Friday13th
06.01.21 | Voting ends next Monday, June 7. |
SharkTooth
06.01.21 | I'm starting with 2 because that album art's trippy
I like these carnival organ synths |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.01.21 | I've checked Pendragon's '93-'01 material and it is some pretty cool neo-prog that I really enjoy, so I'm looking forward to this one since I'm already familiar with them
I know nothing about Syzygy though, so I'm interested on how it will sound |
hasan
06.01.21 | Some new old rock songs on CDs on the web site |
porcupinetheater
06.01.21 | Holy shit
Thread been blessed |
Mythodea
06.01.21 | Have a great Rd3! |
e210013
06.01.21 | I know perfectly well Pendragon. I have almost all their studio albums, with the exception of the last two, "Men Who Climb Mountains" and this one, besides many live material from them. So, I'm very curious about it. This is one of the neo-prog bands that I like very much.
About the album of Syzygy, is a shot in the dark. I never heard anything about them. So, I'm even more curious.
I'm also going to beggin with the second one, a music with I'm familiar with.
Have a great journey, guys. |
zakalwe
06.01.21 | I bloody love 2 I really do, I haven’t stopped listening to it since it was released last year. Eternal Light is impeccable.
Will get stuck into Syzygy soon as. |
e210013
06.01.21 | By the way. I found a link to "A Glorious Disturbance" on Spotify. I don't know if it works in all countries. In mine, works.
https://open.spotify.com/album/3Mtl0DR6KtYNgNC4FEfAYd |
TwigTW
06.01.21 | I was wondering if there was any neo-prog in the contest. Looks like a good match. Can't wait to get started. |
Mythodea
06.01.21 | I gave both albums a spin this morning and oh boy, both are great and lush and rich with sounds. It's going to be a great ride this week! |
Inoculaeted
06.01.21 | Pendragon is the first album so far that hasn't been available on Apple music. Never heard either so I'm excited. Let's goooo! |
Jethro42
06.01.21 | I've listened to both one time each by curiosity lately, and in a first impression, I liked both. Let's dig them. |
Divaman
06.01.21 | Sweet. |
e210013
06.01.21 | After a first listening of both albums, I agree with the opinions of our colleagues. Both are great works, despite be very different. So, I suspect this will be a very tough journey for me. Probably, for most of us. |
bgillesp
06.01.21 | Woah, EasterInTheBatcave makes an appearance! Excited for another round. Got to jam syzygy on my flight last week and will do so again on my flight home today. |
Jethro42
06.01.21 | Very good match up, Friday :) |
Jethro42
06.02.21 | Pendragon is more laid back, light and atmospheric with great orchestration, good interplay of keys and electric/acoustic guitar. Music reminds me of Marillion's Hogarth era. Even the vocals kinda sound like Hogarth. ''Eternal Light'' got a short segment that reminds of the final of Entangled by Genesis. ''360 Degrees'' wouldn't be out of place in a Waterboys album of the 80s. Excellent album.
Syzygy's vocals are similar to those found in Saga (Michael Sadler). Lots of punchy prog segments to be found in here. We're in presence of summer music, close to alternative or to classic rock in places, but really tricked by prog often in the vein of A.C.T. .''Dreams'' sounds like Echolyn(!), both ''Strange Loop II'' and ''The Coronation'' are progging hard - among others. In fact, there are prog touches everywhere. Excellent this one too.
Both are melodic and have their hooks.
No vote yet. |
Divaman
06.02.21 | Geez, I'm behind. I'll give them each a first listen on Wednesday. |
Zig
06.02.21 | About Syzygy's 70 minutes of live album. Great instrumental skills, but it's clearly overlong and their sound gets a bit monotonous. Still a good listen. (3.0)
Yeah, I just don't like neo-prog. That ballad and very pop-ish sound is not compatible with me. Pendragon sure has good musicians and production, but it's a no for me. (2.0)
My vote goes to Syzygy. |
bgillesp
06.02.21 | I’ve listened to syzygy twice now and enjoy it for sure. My only complaints would be that it is quite long and can be a little cheesy at times. I will check pendragon soon |
Jethro42
06.02.21 | Did anyone notice, ''The Coronation'' at 4;22 we have the same guitar pattern as one in Camel Snowgoose, I think it's the debut of ''Rhayader Goes To Town''. |
Jethro42
06.02.21 | I also think Syzygy's rhythm section knows Il Balletto Di Bronzo - Ys album.
Sorry, double post. |
Divaman
06.03.21 | Damned if these aren't both long albums. Trying to listen to them back to back is a slog. |
Mythodea
06.03.21 | I'm a bit hesitant towards neo-prog: usually I find it cheesy, melodramatic, and harmless. Sometimes, however, there are some bands that even if they don't escape the norm, at least have some really good ideas, and their instrumental prowess covers the ground.
