Review: Originally released in 2008, Phantom On The Horizon is the grandiose, progressive rock worshipping high concept EP from Washington based math-rock indebted post-hardcore heroes The Fall Of Troy. Initially abandoned following the leak of early versions in 2004 on what has since been dubbed The Ghostship Demos EP, the band would finally get over this setback and bang out the entire project in secret over October of 2008 before dropping it the very next month. Renowned for its epic, lengthy pieces segmented into chapters like all good prog concept records, the work stands as solely unique from the majority of the trio's remaining output, bridged in the gap year between 2007's instantaneous Manipulator and the more melodic alt rock of 2009's In The Unlikely Event. Utilising an array of guest musicians adding elements of keyboards, violin, cello and glockenspiel for that extra proggy flair, while featuring guest vocal appearances from the likes of Fear Before's Dave Marion as well as both Ryann Donnelly and Jonah Bergman of Schoolyard Heroes, the mini-epic 5 tracks clock in at a 37-minute runtime detailing story of a Spanish galleon meeting with a ghost ship from another dimension. A true outlier gem conjuring a Venn Diagram intersection between early noughties sassy post-hardcore and timeless 70s indebted prog absurdity.
Review: Project Gemini led by Paul Osborne presented its latest album Colours & Light recently and it again made an impact with its folk rock, psych soundtracks and cinematic funk sounds showing a more confident and layered sound compared to his debut. This is a limited 7" taken from the upcoming Deluxe Edition of the album with a distortion-laden, progressive rock remix by Jack Sharp of Wolf People/Large Plants, along with an unreleased original track from the album's recording sessions.
Kimi No Tamenara Shineru Kanzenban (Super Zunzun mix) (2:51)
Review: Originally released in 2004 to a hot reception, this iconic soundtrack from the beloved Sega game Feel the Magic XY/XX features Tokoi's unforgettable blend of eclectic, funky and also smartly experimental compositions. The music complements the game's quirky, surreal themes with catchy rhythms and vibrant colours. This anniversary edition offers remastered tracks with enhanced sound quality so is a guaranteed nostalgic journey for longtime fans or a superb introduction to the brilliance of Tokoi's work for new ears.
Review: When keyboardist Thomas Jonsson, guitarist and bassist oMar Gudjonsson, saxophonist oSkar Gudjonsson and drummer Magnus Trygvason Eliassen take the stage, they channel the raw resilience of Northern Europe's islanders who have endured long, icy winters for centuries. Their energy transcends genres and has proven to captivate jazz enthusiasts, rock fans and ravers alike. This primal, non-verbal expression predates language yet remains deeply contemporary by blending cosmic vastness with free imagination and profound mysticism. Their music is a convergence of timeless human impulses and fresh creativity. It's challenging but hugely rewarding.
Review: The tasteful food at Nous'klaer Audio are offering up the new sounds of Erik Luebs here, and you'd do well to tune in. He is an American techno producer based in Japan who fuses late-2000s minimalism and harmonies with razor-sharp sound design, syncopated rhythms and intricate production. Erik's self-released catalogue is vast but he rarely lands on other labels, which makes this one even more notable. It delivers atmospheric sounds that are meticulously crafted yet impactful, from the layers of delicate textures and rich detail in 'Beat The Lifeless Heart' to the sleek, synth-heavy rhythms of 'An Embrace'.
Review: Kevin Ayers serves up an intoxicating blend of folk, rock and avant-garde whimsy, his voice at once languid and commanding. With its rich, layered arrangements and a sense of playful irreverence, the album feels like a mischievous wink to listeners. Tracks range from the jazzy, free-form spirit of 'The Confessions of Dr. Dream' to the lush and introspective tones of 'Don't Let It Get You Down', showcasing Ayers' knack for both levity and depth. A record that's as enigmatic as it is charming, effortlessly bridging the gap between the eccentric and the sublime.
Review: They may have been formed in 1967 in Long Island near New York, Blue Oyster Cult are synonymous with the 70s, scoring numerous hits and filling arenas with their neat fusion of Californian-style stoner rock and more pop/rock/metal influences. The title track of this 17 track best of is obviously their best known song, one that is almost universally known, from its weaving opening to its iconic cowbell-whacking. But there are plenty of hidden depths to the band's history revealed here. 'Shooting Shark', for instance, given a very 80s production job that goes heavy on the synths and Linn drums, is one of a number of collaborations with queen of New York punk Patti Smith. 'Godzilla', meanwhile, proves they can successfully inject an element of funkiness into their approach too, not a million miles from Frank Zappa's sublime 'I Am The Slime' in its feel. No better time to join the Cult.
