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Blurred Vision

Organized Insanity

Review by Gary Hill

There is a lot of retro tinge to the sound of this album. Yet, it’s also modern, tied to things like RPWL and Porcupine Tree. There are some sections that are quite Pink Floyd like, too. All in all, this has a nice mix of sounds. It manages to feel classic and modern at the same time.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2015  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
No More War
The verses have a real 1960s rock element to them. The choruses bring it more into modern progressive rock. The instrumental break does, too. It also infuses some jazz. There are some great sound clips on the tune, too.
Rollin' On
As much as I liked the first tune, this is even better. It makes me think of a cross between Supertramp and Pink Floyd in a lot of ways. It’s a great retro tinged rocker. There are hints of glam rock in the mix, too. The instrumental section really calls to mind Pink Floyd. I love the guitar work on this one.
Tonight
This is energetic and closer to modern prog of acts like RPWL and Porcupine Tree. I suppose modern Marillion is a good reference point, too. I like this song. It’s just not as potent as the two that preceded it.
Long May You Run
The vocals on this really make me think of Roger Waters. With that in mind, this feels at the start like one of the mellower pieces on Pink Floyd’s The Wall. Even when it shifts to the guitar based section, the reference to Pink Floyd is still very valid.
Promise
This comes in screaming hot and shifts to more of an electronic pop meets modern prog sound. The instrumental section is more pure prog. I like the harder rocking movement, too.
Dear John
An acoustic based ballad, this combines psychedelia and modern progressive rock. As it gets into more rocking territory, it takes on a bit of Beatles vibe. Since the titular John is obviously Lennon, that makes sense.
Arms of Our World
This is more rocking. It’s got a lot of that modern prog sound. The guitar solo is very much classic rock oriented.
All I Wanted
I love the instrumental section in the middle of this song. The song proper, though, is another that reminds me of Supertramp quite a bit. I can even hear some hints of powerpop in the mix. This is another strong cut on a disc of strong music.
Wherever You Are
This is energetic and fun. It’s more of a progressive pop song than a prog rock one.
The Keeper
Now, if you want progressive rock, just turn to this one. There is some world music in the musical progressions. The song is dramatic and powerful. It builds nicely, too. The powerhouse later section of this cut is among the best musical passages of the whole CD.
Organized Insanity
Mellow keyboard based sounds open the title track. It builds out from there into another more dramatic and serious progressive rocker. This works through a number of changes. It’s arguably the most complex piece here. One could also say that, despite some catchy hooks, it’s one of the strangest songs. Still, it’s powerful and effective. It’s a great tour-de-force to end the set.
 
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