This is understated at times, but it’s also proggy. Mind you, this isn’t progressive rock like the 70s, but more like the modern incarnations, ranging from the RPWL end of the spectrum to the Radiohead side. It’s good stuff, really.
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
Sightlines
Moody, slow and minimalist at the start, some pretty melody emerges after a time. The arrangement fills out nicely from there. It evolves into something more like RPWL or other similar bands.
We Used to Live This cut is more of a modern alternative rocker. It’s catchy, energetic and fun. It still has some elements of that modern prog edge, too, though.
Devotion This has some layers of non-lyrical vocals. Other than that, though, it’s purely instrumental. It’s pretty and rather dreamy.
Steamroller This is mellow, slow moving and pretty. It has waves of dreamy textures. It’s a particularly effective number that’s very evocative despite being so understated.
Exploding Boy Electronic and alternative at the start, this eventually shifts to quite a rocking number for a while. I like the contrast between mellower and more energized sounds. This is another that’s quite proggy in its electronic sections. This number is actually quite complex and really does qualify as prog, as much of this set does.
Later On This is short, slow, mellow and pretty. It’s still rather lush, even if understated.