Syzygy's live album has much potential, and it's highly entertaining. I saw some videos of them performing, and it was quite satisfying. I also got some Rush vibes from them, and that's probably because of the bass lines smoothly blending in with difficult yet subtle chops. That being said, I agree with the aforementioned problems of it being overlong and sometimes it is all melody - no direction [a common neo-prog feature that has made me lose interest in the genre]. Still, songs like ''Mount Ethereal'', ''Dreams'' and ''Coronation'' are top in their game. (3.0)
Pendragon's album is very recent, and I remember checking it out as soon as it came out. It's more varied in its sound palette, songs stick out easily. I remember not being a fan last year, but now I had so much fun with the dancing violin on ''360 degrees'', that got me hooked! Songs rely on atmosphere to create tension, rather than on stunning playing skills, and ''Water'' or ''Who Really are We'' are prime examples of that. I think the album is very well crafted, atmospheric and emotional, and still remains interesting after repeated listens. Plus for the cover art! (4) |
TheIntruder
06.03.21 | After listening both albums they are great. I agree this will be a big and tough ride. Let us enjoy it. |
zakalwe
06.03.21 | Syzygy rocked my socks off in places but it’s going to have to be the melodies of Love Over Fear that win the day for me. Plus the cover art! [2]
Pendragon |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | @Jethro I did not notice, I will have to listen to Coronation next time to see if I catch it! The only direct classic prog reference I noticed was an abbreviated 6/8 version of the ascending bass line from Thick as a Brick (not 10/8 like the original) used on the last track, "M.O.T.H." at about 8:11.
|
Friday13th
06.03.21 | 1:2
Zig
Mythodea
zakalwe
I am going to count that as a vote, Mythodea. |
Mythodea
06.03.21 | oh, yes, definitely, that was the intention |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | I definitely got your Tull reference, Friday. The Camel reference is still more obvious. |
Inoculaeted
06.03.21 | First 10s of this live Syzygy album and I was like oh shit another orchestra. Big shoes to fill after Procol Harum! It wasn’t to be. Regardless, here we go... |
Inoculaeted
06.03.21 | Fully agree with Mythodea on the Rush influence in this Syzygy album. I gotta say, this is one of the more pristine live recordings I've ever heard. The playing and production are unbelievably tight. I think it's perfect for this kind of music, rather than something else that would lend itself to a more raw sounding room vibe with the crowd and the echo that goes along with that. I enjoyed this. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | Close to Rush, but never touching it. It makes me think of Saga (Canada), mainly because of the vocals. Journey (their prog phase) comes to mind too. |
Mythodea
06.03.21 | Yes, indeed, these guys have better sound on their live album than many high profile names
If I may say, they reminded me a bit of Unitopia. I had to check they didn't have same members (they don't). Anyway, I was listening to ''The Garden'' by Unitopia, and they whole approach sounds very similar (though I think I'd prefer Unitopia) |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | @Myth; Will check. I've rated their albums but I don't remember a single note off of it. Which album? |
Mythodea
06.03.21 | Check the live version of the song ''The Garden''. It's a 20 minute epic, but the performance is awesome and lots of fun, and it grooves like hell after the middle
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYu8832UVpA |
Divaman
06.03.21 | I like a lot of the synth work on the Syzygy LP, and I definitely like "Circadian Rhythm". Other tracks, like "Darkfield" feel very dense to me, and aren't necessarily clicking, at least as of the second listen. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | Thanks Myth.
@Diva; ''Darkfield'' doesn't click with me neither. |
SharkTooth
06.03.21 | I really like the vocals and instrumentation on 1, some top notch retro prog |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | @Mythodea yes, Unitopia is good and I remember I did really like that "The Garden" epic. Unitopia is more like Genesis though, whereas Syzygy can get more complex/technical from what I recall. |
Mythodea
06.03.21 | @Friday13th I don't think they can be compared to Genesis. I haven't delved into Genesis much, so probably you're right, but still, can't say I remember them being similar... |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | "I haven't delved into Genesis much..."
...
Alright guys, it's intervention time. This cannot just go on.
@Mythodea Please tell me you've at least heard every Genesis studio album from Trespass to Trick of a Tail...right? |
Divaman
06.03.21 | I like the vocals on some of the tracks, like "Circadian Rhythm" and "Beggar's Tale". I find him a little wearing in the long run -- it's the same reaction I have to James LaBrie of Dream Theater. |
Mythodea
06.03.21 | hahahahahaha
Nope, dude, I've only listened to Foxtrot and The Lamb.... Also, haven't listened to Spock's Beard, Marillion (well, only the first two), Transatlantic and Neal Morse.... |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | ...RIGHT? (Friday's reaction reference) |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | @Divaman yeah the vocalist is the weak point like DT. He's not bad but I get what you mean. He's got a certain tone that isn't necessarily what you wanna hear always. |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | Mythodea, that is just not right. You need some Selling England, Nursery Cryme, Trespass, and Trick of the Tail right away or you may be struck with lightning for being a fake progger! ;)
The others are curious but not terribly out of the ordinary. I've always thought Marillion are at best a second tier prog band, though I know many people go nuts over them. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | Sometimes he goes screaming. He succeeds enough, but it's misplaced, not necessary.
