A tres quadras del mar (Arenal, 2007)

 Arenal are a Chilean band from Valparaiso who released two interesting albums between 2007 and 2011. They were able to combine many different elements to build up a fascinating sound, full of electric and acoustic passages, melodic atmospheres, neo-prog sounds, fusion passages and even a light touch of metal prog. This song is the title track from their debut album and you'll find in it almost everything I listed above. 

This debut album is an instrumental prog hidden gem, IMHO.

Such a diverse palette never prevents the track's coherence, fluidity and enjoyability, allowing on the contrary a deeper and richer texture. The way jazzy and classical themes merge in this instrumental piece of music is surprising and very, very welcome to me. The whole band is technically gifted, but a special mention goes to guitarist Sandro Fernández and keyboardist Daniel Nanjari, providing the core sound of Arenal.

Linden (Ünder Linden, 2007)

Ünder Linden, despite their Berlin-retated name, are an Argentinian band playing a dreamy kind of prog with a very beautiful violin too. This track, coming from Ünder Linden's self titled album, is one of their best achievements, IMHO, including an arcane intro, some beautiful keyboard effects and, of course, the band trademarks: Roberto Medina's violin and Ignacio Scarsella's electric guitar.

"Ünder Linden" was the debut album of this Argentinian band.

Even if the up tempo section of the track has some pop-rock flavours, it combines the two main instruments in a very original way, so that the listener is pleasantly surprised and willingly follows the joyous and enthralling interplays. The guitar and violin solos are supported by a lively rythm section and a discreet and effective keyboards background. No doubt: this is the perfect piece of music for a dull day!

Delirium (Crónico, 2007)

What a pleasure to introduce this Mexican band to my readers! "Delirium" is the almost title track of Cronico's only album to date "Delirium Room", and maybe the most interesting one. The lyrics are in Spanish (some songs from this CD are in English) and Lizbeth Mendizabal actually has a very original voice. The mood and tempo change many times during the song, including many instrumental interplays involving Daniel Koppen's keyboards and Gabriel Eguiluz's guitars.

IMHO, one of the best prog albums from Mexico in the new Century.

The sound is specially rich, as Lizbeth plays additional Keys to enhance it. The traditional progressive features are all there, but the band add some arcane vocal harmonies and a perfect mix of acoustic and electric instruments to the big picture. There is an abiding tension in "Delirium" that matches with the title and never let the song get trivial or redundant. A pleasure to my ears, and I hope to yours too.

Anesthetize (Porcupine Tree, 2007)

This "Anestethize", coming from the album "Fear of A Blank Planet", could be considered a suite, as the lyrics in the booklet were neatly divided into three sections, and anyway  its more than 17 minutes of duration time and the changes in mood, tempo and arrangement also justify this. The song is highly representative of the 2000s production of Wilson & friends, lining up atmospheric and rather sad moments, ballad-like themes and cold distorted guitars in the rockiest passages.

"Anestetize" also was the title of PT's 2010 live release.

For sure, this weird mixture has a mysterious emotional appeal, and it compels the listener to dig inside his or her soul, where the deepest fears and worries hid themselves. The last section, in particular, moves me each time I listen to this epic, but all its moments are there to outline a dark journey that has the power to nerve my spirit in a shrewd and keen way.

Empires Never Last (Galahad, 2007)

This is the title track of a rather average album by Galahad, but the song itself is among the best things the band recorded ever, IMHO. The muscular intro mixing symphonic rock and heavy prog is a remarkable start, so that when abruptly the mood changes and the song goes melodic the listener gets a pleasant surprise. The following "arena rock" chorus is catchy and welcome. Sure, some distorted guitars come in here and there, but the main feature in this central section is (once again) Stuart Nicholson's strong and sensitive vocal performance.

"Empires Never Last" was the eighth studio work by Galahad.

Thanks to him and to the ever changing arrangements, "Empires Never Last" is a strong and never pomp song. The final part brings in an excellent guitar solo that adds some further quality to the track. Yes, Galahad will keep their place in my playlists until they will be able to build up songs like this one.

Water Spark (Oaksenham, 2007)

Oaksenham are from Armenia, not exactly the most common place to start a prog rock band. But they did it and, if you ask me, they did it very well. This "Water Spark" comes from their "Conquest of The Pacific" album and is an exciting mix of old and new. A folk-oriented flute, a diversified rythmic background, a very good vintage keyboard work and even an echo of distorted guitars. That's how those musicians blend their classical training with a modern taste.

