yes as a major act and opened up the possibilities for the band itself which were taken to the next level on Tales From Topographic Oceans, an album that ironically would have no doubt benefited from being recorded for CD as the necessity to fill each vinyl side would not have been an issue and self-editing would have naturally taken place. Close To The Edge also paved the way for Relayer, the 'give anything a go and see what happens' mentality paying huge dividends there, and Going For The One where Awaken is, to me, the final appearance of the Close To The Edge spirit. Success and a mellowing over time undeniably diminished the experimental creativity of the band and anyone hoping for Yes to again produce music to compare with their early to mid-'70s peak is deluding themselves. The band still plays well and can wheel out the classics to good effect when called upon and that is very gratifying for the long-term fan but Close To The Edge and its follow-up albums remain as testament to a wonderful group of musicians and a spirit of wide-eyed optimism that has been lost in these more cynical times.

Yes - Tormato

DPRP Review update 80 of 2013

...not great but worthy of exploration, an interesting but transitional album that was always going to be difficult to make. The Yes sound is altered, not as fundamentally as on the next two albums, but there is seemingly a desire to move things forward which is let down by limitations in some of the writing and a lack of confidence amongst the band as to what the finished album should sound like. Save the over-ripe fruit and veg, Tormato is not the nadir of Yes' output and has some fine moments.

Yes - Big Generator

DPRP Review update 80 of 2013

...Big Generator is an album that emerged from a difficult gestation but, thanks to Rabin, has some fine moments. It's nowhere near a classic, however if it was any other band it would almost certainly be more highly regarded. It bears no resemblance to the Yes of old and was ultimately a further step along a cul de sac that finally resulted in a u-turn back to more typical Yes material once Rabin had left the band after the Talk album. In the '80s/'90s equal numbers of fans seemed to vilify Trevor Rabin for ruining the band as lauded him for being its saviour. From our vantage point over a quarter of a century removed, there is no doubt that Yes would have continued in some form whether Rabin had got involved or not but he is to be credited for widening the band's appeal and exposing it to new listeners. Yes members have a habit of picking up with each other and then moving on again but the gravitational pull of the band is too much for most of them to fight against. I've always been a fan of Rabin's playing and he is certainly a rare talent but from where I sit writing this now I think that it would have been far more interesting if Cinema had been allowed to prove what it could do under its own name without the re-branding and reintroduction of Jon Anderson and all the baggage that went with it. No doubt Cinema too would have ultimately been pulled apart by the rampant black hole that is the spectre of Yes which would then have naturally risen again phoenix-like. But money, or the thought of it, does funny things to people and if I had the opportunity to use Coca-Cola as my brand name I doubt that wild horses would convince me to use 'Jez's Fun Soda' instead. An entertaining and fun record. Just don't expect Close To The Edge and you'll be fine.

Yes - Union

DPRP Review update 80 of 2013

...Throughout, the material is pretty good and there are few weak moments. I'm sure that if it were not for the debacle that was the politics behind its release Union would have been considered a success and not suffer the stigma that it currently does. The fact is that the album exists and it is worth hearing so stow away any preconceptions, ignore the background and "but who plays what" games and just enjoy it.

Recent Reviews - Mike Keneally / Magenta / Roy Harper / Derek Trotson / The Fierce and the Dead

After a long delay...the rest of my 2013 CD reviews at DPRP.net:-

Mike Keneally - You Must Be This Tall

DPRP Review update 54 of 2013

...If you are either a dyed in the world Zappa-Freak or one of Keneally's growing army of supporters you've probably bought this already. If you're not in those categories then I heartily recommend that you listen to the samples and then investigate this album - and the rest of Mike's extensive catalogue - further as the world would be a much poorer place without Mike Keneally.

Magenta - The Twenty Seven Club

DPRP Review update 57 of 2013

...Each of the songs here are very different and, despite the subject matter, this is a particularly positive album reminiscent in many ways of their early material. The dense and bleak vistas of Metamorphosis have been replaced by an airy and open quality with the positive elements of Chameleon fully integrated into their proggier side. It's an easy listen, and that is not a complaint. I simply mean that the music flows nicely allowing the intricacies to reveal themselves and get under your skin without the need to wrestle with it or beat your head against it. This is a delicious fruity sundae of an album rather than a coconut that needs cracking open.

Roy Harper - Man & Myth

DPRP Review update 60 of 2013

...I was introduced to Roy Harper in the mid-'80s whilst at university. He played the student's union a number of times, perched on a stool, just the man and his guitar with his audience sat on the floor at his feet listening to the sounds, songs and stories of this very charismatic man (and occasionally offering him a gratefully accepted jazz fag!). I was immediately hooked and have seen him many times over the years, most of the gigs being very memorable in one way or another. He does seem to attract a certain kind of individual - I've never seen anyone arrested during the interval of a theatre gig before - but Roy generally manages to rise above it all. A true artist and passionate about his work he reacts to his environment and can have a difficult relationship with his audience. He has been known to stop playing in order to berate people talking in the bar during a song, but I've also experienced some of the most transcendental moments I've ever had whilst listening to music, completely swept away by the magic of his unique songs, and for this reason I will always have a warm regard for Roy and his music which I return to often. Co-produced by Harper with Jonathan Wilson and John Fitzgerald, Man & Myth has depth and warmth, every element of the sound clear and pristine, making for a wonderful listening experience. If you are a Harper fan already this album can't be recommended highly enough. If you are new to him then it also serves as a worthy introduction although some of the other albums in his catalogue may be more immediate or appeal more to prog fans (1975's HQ being a good example of the latter, featuring an electric band including Bill Bruford, Chris Spedding and guest appearances from Dave Gilmour and John Paul Jones).

Derek Trotson - Threads

DPRP Review update 60 of 2013

...Threads sensibly keeps its focus and doesn't outstay its welcome, remembering the oft forgotten truth that 40 to 50 minutes is probably just about right. I'm a sucker for a tasty power trio and DT tick all of the boxes, the band bringing lots of new ideas and plenty of energy to the party. I suspect that they'd be a hoot live and one day I'd like to find out. Keep at it guys, this is great!

The Fierce and the Dead - Spooky Action

DPRP Review update 66 of 2013

...Nicely done chaps, the whole album is very well put together and produced with none of the pieces outstaying their welcome. There is certainly enough variety to keep most listeners happy for a long time and these are all pieces that should make a mark in TFATD's excellent live shows, which you shouldn't miss if given the chance. This album isn't going to be for everyone but it is the sort of kick in the arse that prog often needs. Truly progressive in that they are trying new things and even if you don't like it you can't help but appreciate their efforts. A fine album from a band worthy of your attention.