I strongly agree with Shark about the instrumentation, some top notch retro prog. Indeed. |
Divaman
06.03.21 | He's nice on the quieter songs. But he's a little strident when he's pressing it. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | @Friday, I for one know the good old Genesis by heart by heart etc etc at a minimum. I should revisit, to feel the effect it would do... |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | Genesis forever...in my heart. |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.03.21 | well I mean, wasn't bands imitating Genesis what gave birth to neo-prog in the first place? |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | Ya right SirLord. Marillion has taken the prog torch for the 80s. They signed the start of neo-prog. There are also Pendragon, Galahad and couple more to make the cut. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | There's also IQ of course, and a more recent great one, Comedy Of Errors. |
bgillesp
06.03.21 | I guess I’m a fake progger because I haven’t listened to a ton of Genesis either. Though Marillion is the best prog band of all time |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | No one is talking about Love Over Fear. It's not as bombastic and in-your-face as Syzygy. It's more sober with warm melodies and well crafted arrangements. It's heartfelt and emotional. If it's a question of ballads, I would ask for more. The keys and the guitar harmonies are contagious. Music is deep. They aren't only scratching the surface. |
Divaman
06.03.21 | Me either, bgillesp. I've been gearing up to give them another listen, but they're the one classic prog group I've never really been able to fully get behind. I love that live album they released during the Gabriel era, but whenever I've tried to get into most of the studio LPs, they make my eyes glaze over. Going to back to basics, though -- I'm about to pick up Foxtrot. |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | "I haven’t listened to a ton of Genesis either"
"Marillion is the best prog band of all time"
Forget obscure prog, we need to start a Prog academy and teach the basics. You guys are skipping elementary school and enrolling for college credits LOL |
Friday13th
06.03.21 | @Jethro yes, I am liking it with my first listen. It is a very soft and poppy album by comparison, but like you said it is catchy and heartfelt. |
Divaman
06.03.21 | >well I mean, wasn't bands imitating Genesis what gave birth to neo-prog in the first place?
I don't know, was it? I hear it for sure in Marillion, and much like Genesis, I only really a song or two here and there of theirs. But this Pendragon band is supposed to be neo-prog, aren't they, and so far, I'm finding them way more accessible than Genesis. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | No Genesis, no prog. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | Neo-prog bands imitate either Yes or Genesis, most of the time. But they are just a pale copy of the classic prog formations. In french we name it ''réchauffé'' |
Divaman
06.03.21 | I disagree. A different prog, perhaps. But plenty of the early prog bands were around at the same time ... notably, King Crimson. It wasn't as if all prog stemmed from Genesis. |
Jethro42
06.03.21 | No I meant that you have to pass by Genesis first, to follow the correct path in your prog trail. |
bgillesp
06.04.21 | I mean I’ve listened to like 7 or so genesis albums, just didn’t give any above a 4. Nursery Cryme is my favorite, then the Lamb. I just think Marillion’s first 4 is the best run of albums for just about any band in history. I know (most of) my elementary foundations Friday :) |
bgillesp
06.04.21 | King Crimson is my least-listened prog classic band because they were not on streaming services for so long, and I haven’t gone back through them yet |
Divaman
06.04.21 | I'm connecting more with this Pendragon album the second time through. During the first listen, I liked the overall sound, but I wasn't all that sure about their songwriting. This time, some of the songs are starting to land with me. |
Divaman
06.04.21 | I was onto King Crimson from the release of Court. My main problem with them is that split personality of theirs -- the super-melodic part vs. the harsh, jazzy part. |
Jethro42
06.04.21 | Nursery Cryme don.t age well. At least, there are The Musical Box, The Return of the Giant, and Fountain of Salmacis. Seven Stones isn't bad either. bgill, you need to run the entire old Genesis discog (until Duke), then you'll understand why Marillion were that prominent. The Lamb is gigantic. Excellent from start to finish. |
Inoculaeted
06.04.21 | I see you surf rock. Hiding right there in the middle of Coronation. |
Friday13th
06.04.21 | Syzygy’s singer is actually a pretty well known heavy metal singer: Mark Boals. I thought I recognized him. He sang on Malmsteen’s Trilogy album. |
Divaman
06.04.21 | A pinch of surf rock can be a glorious thing. |
Mythodea
06.04.21 | Okay, I'm actually convinced by Friday (and a bit scared of lightnings!), so I think I might check Genesis a bit, although I'm afraid I'm going to get bored and regret it but... |
Mythodea
06.04.21 | Okay, I... I just checked Foxtrot again... and... uh....
Holy F*ck, did I really abstain from this band? |
e210013
06.04.21 | I completely agree with Friday and Jethro. Without Genesis, no prog. Genesis is simply the most influential prog band ever. Their music influenced so many prog bands that is completelly impossible to cite all their names. But, I'm going to cite one of the most important movements of prog, what is now called Rock Progressivo Italiano. Genesis influenced an amount of band's from the 70's till our days. And almost all bands that belong to what is now called Neo-Prog were influenced by them too. We only need to check Marillion in Fish's era to see clearly that. We can say that was King Crimson that gave birth to prog but that was Genesis that popularized it.