Oaksenham is a six-piece act founded in 2001.

It's definitely enough stuff to rise up a progger's attention and when you discover the way they handle tempo and mood changes, you have to listen to this one more times. I did so and I decided to put this song here: it takes me by surprise, then it carries me into a kaleidoscope of folk, classical, rock and even pop colours... that's exactly what I call prog.

El viaje (Supay, 2007)

An andean prog folk rock track from Peru. Supay mix the local  colours, some r'n'r instruments and a modern rythmic section very well and they also try to gradually change the mood of this instrumental, adding here and there a good tasted keyboards touch and even a slightly west coast electric guitar. I think they deserve more attention, especially in their proggest moments.

"El viaje" was the second studio work by Supay.

They really offer something new, these musicians, and this is not common today. Unfortunately, I daresay. Listen to this song and when the final aggressive guitar bursts out, please don't forget the andean pipes: they're two different faces of the same band... and I'm sure you'll appreciate this "viaje"... oh yes, that means "trip", as you surely know.

Sukuba (Jeseter, 2007)

A surprising piece of prog, if you believe me. This Czech band apparently began their career as a Yes-inspired act, but their first album surely was something else. ''Slavnost Pro Jednoho'' (meaning "Celebration for One") is a collection of crossover prog songs, somehow inspired by some East-European experimental bands, and still keeping many canons from the Golden Era Symphonic rock.

 

Jeseter came back with their sophomore work in 2012.

This "Sukuba" ("Succubus") is based on a syncopated rythm (IQ would have liked that one), then goes on through unpredictable paths, including a passionate vocal performance, a jazzy vintage section , a lysergic guitar / keyboards interplay, a pinch Church organ, a scary vocal part  and even a folkish ballad section. The '70s mood is everywhere, but you couldn't define a prevailing influence here. Jeseter have all the virtues a good prog band should have to go on. I really hope they will.

Dissimmetrie (La Torre dell'Alchimista, 2007)

One of the most interesting Italian prog bands born in the late '90s, La Torre dell'Alchimista knows how to write and play good music, obviously inspired by the great classics of their Country, but with a special and modern twist of their own. This "Dissimmetrie", taken from the album "Neo" will prove how dynamic and unpredictable their tracks are, despite the vintage mood it spreads all around. Like this band's  many other songs, this opening track is a short suite and it's divided into two parts.

 

"Neo" was the second studio album by this band, based in the North of Italy.

Don't expect two clearly divided moments, though, and we'd rather describe this composition as an ever changing one, lining up a slightly dissonant recurring main theme and a series of well found melodies, intricate interplays and - last but not least - an atmospheric finale. Definitely, you can pay respect to prog tradition and be fully creative as well. Thanks for reminding me of  that, alchemist guys!

Sunrise (Apple Pie, 2007)

Here you are a Russian band sounding like Spock's Beard but with their own special mood. Apple Pie's debut album "Crossroads" includes this track, called "Sunrise". I like very much. I know many of you don't like melodic neo-prog, but here you'll find an unusually warm sound, with a good deal of acoustic guitars, a friendly voice and good vocal harmonies too. The electric guitar is likely the best feature of this song, so pleasant and so well played, performing a series of diversified solos. The main theme is also  very good, with a creascendo setting and a well found chorus.

This album features ten fully enjoyable songs. 

The rythm section supports the singer and the guitarist with conviction and without any excess. When the keyboards come in, they add the final touch to the song, starting a delicious interplay with some slightly distorted guitars. I appreciate this song for its pattern too, lining up sweet and aggressive sections, acoustic and electric instruments, so that the listener never gets bored. Well done, actually.

Another Friday Night (Hoggwash, 2007)

The Ukrainian keyboardist and singer Antony Kalugin, of Karfagen fame (see elsewhere in this blog), also created Hoggwash project, bringing on a somewhat easier side of prog, not too far from neo-prog sounds. This "Another Friday Night", taken from the album "The Last Horizon" develops such a musical concept in all its usual features and with the greatest care.

"The Last Horizon" was the debut album for Hoggwash.

The main theme is a captivating and melodic one, while the arrangements insist on modern key effects and a good deal of electric and acoustic guitars by Roman Philonenko, the band's co-leader. Some of the effects Kalugin displays here remind me of Polish band Collage, and the keen sound engineering surely is another strong point of this song. A pleasant listening, a well balanced track dealing with both vintage and contemporary prog, a humble and hopefully useful suggestion for my prog friends out there. 

