I’ve read a few reviews of this disc that just plain trashed it. Frankly, I wonder what sort of music the people doing the reviews listen to and what they were expecting this to be. Honestly, people who enjoy music like Porcupine Tree will find plenty to like here. Surely it shifts and turns more frequently than that, but the somewhat detached and rather cold vocal delivery and dark soundscapes call to mind bands of that genre. This is distinctly progressive rock. It’s full of weird left turns and oddities. It’s sure to please fans of modern prog. I guess if you like pop music or something more linear you might find yourself a bit perplexed. Sure, a lot of this has a steep learning curve, but isn’t that true of the best progressive rock?
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2010 Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.