North (John Lees' Barclay James Harvest, 2013)

 Maybe John Lees' version of BJH doesn't change the story of his original band, band he still knows how to write beautiful songs and this is the case with the title track of JL-BJH's 2013 album. The usual pastoral sound is there, along with a tense musical background and - of course - a beutiful guitar solo. Most of all, the tune flows fresh and nice, and the instrumental parts are simply perfect. 

"North" was the first studio album released with the moniker 

John Lees' Barclay James Harvest

The way Mr. Lees regales his listeners by adding new ideas and lushing interludes always amazes me. Just try this track's coda: it's like following Alice into a musical Wonderland, in my humble opinion. The apparent simplicity of those songs underlines the skills of both the composer and the performers and that's why such a song really can light up a dull day.

Pareidolia (Haken,2013)

"Pareidolia" is one of the two long epic tracks included in "The Mountain" album and also one of the most interesting songs by Haken, IMHO. I like the way the band mix different moods into a highly coherent composition: hard rock, eclectic prog, Eastern scales, introspective breaks and devilish solos are all gathered here. The atmospheric passages and the high tempo riffs follow each other and create a dynamic and riveting musical plot, where each idea seems to pop up at the right moment.

"The Mountain" was the third studio album by Haken.

 

The lyrics are about the human effort to find the meaning of life beyond the surrounding chaos and fragility. Pareidolia is the well known phenomenon in which we recognize familiar images where they don't exist, such as the man in the moon or animal shapes among the clouds. Such a challenging subject is very well supported by the band's music, summoning ancient civilizations and suggesting a rather pessimistic mood evolving in a majestic and even dreadful crescendo. A very special song, if you believe me.

Baghdad I, II & III (Ilvcia, 2013)

Spanish folk, oriental mood and symphonic patterns... can you imagine such a mix? Well, it actually exists and you'll listen to it on the album "In The Nature of Reason", released by Spanish band Ilvcia. "Baghdad", in particular, is a suite of three tracks spanning over some 18 minutes and lining up a first acoustic part called The Gates, a more progressive and lively central section titled The Market and a liquid, pulsing finale (The Suburbs).

"In The Nature of Reason" was the first album by Ilvcia.

This three part piece of music is difficult to label, but this is exactly what I expect in a progressive song. Sure, you'll recognize here many traditional prog elements, namely the guitar / keyboard interplays and the atmospheric passages, but there are also so many folk, pop, space rock and even psych ingredients in this spiced kind of music that make me feel strangely happy when I listen to it. A good omen, no doubt.

Cold Heart (Chris, 2013)

I'm frequently deceived by one-man bands' albums, but this wasn't the case with this one. Chris is the brand Dutch multi-intrumentalist Christiaan Bruin chose for his most known musical adventure, started in 2008 and still gouing on. It's difficult to desctribe this song, taken from the album "Days of Summer Gone", as it zigzags from symphonic rock to Beatles-like well found melodies. To enhance such a diverse track, Mr. Bruin called in a little chamber orchestra of six elements, including strings and wnds.

"Days of Summer Gone" is the fifth studio album  by Chris.

And very well he did, because the pleasant contrast between guitars and percussions (provided by Christiaan himself) and the classically trained sextet is one of the highlights of "Cold Heart", that despite its title has a warm sound. Another plus are the unpredictable changes through which the track goes, the twisted and very different moods it gets. Epic and ironic, easy and tricky, you've got everything in just one package and still each note perfectly matches with the big picture. Smart, I daresay.

Fanfare for The Broken Hearted (Comedy of Errors, 2013)

There are many neo-prog bands in the UK, as you can imagine, but some of them are so good that I can't stop listening to them. Comedy of Errors have that special lure I like in prog bands and this track, the opener of "Fanfare & Fantasy" album, is a good specimen of their approach. Not only tempo changes, solos and tons of keyboards: these musicians also know the emotional side of music and they never try to show off their skills and electronic devices.

Comedy of Errors are a Glasgow-based band.

In the wake of Marillion, they succeed in matching their music with the lyrics they write and every note is there to communicate. Perhaps this "Fanfare" is not an experimental track, and maybe we have all listened to something like that, but this is just one more reason to be glad when you discover how convincing and passionate this song is all the same. I'll always welcome those playing the music they like. Especially when it happens I also like it.

