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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Mollmaskin

Heartbreak In ((Stereo))

Review by Gary Hill

The packaging on this is a little gimmicky. Basically it’s like a double CD set, but each disc (left side and right side – so labeled and so located in the sleeves) is only about the length of a record side. There is a cool mix of sounds throughout this. It’s quite modern in tone, but it touches on a lot of classic sound at the same time. I like this set quite a bit. I’m just not sure the gimmick was necessary.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 3 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
Left Side

      
The Same Ash

There is a mix of folk music, psychedelia, prog and even some space rock here. You might even make out a little jazz at times. This is a strong cut and a great way to start the set.

Never Able
After a bit of pounding drums, the other instruments join. There is definitely a lot of jazz in this cut. Parts of it remind me of old King Crimson. Other things, though, are more closely tied to something like Europop. This is an energetic cut that’s one of the best of the set. There is a bit of a noisy movement later that’s quite cool.
The Long Shadow
An energized cut, this is accessible. It has a lot of modern prog in it along with pop music, folk and more.
How Many Ants
With jazz and Europop in the mix, this is a more complex piece. It’s powerful. There are parts that make me think of Steely Dan, but this is decidedly more progressive than that.
Jennifer
As this starts, it reminds me a bit of early Pink Floyd. The cut works out from there to a nice mix of folk music and space. There are still hints of that trippy Floyd thing, though. Jazzier elements later bring it more in line with early King Crimson in a lot of ways. It shifts more to space music near the end.
Two Moods
Fast paced jazz rock opens this. There is some space music in the mix, though. There are parts of this that are more in keeping with the mellower folk prog sounds. Other parts land closer to that space rock end of the spectrum. All in all, though, this is a great piece of music. It’s one of the best here. It’s one of the most dynamic, too.
Right Side
   
Halvtom Sjel

Folk music, progressive rock, alternative and more merge on this effective and quite melodic piece. It’s moody, but also quite compelling.

Dirty Linen
Melodic and quite pretty, this is much more pure progressive rock. It’s still moody, but it’s also mellow, lush and intricate at times.
Nightmare City Suite
With a combination of progressive rock, Beatles like pop rock and folk music, this is cool stuff. It’s an extended piece.
The Death of Lennon
Moody and quite pretty, this has sort of Pink Floyd meets RPWL vibe in some ways. It’s more folk oriented than that, though.
Before We Go To War
Starting on piano, this builds out gradually. This piece gets incredibly powerful and lush. To me the vocals are at times a little awkward, though.
 
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