So, as Jethro mencioned, all albums from "Trespass" to "Wind & Wuthering", including this one, are fundamental to check Genesis. But, of all these, "Nursery Cryme", "Foxtrot", "Selling England By The Pound" and "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway" are all their greatest masterpieces, their biggest footprint in prog, all great in their own way. |
Mythodea
06.04.21 | Okay, I've heard of Foxtrot twice already, and Supper's Ready more than that, and even checked that fan made animation video that accompanies the song so well, some great work form that guy's part! |
e210013
06.04.21 | Nice Mythodea. Supper's Ready is considered, probably, their most accomplished track. It's in general considered at the same level of the title track of "Close To The Edge" of Yes, despite the clear differences. It's also one of first lenghty tracks. However, I think you must check, very attentively "Selling England By The Pound", as a whole, and several times. I think, and I always thought, that album was the pinacle of their career. I really think that everything that is true beautiful and simple in prog with complexity, is there. And I really thing that prog can be simple and complex at the same time, in the same album, as paradoxical as it seems. |
Inoculaeted
06.04.21 | @Mythodea
You should really cancel all of your plans and immediately listen to Selling England By The Pound. I reckon everyone in this prog tourney would gladly tie you down and force it into your ears for your own enlightenment. |
Divaman
06.04.21 | I wouldn't.
I hate to be the dissenter, but I have mixed feelings about Genesis' contribution. I actually kind of feel that they're responsible for influencing a lot of the kinds of prog that I'm not too keen on, that whole complexity for complexity's sake vs. does it sound good thing. |
bgillesp
06.04.21 | I like Genesis and recognize their influence, I just feel those influenced by them sounded better than them usually. |
bgillesp
06.04.21 | Will check Pendragon today |
Jethro42
06.04.21 | Given that I know every old Genesis songs by heart, I'm a bit tired of them, but they have immortal, untouchable cuts. I've passed my youth saying that Genesis was the best band of the world. A part of me could still say it. |
Inoculaeted
06.04.21 | Genesis with Gabriel was beautiful. |
Divaman
06.04.21 | I actually love Gabriel as a vocalist. I've just always found a lot of their music dense and hard to get into. Maybe it will click better for me this time. |
e210013
06.04.21 | Only to complete my feelings about Genesis.
It wasn't a coincidence that my debut review here on Sputnick was about "Selling England By The Pound". It was my first vinyl record and is my fave prog album, the fave prog album between all my fave prog albums, which aren't few.
So, "Selling England By The Pound" had, has and always will has a very special place into my heart despite I don't listen to it frequently in the last years. |
e210013
06.04.21 | After 4 auditions of "A Glorious Disturbance" and only 3 auditions of "Love Over Fear", because Bandcamp doesn't allow more, here is my opinion:
Syzygy - A Glorious Disturbance:
This is a great live album very well performed with an amazing line up with a perfect communion between all of them. The production is also amazing. The tracks are also great. This is an album without weak points. It seams to me that I'm listening an album performed in studio. However, after all I have read about it on Progarchives, I really expected a bit more. I expected an album more diversified and with some more emotion and soul. Here, I heard an album "almost too perfect", but that lacks to it some emotional level.
Pendragon - Love Over Fear:
This is an excellent album of Pendragon, not very far of their best studio works, for me, namely, "The Masquerade Overture", "Not Of This World" and "Pure". It's a very emotional album, very well performed, as is usual, and with a great production too. However, and as happened with Syzygy's album, I also expected a bit more after read many opinions about it on Progarchives. I expected an album with a more muscled sound, more cohesive and less laid back. I expected an album with a more rock vibe.
Said that, and despite all I said before and looking to be a bit incoherent, I love both albums, but by the opposite motifs. One have what lacks to the other. Both are amazingly produced and both are great in their own way. Pendragon's album is more in the vein of the classic English (traditional European prog vein) and Syzygy's album is more linked in the classic American prog style, with some influences of Rush and Saga. It also reminds me, strongly, for instance, Flying Colors.
So, I couldn't rate "A Glorious Disturbance" and "Love Over Fear" with less than 4.0.
So, "A Glorious Disturbance" 4.0 and "Love Over Fear" 4.0.
But, since we need to choose one of them, my vote goes to "Love Over Fear" that is more akin with my usual taste.
Anyway, this was my most tough journey till now, which was great. I hope to have more tough journeys in this tourney. |
Jethro42
06.04.21 | Good point of views, e21. Syzygy album could be more diversified. In my first listening I had the impression it was the same song throughout again and again. And I agree about the similitudes with Flying Colors, but the latter being less progressive, more pop.
As for Pendragon, I'm not familiar with the band, but I liked what I've heard of them. It's ballad oriented album, but it's catchy, melodic, deep and well crafted. I'm still not decided, because both albums have their qualities that I like in my prog. |
e210013
06.04.21 | Yeah, I had the same problem of you to decide, and think many of us have the same problem. Both albums have qualities and faults. Still, I think the qualities are better than the faults in both cases, which complicates the final decision, really. |
zakalwe
06.04.21 | e
My fave pendragon is the masquerade overture as well. I think Love Over Fear might take its place in a few years though. Incredible the band have delivered such quality after decades of churning out the goods.