Völuspá (Tirill, 2013)

Tirill Mohn (or simply Tirill) was part of Norwegian band White Willow, then went solo and recorded some highly evocative albums. This "Völuspá" (the title is the same of an ancient poem from the Poetic Edda) opens the album "Um himinjǫður" and is a sweet, charming trip in a fairy world. The acoustic background, the folk roots, the beautiful double vocals... everything here builds up a moment of musical perfection, a three minutes jewel.

"Um himinjǫður" was Tirill's third solo album.

 

Songs like this one are completely out of time and when they also have a strong and effective melody, then the listener is in heaven. I also appreciate the way Tirill mixed Norse legends and instruments coming from different Countries and cultures, conjuring up a world of her own and a magic we all need from time to time.

The Lake (Symphony Novel, 2013)

Indian prog has its own special, modern still evergreen taste. Symphony Novel combine many influences in their music, both Indian and Western ones. "The Lake" comes from their 2013 debut album "Aria" and is an intense, atmospheric ballad not too far from the post-rock mood. The first thing I liked in this song was the vocal performance, so deep and still so ethereal, spiritual I daresay.

"Aria" features both atmospheric and heavy musical moments.

Then I listened to the measured and well balanced instrumental background, with the right amount of light keyboards and electric guitar touches. The rythm section is also very good, stressing the stanzas of this ballad with a discreet and almost psychedelic accompaniement. Nothing is too strong or too weak, IMHO, and thus the great picture shines and charms my ears. Well done!

Lost in Time (Flamborough Head, 2013)

Back to Dutch neo-proggers Flamborough Head. This 2013 release surely was an excellent addition to their career and the title track is a perfect specimen of their kind of music. It's based on a rather rich and well known recipe, including all the main features of a neo-prog song: a catchy main theme, an acoustic intro, dreamy electric guitar solos, thick keyboards, some rocky parts and lots of melodic passages.

"Lost in Time" was the seventh studio album by FH.

Sure, this is something we all listened to hundreds of times, still it is so well build up and so pleasantly performed that I like it very much. Flamborough Head know how to alternate the moods and the rythms, when to change the tempo and the right moment to introduce the flute or the spanish guitar. I've been eating pizza most of my life, but I still like it. Why should it be different with music?

Brennisteinn (Sigur Rós, 2013)

The opening track of the album "Kveikur" seems to me like metal rock compared with the average volume and tempo of most Sigur Rós songs. I like very much its inner tension, something between math-rock and a horror film soundtrack. And it also has an ejoyable sung line... well, not exactly what I happen to sing in my bathroom, but surely well written and well sung. It's a highly creative piece of music, including electronic and acoustic sounds so perfectly mixed that you couldn't tell a violin from a synth.

A suggestive frame from the official video of "Brennsteinn".

And the dark, aggressive mood of "Brennisteinn" strikes me, as I find here both sides of the band: the ethereal, spacey one and the upsetting, experimental one. More than this: I could listen to this song one hundred times and still each time I'd find something new, a hidden sound, an underlying line, a secret passage. Last but not least, I think Andrew Huang's official video perfectly captures the atmosphere of the track. Pure post-prog pleasure for your eyes and ears.

Bhula Do Unhey (Coshish, 2013)

Indian prog rock is growing fast. Coshish are one of the most interesting bands there, gathering many different musical worlds into one well recognizable modern version of progressive rock. This "Bhula Do Unhey" comes from the concept album "Firdous" and is a highly diversified track. It starts slowly with an atmospheric and captivating acoustic guitar, it goes on as a mid-tempo ballad and then here you are a devilish electric guitar accompanying the chorus and finally performing solo.

Coshish finally got a major's production for their "Firdous".

Really, this is an eclectic and convincing way to build up a catchy but never trivial song. "Bhula Do Unhey" can be read as both a wannabe chart single and a musical exploration along old and new progressive paths. A pinch of Tool, half a teaspoon of Porcupine Tree and lots of good ideas, of course. Easy? Not so...

Island (Mayfair, 2013)

I was immediatly charmed by this prog ballad when I first listened to it. Mayfair are an Austrian band playing their own kind of rock, related to prog, mainstream, metal and melodic genres. Mayfair don't like tricky arrangements and are rather lured by plain structures and coherent moods. "Island", as a matter of fact, is a pure evocative song, sung both in German and English and taken from the album "Schlage Mein Herz Schlage..." (meaning "Beat, My Heart, Beat...").

