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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Draff Needs No Encouragement Review by Gary Hill I've reviewed two EPs from this act for this issue of Music Street Journal. Released in 2022, this is the more recent of the two. I think it might be my favorite, too. While it's got plenty of alternative pop in the mix, it includes things like art rock, jazz, dream pop and shoe-gaze leanings. It makes for a set that is both unusual and compelling. It's also quite entertaining. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023 Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.

Track by Track Review

Accidents This number makes me think of Art of Noise to a large degree. The jazz stylings bring some Steely Dan to the table, though. In fact, I'd think of this as having a lot of yacht rock built into it. It has a great groove, and feels rather proggy at times. It has a real art pop vibe.

Drag to Refresh This feels very proggy as it gets underway. There is more of that jazzy Steely Dan angle here. We also get some dream pop and shoe-gaze vibes at play. This is psychedelic and so cool. There is a spoken lecture type sound-bite that comes in later as the only accompaniment to the music later. It/s a very proggy, art rock touch.

Reciprocal Animosity Loop I love the bass sound on this cut. The track has more of a mainstream rock edge to it. There is plenty of psychedelia built into this thing. It has some cool riffs and hooks.

Is It Any Wonder That jazzy, Steely Dan, yacht rock thing is all over this track, too. Yet it still has plenty of modern psychedelia and more at play. As much as I like everything from this act, this might be my favorite track from them. It's catchy, yet quirky and unique. It also has some great bass work.

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