I haven’t listened to Pure but it always comes recommended. |
e210013
06.04.21 | @ zakalwe
I agree that, somehow, "Love Over Fear" can be a successor of that album. And I think "Love Over Fear" is the best studio album of Pendragon since "Not Of This World", with the exception of "Pure". "Pure", is a different thing. It's probably more prog and more cohesive that this one is. Pendragon managed to redefine and progresses their sound without losing their creative flame and their heart and deliver a set of truly memorable collective songs without any kind of weaknesses. I think you must check that album. |
Mythodea
06.04.21 | > Ι reckon everyone in this prog tourney would gladly tie you down and force it into your ears for your own enlightenment
After today's revelation I don't think that's going to be necessary
> that whole complexity for complexity's sake vs. does it sound good thing
After the departure of Gabriel and Hacket their compositional approach changed dramatically (well, that I do know). Don't you find merit in their latter era?
|
porcupinetheater
06.04.21 | Wait wait reading back are people trying to say that Genesis is more essential than King Crimson up in here
Selling England ain't shit up against Larks' Tongues |
bgillesp
06.04.21 | I personally don’t find Genesis to be *that* essential, but of course they are classic forefathers of the genre that require at least some familiarity.
I have now listened to Pendragon and get a ton of Marillion vibes. Not quite as good, but close enough to make me want to hear more. That being said, I’m in almost the exact same boat as e21. Both albums are very good with pros and cons to each. I think Starfish and the Moon is the weakest track between the two, but I also think Pendragon might have more consistently good tracks after that. The best track between the two albums for me would either go to “Soul and the Sea” from Pendragon or “The Coronation” from Syzygy. Very tough decision. I lean Pendragon at the moment but will not finalize my vote until the weekend. |
Jethro42
06.04.21 | Don't mix apples with oranges, porc. Genesis is a symphonic prog band versus KC which is eclectic band. Genesis'discog is consistently great until Duke (1981) included, and with the same musicians. I tend to listen to KC the most, but I'm tired listening to both, tbh. Too many listens in each since the 70s. |
porcupinetheater
06.04.21 | I wasn’t the one that brought KC Genesis discourse into the thread
That said I’d usually prefer to eat an apple over an orange. Boom |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.04.21 | "Wait wait reading back are people trying to say that Genesis is more essential than King Crimson up in here"
One may prefer one over the other but both are equally big an influential to prog and music in general |
Friday13th
06.04.21 | 1:3
Zig
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21 |
Friday13th
06.04.21 | I’m not saying everyone has to love Genesis like I do, but I think everyone who likes prog should give them a chance. It just doesn’t make sense to have not heard these albums and then never comprehend all the Genesis references among prog fans. |
porcupinetheater
06.04.21 | They done picked themselves a fitting band name |
Divaman
06.04.21 | Here's a really unusual take from a guy who is a fan of prog. But I liked Genesis better (for awhile anyway) after Gabriel and Hackett left the band. My favorite album of theirs other than that early live album was their self-titled album from 1983. |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | After my second go through Pendragon, I appreciate the quality and some of the songs are well done. I think “Eternal Light” was my favorite, one of the more proggy songs. I agree it sounds like Hogarth era Marillion, but also like Stupid Dream - Porcupine Tree. Melodic, Floydish, poppy, a little alt-rock, it’s a bit slow and simplistic to a fault, though it does have variety. This style has just never been my thing.
Syzygy is, no surprise, right up my alley. Retro prog with that Yes and Gentle Giant instrumental interplay, complex rhythms while still holding on to some catchy harmonies and melodies. I actually think the album gets better as it goes along.
I vote Syzygy.
2:3
Zig
Friday
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21 |
wham49
06.05.21 | I love the funk in syzohoeijfwoieifzo, or what ever it is, not completely sold on it yet though, although yes it is up my alley |
porcupinetheater
06.05.21 | Yeah SizzyJizzy is better than I was expecting from the first track, got a real shot at my vote depending how far Pen-island pushes the corny shit |
Inoculaeted
06.05.21 | Anyone here get full boners from Anekdoten? |
porcupinetheater
06.05.21 | Anekbonin' full stop |
porcupinetheater
06.05.21 | And then full continue only ever listened to Nucleus but it bangs agrd |
Inoculaeted
06.05.21 | From Within is such a veiny boner too. |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | I downloaded Anekdoten’s full discography on bandcamp |
Inoculaeted
06.05.21 | I can’t iterate this more powerfully for you Friday. Headphones. |
porcupinetheater
06.05.21 | Headphones is a pretty underrated Bjork song agrd |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.05.21 | I'll go with Syzygy but just by a margin. I think it is more inconsistent than Pendragon and the length certainly doesn't help (though that's expected from a live album)
Even if it is more inconsistent than Pendragon, its sound is more interesting. Even though I love neo-prog, if there's a problem with it is that, unlike normal prog, the bands/albums from the genre sound too similar |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | 3:3
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21 |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | Good headphones are a treat. I have some decent headphones but I think I’ll get an upgrade one of these days. I just used my audiophile budget for a new $300 turntable so the new headphones will have to wait. |
Mythodea
06.05.21 | It might sound stupid, but I think King Crimson might have more influence on metal bands, than progressive bands. Genesis, Yes, and Rush affected progressive rock and are responsible for some of its cliche's, while King Crimson is still there, but they have this raw energy and hardness that was probably hard to maintain within the rock circles.
Or I'm just saying bullshit, because I just woke up |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.05.21 | "Good headphones are a treat. I have some decent headphones but I think I’ll get an upgrade one of these days. I just used my audiophile budget for a new $300 turntable so the new headphones will have to wait."