This was Mayfair's fourth studio album.

 

These musicians have a strong melodic and emotional approach to music, something rather rare among prog or prog-related bands, but also something I usually appreciate very much. And they're also very good at mixing guitars and keyboards in order to create a suspended atmosphere, cleverly stressed by the rythm section. This song is a crepuscular sketch, a deep, inner reflection proving how much a plain ballad can be... progressive!

Judas Unrepentant (Big Big Train, 2012)

A beautiful track by Big Big Train, taken from their "English Electric - Part One" album. Full of good musical themes and original arrangements, this "Judas Unrepentant" strikes me for its joyous overture, the melodious largos and the vaguely folk inspiration. As usual, David Longdon's vocal performance is nearly perfect and some special features add a special charm. Let's see a few of them.

The complete edition of "English Electric" was released in 2013.

First of all, the acoustic section, featuring Rachel Hall's violin along with Longdon's flute. Splendid, IMHO, full of the Old England smell I likeso much. Then, here you are Andy Tillison ravaging his organ before the final chorus reprise. Sounds like Golden Era keyboardmen are back. And what about Danny Manners and his plain but effective piano? Or Nick D'Virgilio's drumming? The egg of Columbus, if you ask me, because all things that work seem so obvious that you barely notice them. Probably that's why I'm still listening to this song. Over and over.

The Study of Madness (Bolus, 2013)

This Canadian powerful trio made some good album during the last ten years and some excellent songs, like this "The Study of Madness". No musical revolutions here, no weird experiments, just a plain and modern song, fresh like a spring rain. The sounds are all well found and even better set in a clever architecture, kind of an enhanced ballad. Marillion and Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Rush go on very well in this track, including both sweet, atmospheric melodies and a bit of distorted guitars and furious drumming.

"Triangulate" is the third studio album by Bolus.

The final effect is like a refreshing wind, a journey back to the basics, something I surely need now and then. If you like such a genre, the whole  "Tiangulate" album should interest you, as the band give a series of rather short and smart tracks, never too tricky and never too simple. Measure is a great gift, after all.

The Gamer (The Windmill, 2013)

With two albums called "To Be Continued..." and "The Continuation", these Norwegian musicians seem to have a coherent project in their minds. Well, they actually do a very good mix of classic and contemporary prog and I like the way they arrange catchy tunes and more complex arrangements. When it comes to a long epic like "The Gamer", they also showcase solid organizing skills. The recurring themes, the instrumental variations, the way each instrument comes in and plays its role in due time, the keen succession of melodic themes and rock riffs, swing and neo-prog... all is in tune here.

This second Windmill's album features five tracks.,

all very good ones, IMHO.

The Windmill also know the importance of writing good lyrics and in this song deal with such a present-day theme as game addiction. The epic is divided into three parts and vocals are shared between Erik Borgen (Parts I-II) and Jean Robert (part III). That's an effective solution,IMHO, and after all these boys don't like rigid divisions when it comes to instruments and you'll often listen two guitars or two keyboards playing.  Another good reason to meet The Windmill.

Escalator Shrine (Riverside, 2013)

Riverside are more than a promising band: they're one of the most innovative and mature acts among the 21st Century prog acts. This "Escalator Shrine", a 12 minutes song from the album "Shrine of New Generation Slaves" is a perfect example of their modern and evocative music. A deep sung theme, a series of instrumental embroideries, a slightly acid atmosphere are but three of the main features of the track. I'll also remember here a Gilmour-like electric guitar, a pulsing instrumental section mixing "The Wall" and ELP, a variated and rich drumming and - last but not least - plenty of keyboard progressions and thick guitar riffs.

This is Riverside's fifth studio album, one of their best ones, IMHO.

The distorted guitars are also there, but they're employed with measure and even discretion. And how wonderful is the second instrumental section with its piercing guitar and the Hammond effect introducing the second sung theme, even better than the opening one. A real shrine of musical ideas, all perfectly in tune with the cold and almost psychedelic mood of the song. Congratulation, my Polish friends!

