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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

TrancEnd Lilac Review by Gary Hill I've put this act under progressive rock both because they think of themselves as a prog band, and because I think they are a modern prog outfit. Everyone in the band is talented, but I am particularly taken with Brittany LeAnn's vocals. Interestingly enough, they list two guitarists and a drummer for the instrumental part of the band. So, it's sort of an unusual set-up. I have to say that this is a case where less would have been more. There isn't enough variation in some of these songs, meaning that it tends to feel samey at times. I think if they'd cut maybe three tunes from the album, it would have been much stronger as a whole. As it is, it's pretty solid, though. There are definitely some standouts. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023 Volume 4 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.

Track by Track Review

Landing Keyboards get things going here. From there it works out into some energetic modern prog sounding music for the entrance of the vocals. There is a drop back to mellower stuff for a short time mid-track. The vocals are very rocking and classy. Some of the guitar reminds me a little of Andy Summers. They take this into some trippy territory at times.

Meridian While parts of this feel more modern mainstream rock based, there are prog elements at play. A cool dropped back keyboard section is very progressive rock oriented. There are some hints of space rock in this, too. The track is perhaps not as immediate as the opener was, but it works well. I really dig some of the proggy drama of the later portions of this.

Do Something This isn't a huge change, but it's another decidedly effective piece of music. I dig the various moods and modes. The vocals are great, and the guitar sounds are classy.

Waves of Rosetta Still following a lot of the same vibes and concepts, this is nonetheless unique. It's another strong song.

Flicker Here we have a song that's in some ways more directly proggy. It has some cool artsy moments, too. The energy is good, and I really like the vocal melodies.

Breathe There is some killer funk built into this tune. The number is not a big change beyond that, but it's actually one of the more purely proggy pieces on the disc.

Another Day I really like some of the meaty guitar that soars over the top of this. The whole piece oozes cool. While it's not a major shift, this is one of my favorites here. It's packed full of drama. It also has plenty of modern, edgy prog angles to it.

Blurred Lines This isn't a standout at all, but sort of more of the same. It's not bad, but the formula is wearing a little thin by this point.

Ethereal There are some dreamy qualities to this track. It's a step up from the previous number. It's also cool.

One Thing Another that's more of an also-ran, but this is not bad, but just doesn't manage to stand as anything unique.

Twin A lot of dramatic power and freakiness is built into this track. This is another highlight of the set. It has some dark moments and a lot of intriguing parts. There are portions that have an almost nightmare quality to them.

Mellow-D Here is another track that's just sort of average. I think this one could have been pruned from the tree, along with a few more, to create a stronger release.

Green-Yellow Lights Trippy and rather understated, this is dramatic and classy at the same time. This instrumental makes a great closer.

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