I'll have to take good care of my sennheiser gaming headset now that the company's being sold. Best headphones brand by far |
porcupinetheater
06.05.21 | King Crimson was more important to experimental and avant music, I’d say, Genesis gets aped by the bands turning “progressive” into a pretty ironic genre tag (though that’s no slight on Foxtrot itself, album’s great). Just feel like their songwriting is straightforward enough that the actual feel of the songs is more readily replicable, whereas Crimson’s influence is more prevalent - and harder to pinpoint - as an inspiration for approach rather than product |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.05.21 | KC and Genesis are total opposites on that yeah. KC influenced experimental music while Genesis influenced pop |
Mythodea
06.05.21 | Have you seen the A M A Z I N G animation on YouTube that follows the whole story of The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway? That fan has done a jaw-dropping film, and last night I took the chance to listen to the whole album and watch it too. Reaches ''The Wall'' levels of (animated) awesomeness! |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | @Mythodia yes! That guy did a phenomenal job. |
Sabrutin
06.05.21 | Had to miss the tournament this time, but the picks look really nice and I hope you guys have a blast |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | Thanks, Sabrutin! Yeah man hoping you are well and can join in the fun as your schedule allows. |
Jethro42
06.05.21 | ''Genesis influenced pop''
If you're talking about the period past 1981, agreed. Supertramp influenced pop all the way, though.
''My favorite album of theirs other than that early live album was their self-titled album from 1983.''
Nice, Diva. I think that Genesis album is great. If I remember well, its last 2 tracks are weak, the rest is p good. |
e210013
06.05.21 | @ porc
Sorry, to be a bit late in the discussion about Genesis/King Crimson. I wasn't linked till now.
But, I never said that King Crimson is less important than Genesis. What I said is that King Crimson created prog and Genesis turn it more popular. They're both very different and great in their own way. Besides, I always thought that King Crimson always was a step forward in relation to the other prog bands. If there is a quintessential prog band, it is King Crimson.
About the old question about Genesis after Hackett, yes I also like them but in a moderate form. Still, they were no longer a true prog band after Gabriel left the band. However, I must say that they were the prog band that could pass with some elegance and sucess through the 80's. They were a very sucessful band with great quality in terms of a pop/rock band. |
porcupinetheater
06.05.21 | Lol no worries, was just going way too confident into edgy declarations about broad topics in the Sput tradition
Always gotta bat 4 my boi Robbie Fripp |
e210013
06.05.21 | Nice porc, no problem. I really love Fripp. He is an amazing creative guy. It's a pity we don't have much more like him. |
Jethro42
06.05.21 | All right, I'm ready to vote. Syzygy is more of my style, and we always hear something new in each listens. Musicianship is top notch. Songwriting is great even if I could do without ''Mount Ethereal'', ''Darkfield'', Beggar's Tale'' and ''MOTHS'', despite they all have their moments. All the rest is superb. And I don't like when the guitarist goes solo a la Holdsworth. Another pros is that I see a link between Syzygy's rhythm section and the one found in Il Balletto Di Bronzo, which is a good thing. I like when songs go retro prog, and when it's reminiscent to Echolyn like in songs ''Circadian Rhythms'' and ''Dreams''. Man, these songs surpass any Echolyn songs.
Pendragon. I can see the hype regarding that album. I'd prefer if it had more muscled songs between its laid back ones. Album is really melodic, emotional, and my highlights are the opener, ''Eternal Light'', ''Who Really Are Whe'' (my fave), and ''Afraid Of Everything'' . The sounding is obviously Marillion, Hogarth era. I also found music sounded a bit like a laid back Anathema, and it helped me to like Love Over Fear still more. Despite it, I found myself waiting for some more good moments in between. It lacks some meat I dare to say. I'm sorry, zak. Syzygy is a great summer album, and it's right up my alley.
My vote goes for Syzygy. |
Friday13th
06.05.21 | 4:3
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21 |
Jethro42
06.06.21 | Rectification; The four songs I mentioned may be my least favorite Syzygy's, but they all have their moments. ''Mount Ethereal'', for instance, contains a cool segment from the rhythm section, probably the coolest of the bunch. Finally, no bad song to be found. These 4 ones are simply the least memorable for me. One thing is sure; the musicians all act like they enjoy themselves. 4.5/5 |
Friday13th
06.06.21 | Glad you like it, Jethro. And you are right about the guitarist being influenced by Alan Holdsworth. The live DVD that comes with the album has a cover of “In the Dead of Night.” |
Jethro42
06.06.21 | I've noticed there were the title ''In The Dead Of Night'' somewhere. I thought it could have been about the UK's hit, but I didn't verify.
Edit; I've just seen the cover. Superb rendition. Same guitar solo ;) twas really awesome. Fetish song for me. Provokes memories. |
Friday13th
06.06.21 | https://youtu.be/WAZjNrPJy-Q |
Jethro42
06.06.21 | Yes, thanx anyway Friday, but I replied to you in my last comment (an edit) |
SharkTooth
06.06.21 | 1 is really good, it combines the zaniness of old school prog with the riffs of the hard rock of that era
2 has a tough fight ahead of it, even with the cool carnival organs and soaring power metal vibes from what I've heard from it at the beginning |
SharkTooth
06.06.21 | is 360 Degrees prog? Idk if it is but I am LOVING the fiddle in it |
Mythodea
06.06.21 | yup, that fiddiling hooked me for good |
Pangea
06.06.21 | Difficult round this week. Both albums were enjoyable in their own right but did have some flaws for me as well.