Las Moiras (Láquesis, 2013)

If you feel like going back to symphonic rock roots, back to the good old prog days, this Argentinian band fits you very well. They play the way we used to like with a more eclectic approach and create both bombastic walls of sound and gentle acoustic interludes. More than this: they dare to put down in music the Ancient Greek myth of "Las Moiras" (yes, the Fates) in a beautiful, unpredictable, progressive suite. This is divided into four movements: "Láquesis", "Cloto", "Átropos" and "Requiem", retracing the Fates' job and their fatal output.

Hope to listen more by this Argentinian fivesome... 

They were brave, those guys from Rosario, as the theme isn't new in the progressive world, but they face challenging comparisons with all the fire of their enthusiasm and with their excellent skills both in writing and playing. I like all the sections of this epic, especially the energetic intro and the atmospheric passages. I'm happy to know there are still musicians into symphonic rock out there and I'm glad to see how original they can be, despite all the music that's flown along the river Prog.

Möbius Slip (Sound of Contact, 2013)

I must admit I waited longer than originally planned before posting this intro to Sound of Contact's suite taken from their debut album "Dimensionaut". I had two good reasons for that: firstly, the rest of the album was definitely pop oriented, though not bad at all; secondly, Simon Collins (Phil's son) is the leader of this band and I could be suspected of partiality. So I listened to this track many times and I'm now sure it deserves your attention. These boys really found a good balance between old and new prog, enriching the current post-prog vein with sounds pertaining to the history of our favourite genre. "Dimensionaut" is a concept album based on parallel Worlds and dimensional shifts, but I'm not enough good in physics to understand, let alone to explain this.

"Dimensionaut" also features this beautiful art by Taavi Torim.

I better like music and this is great music, IMHO. Not only the melodies are excellents and the arrangements are varied and rather unexpected, but the musicians play their instruments very well. And yes, drumming is particularly good. The suite is divided into four parts and the passages from each of them to the following one are actually among the best features of the song. Other ones are the alternate use of thick and ethereal atmospheres and the acoustic guitars touch here and there. The wall of sound is solid and still crystalline, while some key effects are suspended and highly suggestive. Last but not least, Collins' voice is... Collins' voice.

We Breathe Together (Dead Heroes Club, 2013)

Dead Heroes Club actually are one of the most interesting prog bands out there. They come from Ireland, not an usual place for prgo, and their prog is a somehow unusual one, so full of energy and so poor in useless tinsels. Liam Campbell's voice is strong and slightly black, while all the other members of the fivesome are brilliant in their effective, almost essential sound. This song comes from their third studio album, "Everything Is Connected".

I think Dead Heroes Club are improving their music:

each new album adds a little more to the previous one.

The progressive core is there, of course, made of tempo and mood changes, a rich choice of effects and instruments, but there is never too much or too tidy in this track (and in all DHC's discography). You'll appreciate the neat rythm section, and also some very fast arpeggios on the electric guitar, something not too far from U2's lesson. And when the piano comes in you'll see how fresh and new this song is and how original a prog band can be if they're proud enough.

Sudden Winter (Verbal Delirium, 2013)

I didn't know this Greek prog rock band, and when I discovered them, thanks to George Eleftheriou, a real progmaster (thank you, George!) I was immediately taken by this sombre, slow track, coming from the second album of Verbal Delirium, titled "From The Small Hours of Weakness". Nostalgy and somewhat nocturnal, this song conjures up a suspended world reminiscent of both Nordic and Mediterranean atmospheres.

I'll follow these guys. Definitely.

Modern post-prog waves mix with Old symphonic winds, something like VDDG meet Paatos (with a bonus early King Crimson whiff) and the final result is simply disarming. Jargon's voice is sad and sensual and his keyboards fill the space around you with shrouds of gloom and sweetness and when Nikitas Kissonas's mandolin comes in the magic is complete.

Something Very Strange (Spock's Beard, 2013)

I usually don't add a song released in the current year to this collection, but with this "Something Very Strange" I can't wait longer. After so many line-up changes, I didn't expect too much from the new Spock Beard's album, called "Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep", but I was wrong. I found in it at least two great songs and this is one of them.

A great cover artwork by Thomas Ewerhard!

I like this track, a mid-length one, because of its unusual fusion of traditional and intricate prog rock and a catchy main theme, maybe more inspired to the '60s than to the '70s. This theme returns with pleasant variations then and now, providing airy breaks in the tight frame of the song, including Ryo Okumoto's key progressions and a beautiful guitar solo by Alan Morse. A tough, compact, nonetheless fresh and surprising song I highly recommend.