Rain on The Moon (Dawn, 2007)

This is a fascinating, classically progressive song by Dawn, a very interesting Swiss band. These musicians like vintage sounds, but they also know how to update them and seldom try some new paths. René Degoumois has a beautiful, pure voice, and also plays wery well his electric guitar. In this "Rain on The Moon", the second track from the debut album "Loneliness", for example, his dreaming solo is reminiscent of past masters, but has its own distinctive sound.

Dawn come from Montreux, on the Lake Geneva.

Another strong point is the free and clever architecture of the band's longest tracks - this one is more than 7 minutes long - where the different themes fluidly follow one another, with some pleasant surprises and well placed reprises. So, Dawn are both traditional and innovative, the way a prog band should be, IMHO. A good mix of familiar solutions and challenging breaks, that's exactly what I'm usually looking for...

Prima (Aviva, 2007)

Aviva is the name of pianist Dimitri Loukianenko's prog project. As you will immediatly understand, this Russian man is a fan of ELP and he plays keys and piano very, very well (could it be otherwise?). This "Prima", sub-titled "Blessed Paul's Phantoms", is just like musical lava. Like his beloved model, Loukianenko puts a virtuoso fury in his instrumental track and quotes a deal of classical genres. The Whole "Rokus Tonalis" album is based on Paul Hindemith's polyphonic piano cycle "Ludus Tonalis" and it isn't easy to catch when you first listen to it. 

He even looks like Emerson, I think...

But this musician also likes to add some modern touches in his work and to mess up his models, so electronic devices back the piano, while unpredictable soud effects come in at nearly every corner. It's a lively and challenging kind of prog and I'm sure many of you will like to go on discovering Loukianenko's work... in this case, don't worry: you'll find "Secunda", "Tertia" and many other pearls on this album, let alone in the rest of his production. Enjoy.

Frank (Trion, 2007)

This Dutch progressive trio was founded in 2003 by keyboard player Edo Spanninga of Flamborough Head fame. This track is in fact a bonus suite included in the band's second album "Pilgrim", but IMHO is the best reason to buy the whole record. Not only the different movements include several good melodies, but the atmospheric and evocative mood of the track really moves me. The Mellotron and the piano are no doubt the leading instruments here, but I also like the way Eddie Mulder (another Flamborough Head member) enrich the sound with his guitars, especially the 12 strings one, but also the heartbreaking electric solo towards the end of the song.

Trion seem to like Yes-inspired arts for their album covers.

The third member of the band, Memno Boomsma, comes from another Dutch neo-prog act, Odyssice, and his percussions are sensitive and coherent with the big picture. This suite was produced as a tester some months before the album and the version included in the CD is a re-recorded and improved one. Just some words about the title, as the track is purely instrumental: the song was inspired by a character (played by Henry Fonda) of the well known Spaghetti-western film "Once Upon A Time in The West", directed by Sergio Leone. Didn't you like it? Well, it doesn't matter: try the song all the same!

Madre Tierra (Flor de Loto, 2007)

Flor de Loto are a foursome band from Peru and they represent a brilliant fusion of folk roots with prog rock essence. The abundance of flutes (basically replacing the keyboards) build up an Andean atmosphere reminiscent of ancient civilisations, but then the guitars and the drumming (and even a short '70s choral section) add now and then a modern prog rock mood. I also like the tempo changes, all so pleasant and surprising in this "Madre Tierra" ("Mother Earth" in English), the title track of Flor de Loto's second studio album.

...And I also like all their cover paintings!

Two more special mentions: the first one is for the acoustic guitar, linking the sweetest sections of the song to the big picture; the second one goes to the enthralling finale of the track, sharp and up tempo like in the best prog rock families! Believe me, this band is worth your attention. A gift for my prog and open minded friends.

Rapid Eye Movement (Riverside, 2007)

Stunning. This 12:37 minutes track, originally conceived as part of the Reality Dream Trilogy, was finally released in the bonus disc included in a special edition of "Rapid Eye Movement" CD. So, strangely, the album title track wasn't included in its standard edition! I love this instrumental track, reminding me some old Tangerine Dream suite for its gradual and clever building up and also for its strong electronic flavour.