Review: Brown Spirits' current album on Soul Jazz Records delivers a raw, heavy and hypnotic blend of psychedelic rock and krautrock. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, the trio channels influences from Neu!, Miles Davis, Soft Machine, Gang of Four and Hendrix, creating a unique sound that combines progressive intensity with punk and post-punk energy. Their stripped-down lineup of bass, drums, guitar and keyboards is reminiscent of classic acts like Cream and Hendrix, but with a DIY, lo-fi edge. The album features powerful, fuzzed-out guitars, tough basslines and pounding drums, complemented by analog Moog synthesisers and a gritty, analog recording process. Brown Spirits' sound is simultaneously experimental and driving, drawing on their love of Krautrock while infusing it with a raw, punk attitude. Following the quick sellout of two limited-edition singles, this album is a testament to their ability to merge hard, progressive rock with hypnotic grooves and a distinct, unmistakable energy. It's an unforgettable sonic journey that stands out in the current psychedelic rock landscape.
Review: The highly anticipated Risk of Rain 2: Survivors of the Void soundtrack by Chris Christodoulou is now here. Pressed on black sparkle vinyl in a design that complements the immersive game music within. Remastered for vinyl by Christian Bethge, the soundtrack revisits and reimagines themes from the original Risk of Rain game, blending them seamlessly with new, void-infused compositions. The music is a dynamic mix of powerful guitars, pulsing synths, and pounding drums, all layered with lush reverbs. The album also introduces fresh elements, including lyrical woodwinds, soaring violins, and intense saxophones, creating a rich and diverse soundscape. This vinyl is more than just a soundtrackiit's an experience. Whether you're a fan of the series or new to Christodoulou's work, don't miss your chance to own this extraordinary piece of game music history. Comes in a stunning gatefold sleeve adorned with original art by Daniele Giardini.
Review: Images & Words remains one of Dream Theater's most defining moments, blending the technical precision of progressive metal with rich, lyrical depth. 'Pull Me Under' is, of course, the standout, its intricate guitar work matched by an anthemic energy that never loses its grip. But it's tracks like 'Another Day' and 'MetropolisiPart 1' that reveal the band's ability to juggle complex arrangements with emotional resonance. The remastered vinyl brings a fresh clarity to these multifaceted compositions, allowing each layer of sound to breathe without losing the album's raw intensity. For anyone looking to delve deeper into Dream Theater's world, this reissue offers a chance to experience it in all its dynamic glory.
Review: The album stands as a bold testament to progressive metal, combining complex arrangements, heavy instrumentation and deeply introspective themes. The band's musicianship is in peak form, with the guitarist delivering stunning solos that blend intricate leads and rhythmic precision. The music oscillates between hard-hitting tracks and melodic ballads, with standout moments in songs like the aggressive 'Lie', the challenging 'The Mirror' and the emotional depth of 'Lifting Shadows off a Dream'. There are also reflective acoustic pieces and an instrumental, showcasing the band's versatility. Lyrically, the album explores existential themes with sharp, cynical undertones, while recurring musical motifs provide a sense of cohesion. The album is ambitious and complex, balancing heaviness with moments of subtlety, making it a rewarding experience for listeners who appreciate intricate compositions and raw emotional expression.
Trial Of Tears: I) It's Raining/II) Deep In Heaven/III) The Wasteland
Review: Dream Theater's 1997 recording finds the band balancing their complex progressive roots with a newfound accessibility. The intricate instrumental passages and shifting time signatures remain intact, but the melodies lean towards a more streamlined approach, offering a sharper focus on hooks and emotive delivery. There's an underlying tension between technical virtuosity and a desire to connect on a broader level, creating a record that feels as exploratory as it is deliberate. The production captures the weight and precision of their sound while adding a polished edge, making for a deeply layered yet approachable listen.
Review: This work by Alf Emil Eik is a serene and soothing soundtrack for moments of relaxation, meditation or peaceful ambience. Eik's ethereal melodies transport listeners to a realm of inner peace and timeless beauty. Each track blends intricate layers of sound and evokes serenity and wonder while the harmonies resonate deeply within your soul. Uplifting yet introspective, the music invites reflection on the beauty of life and the mysteries of existence. A fusion of classical, ambient and new age influences abound here and prove Eik to be a master composer.