I really liked the musicanship of Syzygy. It was very varied instrumentation with a lot of technical skills while still being melodic. It was somewhat overlong for me though, I felt myself getting tired of it about 2/3 through. But overal very well done
Pendragon was really pretty, definitely a bit cheesy as well though. However, the cheese was balanced enough with the gorgeous melodies that it didn't become too bothersome for me. I really liked the vocalist as well, he was able to bring the emotive vocals that this kind of album needs.
Both good albums but my vote is for Pendragon |
Friday13th
06.06.21 | 4:4
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea |
Inoculaeted
06.06.21 | Despite Pendragon fully buying in to what I consider DAD PROG, it is pretty fucking charming. I really enjoyed Syzygy and when I was only two tracks in to Love Over Fear I thought this would be an easy choice just based on my personal taste...but it isn’t. There are some cringey lyrics on Pendragon that are borderline unforgivable “Turn off the TV and read a book” (Thanks dad!). They really do make up for it with some sweet melodic passages though.
Syzygy was consistently more engaging for me throughout, though the highs for both albums are on par with each other. I’m voting Syzygy but this was the closest matchup yet.
PS. Syzygy is the most fun band name to type. |
bgillesp
06.06.21 | Giving it another listen and some time to settle, I will finalize my vote with Pendragon, but it was a very close matchup of 2 very enjoyable albums. |
zakalwe
06.06.21 | Blimey it’s tight innit. |
Jethro42
06.06.21 | I haven't noticed before that ''Truth and Lies'' (Pendragon) was that great. |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.06.21 | "There are some cringey lyrics on Pendragon that are borderline unforgivable “Turn off the TV and read a book” (Thanks dad!)."
I mean, it's prog rock. Lyrics are either fabulous or terrible, there's no in between lol |
wham49
06.06.21 | I'm going with Pendragaon, did not see that coming. TBH, I'm not in love with either album, but on the last listen Pendragon got to me, maybe it was use of the MOOG in one of the early songs, also love the grandiose feeling when listening to it |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.06.21 | "Syzygy is the most fun band name to type."
Lynyrd Skynyrd |
Inoculaeted
06.06.21 | “Lynryd Skynyrd”
Touché. |
Divaman
06.06.21 | OK, I'm going for my third listen. See you guys in 3 or 4 (or more, depending on how many times I get interrupted) hours. |
Friday13th
06.06.21 | 5:6
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Inoculated
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea
bgillesp
normaloctagon |
Friday13th
06.06.21 | @normaloctagon no worries, we can’t all like the exact same things! |
someone
06.06.21 | Both albums are similar in the way that they're whimsical fantasy-prog. Can't say either album shows better song-writing than the other. Both sounded very cheesy, but in Syzygy's case it was more due to the live recording probably, whereas Pendragon just chose to sound like that. Also, though this pertains to both albums, it was more apparent with the latter, the music often reminded me of some Neverending Story knock-off type soundtrack sound. Real Avantasia vibes.
Still gonna vote for Pendragon, I guess. A coin toss really. |
someone
06.06.21 | and i have to say that both had some really cringy lyrics |
Friday13th
06.06.21 | 5:7
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Inoculated
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea
bgillesp
normaloctagon
someone |
bgillesp
06.06.21 | The lyrics were definitely the low points on both I agree. Probably worse on Pendragon though. |
Divaman
06.07.21 | You could probably see which direction I was moving in on this one. After the first listen, I had mixed feelings on both albums. However, after the second one, my feelings started to take shape.
For the Syzygy, I liked a lot of their synth work. However, overall, I liked them best in their "smaller" moments, on tracks like "Circadian Rhythm" and "Beggar's Tale". On many of the longer tracks, they built up compositions which, while fairly complex, weren't necessarily pleasant for me to listen to. Of their longer tracks, I liked "Dreams" the best. As for the vocals, while I was glad they had some, and their singer was certainly competent, I again found him more effective on the shorter, quieter tracks.
As for the Pendragon album, the fist time through, while I liked their overall sound, I wasn't convinced they offered much in the way of songwriting. By the second listen, though, many (though not all) of their songs, began to resonate with me, and this held through during the third listen as well. I also liked a lot of their grand guitar work.
In the end, I had a small but distinct preference for the Pendragon LP, and my vote goes to that one. |
Friday13th
06.07.21 | 5:8
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Inoculated
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea
bgillesp
normaloctagon
someone
Divaman |
SharkTooth
06.07.21 | I love the sound of both albums, but 1 is a bit too long for my liking, and 2 has 360 degrees which I've been putting on rotation since I first heard it, so I'm gonna have to vote 2 |
farmerobama
06.07.21 | I like the a few parts out of 1 quite a lot, but I have to agree with Shark it can drag a bit and is a taf cheesy at points. On the other hand I fully enjoyed 2, def getting Marillion vibes from it, so my vote goes to 2 as well. |
e210013
06.07.21 | It's very interesting that many of you mention particularly ''360 Degrees''. When I listen to the album for the first time I didn't connected it with the music of Waterboys. I only saw that when Jethro mentioned that, and is really right. It coulf fit very well with them. But, it doesn't represents one of the usual trademarks on Pendragon's music. Actually, it's a kind of an outsider track on the album, and somehow on the band, despite be excellent. But, I'm a bit suspect, because I always loved the sound of Waterboys. |
Mythodea
06.07.21 | I just realized there's a little white heart there on the center of Pendragon's album cover |
zakalwe
06.07.21 | The artwork really is a beaut.