This song was also included in the "Schizophrenic Prayer" EP.

The suspended, increasingly sorrowful mood of this song also includes some more relaxed and open breaks, somehow concurring to the weirdness of the big picture. Piotr Grudziński's guitar plays an essential role, fluctuating from Gilmour-esque to psychedelic tones and actually biting the listener's soul. It's a secret trip into human fears and nightmares, an intimate exploration, a dream and a nightmare. And one of the main reasons why I included Riverside in my fave bands list.

Ghost Town Nightmare 荒城梦魇 (Cold Fairyland 冷酷仙境, 2007)

I knew that - sooner or later - a Chinese prog rock track would surface in my blog. And still, I couldn't have imagined such a beautiful one. This "Ghost Town Nightmare" isn't a nightmare, it's a sweet and pleasant dream. Full of Eastern folk moments, it is nevertheless a perfect modern prog song, with all the changes and the delicate feelings one could desire.

In this album the band went acoustic. And they did it very well.

Taken from the third band's album, "Seeds on The Ground" (地上的种子), this downtempo track features (as the whole allbum does) an acoustic arrangement including the traditional instruments pipa and ruan, played by Lin Di, whose sweet vocals I really like. An universe of ancient legends, mysterious nature and pure skies materialize before your very eyes and a deep fascination takes you away from the material world. A new and reviving experience I highly recommend to you all. And 你好 or nǐ hǎo if you better like!

Circus of Life (Magic Pie, 2007)

A suite lasting some 45 minutes... and if you think such a long listening will be tiring, well, yhou're wrong! This Norwegian band succeeded in building up a complex and ever changing musical architecture, including all kinds of prog rock and perfectly balanced, fit to catch your curiosity.  Ethereal atmospheres, heavy rock riffs, keyboard fast progressions, distorted guitars, floydian chords, beautiful sung themes, effective vocal harmonies à la Flower Kings... all is there. Nonetheless, this is not a mere succession of tracks, a miscellaneous display of sounds.

This album features the long title track and two more songs.

This is a suite, a real, coherent one. Those guys arrange very well the electric and acoustic moments and play even better with recurring themes and riffs. All those elements fit perfectly together and they all have the band's original trademark, made of airy melodies and transparent sounds, where vintage and up-to-date flow together. I liked their first album, but this title track from their second one definitely persuaded me that Magic Pie are worth their name: they're magic and, yes, they're a treat!

Roulette (Beardfish, 2007)

This long and diversified track comes from Beardfish' album "Sleeping in Traffic Part One" and it's the longest and most challenging one. Starting with a vintage wall of sound, it offers a big deal of styles and moods, building up a very original sound. These Swedish musicians love good melodies (and so do I) and love to arrange them in delicious plots and this song is a perfect specimen of their skills. It's a kaleidoscope of rythms and tunes, an inlay of tempos and moods, so that I can frankly state that this is one of the funniest and most intriguing songs

 

This was the third album by Beardfish.

 

I've ever listened to. Some of the vocal harmonies remind me of Gentle Giant, but in a easier way, and there's a strong reference to popular dance music too, something rather unusual in a prog rock track. A special mention goes to Rikard Sjöblom's keyboards, gathering a wide range of effects, such as a beautiful electric piano or a surprising accordion. Listening to songs like this one ensures that prog is not dead (nor dying).

Sound of The Apocalypse (Black Bonzo, 2007)

I like most of Black Bonzo's songs, but I admit they're often derivative ones, where one could easily recognize the inspirers (usually from the '70s), even if these Swedish guys mix them very well. This song is different. I could define it as a contemporary prog ballad, full of a morn atmosphere and - as the title says - of apocalyptic expectations. In fact, it's a mini-suite divided in three sections: A) Twins, B) Towers Collapse and C) The Boiling Point. The reference to the Twint Towers attack is likely but not clearly stated. 

Black Bonzo: even their facial expressions are somehow apocalyptic!

The sung theme in the first part is gloomy and unceasing, like a growing dark cloud, but the majestic instrumental ssecond section open brighter gashes in this dying picture. The third part resumes the first theme, then introduces a bombastic finale that's the most glorious passage of the epic. There's no optimism there, but a wider point of view, a farther horizon. The sound of the whole track is a good compromise between the retro style of the band and some current musical worlds, such as the British post-progressive scene. The result is a powerful, winding, misty song I highly recommend to old and new prog fans.