Review: Genesis' A Trick of the Tail, originally released in 1976 and newly reissued on 180-gram vinyl, captures the band's confident transformation following Peter Gabriel's departure. Stepping up as lead vocalist, Phil Collins proved to be a natural fit, bringing a warmth and subtlety that allowed Genesis to thrive as a newly formed quartet. This seventh studio album stands as a progressive rock landmark, showcasing refined, melodic compositions with a softer, more intricate feel than their previous The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. The album's standout tracks, such as 'Dance on a Volcano' and 'Los Endos', highlight Tony Banks' masterful keyboard work, with compositions that weave atmospheric textures around Collins' dynamic drumming and Mike Rutherford's lively bass lines. 'Entangled' and 'Ripples' offer gentle, haunting melodies that reveal the band's more pastoral, emotionally resonant side, with Steve Hackett's guitar enhancing each song's ethereal quality. A Trick of the Tail redefined Genesis, focusing on intricate arrangements and collaborative songwriting, with Banks taking a leading role. The record's nuanced sound and rich harmonies have cemented its place in progressive rock, and this reissue beautifully preserves the album's lush, complex layers for a new generation of fans with many in agreement that this is one of the best Genesis albums of all time.
The Colony Of Slippermen: The Arrival To The Doktor/The Raven (8:15)
Ravine (2:06)
The Light Dies Down On Broadway (3:22)
Riding The Scree (3:54)
In The Rapids (2:42)
It (4:14)
Review: Genesis's 1974 double release remains one of progressive rock's most ambitious ventures, fusing intricate musicianship with surreal storytelling, essenitlally based around the internal monologue of Peurto Rican teenager Rael. Peter Gabriel's theatrical vocals - appearing for the last time before he started his solo career - guide listeners through a labyrinthine narrative, while the band's layered compositions explore everything from delicate piano-led melodies to thunderous crescendos. The interplay of Tony Banks' keyboards and Steve Hackett's guitar work is particularly striking - see the explosive 'Broadway Melody of 1974' or the churning 'Back In N.Y.C.' - adding texture to the album's sprawling yet cohesive structure. This reissue revitalises a cornerstone of the genre, bringing clarity to its intricate arrangements without losing the raw energy of the original recording.
Review: The raw, mind-expanding energy of a band that invennted space rock and went on to influence everything from punk to electronica, captured at various shows from 1977 to 1982. Opening with tracks from the 1977 Spirit of the Age tour, including the hypnotic 'Quark, Strangeness & Charm' and the anthemic live classic 'Masters of the Universe', the interplay between Bob Calvert's commanding vocals and Dave Brock's driving guitar, paired with Simon House's soaring violin, creates a spellbinding atmosphere. The B-side features some of the band's most celebrated moments, from their most famous single 'Silver Machine' to the frenetic 'Urban Guerrilla', recorded with varied lineups that reflect the band's ever-changing, yet consistently powerful, dynamic. Hawkwind's live brilliance lies in their ability to combine intricate musicianship with immersive, sci-fi-inspired themes. If heavy riffs, swirling synths and hypnotic energy are your bag, this LP will be right up your interstellar highway.
Review: Experimental pop, electronic minimalism and global sonic influences from the former YMO member who crafts an intricate soundscape that blends coldwave, proto-techno and ambient textures on this set of reissued LPs, at least one ear always attuned to the avant-garde. Haruomi Hosono's 'Omni Sight Seeing', originally released in 1989 is an adventurous album evident from the start. 'Orgone Box' channels Kraftwerk's electro-pop precision while incorporating Steve Reich-like repetitions and Miharu Koshi's surreal vocal interjections. 'Retort' is a meditative fusion of celeste, organ and orchestration, evoking the dreamlike beauty of a sunlit European promenade. Meanwhile, 'Laugh-Gas' stands as a hypnotic acid house excursion, its squelching 808 patterns and entrancing filter work recalling both Chris & Cosey and early rave minimalism. Hosono's fascination with world music and cosmic exploration is at the core of the album. 'Esashi' transforms a traditional Japanese folk piece into an intoxicating, requiem-like reverie, while 'Andadura' merges balearic textures with Arabic vocals and tropical percussion. The album's ethereal closer, 'Pleocene', glides on downtempo rhythms, featuring hypnotic harmonisations that encapsulate the album's ability to transcend genre and cultural barriers. Omni Sight Seeing remains an example of Hosono's boundless creativity.
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