Deadwing2112 | Sputnikmusic

	Soen Imperial Soen diverge further from its Tool influenced origins and move toward a rather derivative, paint by the numbers hard rock - metal fusion of non-offending albeit unmemorable tracks. A deliberate effort to polish and streamline for a more mass commercial appeal consequently diminishes the unique identity of the band.	3.0 02.28.21
	Steven Wilson The Future Bites At 53 years of age, Steven Wilson realizes his pop aficionado under his own name. An unabashed and non apologetic ABBA enthusiast, Wilson has long embraced pop as the yin to his prog yang. No-Man's recent Love You to Bits and Wilson's To The Bone all but inevitably foreshadowed The Future Bites. The opener Unself seemingly serves as a brief acoustic dirge to the minimization of prog guitar riffs while Self launches into full blown pop exploitation. Purists clinging to Deadwing will deride this career direction of course however a live post pandemic performance will prove much of this album's content will seamlessly co-habitat with the set lis	3.5 02.22.21
	Cynic Kindly Bent to Free Us Kindly Bent to Free Us is the aptly titled third and presumably final studio release by progressive metal band Cynic. This record is a branch offshoot away from its metal roots clearly expressed in the well received Focus (1993) and follow up Traced in Air (2008). The band's off again/on again turbulent existence and dormancy suggestively masks the evolution of its more atmospheric and expansive sound; somewhat making this long anticipated a release rather shocking and confusing to its fan base. Clearly a progressive rock template with clean vocals replaces the more familiar and popular angst metal, harsh vocal presence. For some, this simply	4.0 08.05.20
	Kepler Ten Delta-V Delta-V is the debut release by British progressive rock band Kepler Ten. John Mitchell's (not of Lonely Robot) recording of this album is simply fantastic and warrants full credit for the expansive atmospheric sound presence. Steve Hales behind the drum kit is monstrous with terrific guitar interludes by Richie Cahill. The opening and closing tracks (Ultraviolet, Red Skies Rise) are pure progressive rock delight however the remaining track list is actually hard rock, complimented by James Durand's rough edged vocals. A highlight track worthy of mention is Swallowtail, the acoustic ballad fully deserving of an official release. This is an imp	3.5 07.27.20
	Sound of Contact Dimensionaut Dimensionaut is the singular release by now defunct progressive rock band Sound of Contact. The songwriting partnership of Dave Kerzner and Simon Collins yielded a concept album of a "dimension traveler" exploring the inner workings of humanity. Subsequently the dimensionaut must confront his unclear future to either continue his isolating explorations or rejoin his partner for companionship. The album self titled opener followed by Cosmic Distance Ladder are atmospheric and rather resembling of Floydian ambience intermixed with Steven Wilson tonality. However from Pale Blue Dot onward, Dimensionaut takes on the persona of later day Genesis,	4.0 07.25.20
	The Neal Morse Band The Grand Experiment The Grand Experiment is aptly titled as Neal Morse and friends uncharacteristically arrive to the studio without any preparations and work start to finish on this debut release. This project differentiates itself from Morse's solo output as it is far more collaborative and less overtly theological. The faith based themes are present however not soap boxed presented and the sincerity is beyond reproach. Alive Again is twenty six minutes of classic Neal Morse mastery of the long progressive track track. And it is so well composed and recorded, that it is worth the price of admission alone. Extra credit for Mike Portnoy's drumming rhythms durin	4.0 07.24.20
	Muse Showbiz Showbiz is the debut release by progressive art rock band Muse. The track list is an intriguing composite of the British music scene in its time; the unmistakable similarity in Matthew Bellamy's vocals to Thom Yorke, the vulnerable keyboard arrangements a la Coldplay and the sincerity of Travis. The album oscillates grandiose ferocity with intimate tranquility and provides an auditory roller coaster of unpredictability. Yes the template to Radiohead's The Bends seems a bit transparent and borrowed. However there is no denying Muse's intent to carve out its own place in the Brit art rock world one anguished Bellamy lyric at a time.	3.5 07.22.20

Observer Like your sound offs man. Been on a big prog rock binge lately so ive ended up reading a lot of what you're posting.
May 30 08:13 PM
warlordfun Your sound offs are great and your taste in music is awesome! Keep it up!
April 17 08:16 AM
zakalwe I love your sound offs dude
April 15 04:46 PM

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