Some Cornish Doris who has some absolutely lovely stuff on her website. All animals, nature and what have you. |
Mythodea
06.07.21 | I don't know who Cornish Doris is, but her name seems to be Liz Saddington |
e210013
06.07.21 | I hadn't seen it before, but you're right. Very curious. But besides that, the front cover of the album is gorgeous. I think it has everything to do with the founder and leader of the band Nick Barrett. From what I think, he is a big fan of surf. I saw once an image of the music studio in his home with several surfboards. |
zakalwe
06.07.21 | Hahaha Myth |
Mythodea
06.07.21 | @zakalwe I think I didn't understand something about ''cornish doris'', because I literally searched for that name |
zakalwe
06.07.21 | ‘Doris’ is a somewhat archaic English term of endearment for ‘female’ usually a girlfriend. ‘The Doris’
|
Mythodea
06.07.21 | Hahaha, okay now the laughter makes sense ;) |
zakalwe
06.07.21 | https://www.lizsaddington.com/
Some delightful stuff on here. |
e210013
06.07.21 | Yeah, true. I had finished to saw that before. |
MiloRuggles
06.07.21 | Voting for Syzygy, no time to elaborate xx |
TwigTW
06.07.21 | This was an interesting week for me. At first, I thought Pendragon would easily get my vote. I've been listening to neo-prog lately (by the way, the new Sylvan release is great), and I really enjoyed Love Over Fear. It's a very nice neo-prog album. On the other hand, Syzygy did not make a good first impression. As Jethro mentioned earlier, the band sounds a bit like Saga. I'm not a huge fan. But over the course of the week, the album has grown on me. I think it's a fun listen. So, much to my surprise, my vote goes to Syzygy.
|
Friday13th
06.07.21 | 7:10
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Inoculated
Twig
Milo
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea
bgillesp
normaloctagon
someone
Divaman
Sharktooth
farmerobama |
zakalwe
06.07.21 | My opinion on Pendragon is that they verge dangerously close to Euro cheese, limp almost synthetic prog but what drags them from the depths is a pure, unbridled passion for their craft and the ability to write an amazing melody.
I think it was e who said earlier they play with heart. They really do, it shines through in an almost childlike joy and is in abundance on all their albums. They’re a treasure of a band. |
TheIntruder
06.07.21 | I loved both albums. Both are two serious works in the great tradition of prog. Pendragon is more prog in the traditional way of the European neo prog bands and Syzygy is less prog but have lots of prog all over the album in the tradition of Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Rush and I like the clear sound of the album as it was recorded live.
I prefere the cohesion of Syzygy album than the diversity of Pendragon. So, I am voting for Syzygy too, by a hair. |
Friday13th
06.07.21 | 8:10
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Inoculated
Twig
Milo
Intruder
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea
bgillesp
normaloctagon
someone
Divaman
Sharktooth
farmerobama |
Friday13th
06.07.21 | It’s looking good for Pendragon, but there is is still the possibility of a tie up. You also never know with some spectators hanging in the wings. I’ll give it until the end of the day, but I’ll start the new round. |
e210013
06.07.21 | Nice Friday. It's true. But, we are very curious about the next journey too. |
bgillesp
06.07.21 | Wow, very close. |
porcupinetheater
06.07.21 | Still got to vote, just wrapping some finals work and will listen more attentively to Pendragon in a couple hours |
wham49
06.08.21 | My vote didn’t count, I voted for pendragon, 2-3 days ago |
porcupinetheater
06.08.21 | Friday, you just got WHAMMED |
wham49
06.08.21 | Lol
I figured since it was so close and all, had to make sure my voice was heard
No voter suppression, I get enough of that In Wisconsin lol |
Friday13th
06.08.21 | oops lol |
Friday13th
06.08.21 | 8-11
Zig
Friday
Gentleman
Jethro
Inoculated
Twig
Milo
Intruder
Mythodea
zakalwe
e21
Pangea
bgillesp
normaloctagon
someone
Divaman
Sharktooth
farmerobama
wham
Pendragon wins |
Friday13th
06.08.21 | I forgot to mention neo-prog isn't really prog so it is automatically disqualified!!! ;) |
porcupinetheater
06.08.21 | Wait let me cast my irrelevant vote
Syzygy wins! Ain’t a world beater, but there’s some cool wanky fun to be had and a nice bit of rawness to the sound. Obviously from the live element, but nice tone is nice tone.
And lord is Pendragon corny. For every cool moment there’s like 3 with massive “Oh fuck, Dad’s on facebook” energy |
MrSirLordGentleman
06.08.21 | neo-prog has always been cheesy though. It's part of the charm |
porcupinetheater
06.08.21 | Sure, but this ain’t no Marillion |
