Backhand

Welcome back to the closet once again fellow progheads!  After spending the past week being domestic I was itching to return to the international scene and discover new prog in new places.  With that thought rolling around in my cerebellum, I headed to the airport for yet another frisking by TSA guerillas and the
opportunity to add new location pins to my prog map. Trusting my instincts and filled with anticipation, I landed in Caracas, Venezuela...and was immediately surrounded by the sounds of Backhand.

Backhand is the melding of five creative prog minded musicians, each with other projects in their respective portfolios...presumably to keep themselves focused, sharp, innovative, and dialed in to making great "progressive rock fusion."  Ahhh...the "F" word again--"Fusion."  Time to find out what Backhand believes progressive fusion is all about...

Walking anxiously to the buffet for my first serving this week, I start with a song called "Roller Coaster."  The burning sensation in my ears is redolent of ELP in collaboration with Spock's Beard and perhaps a top note of Gentle Giant.  The opening riff grabbed my immediate attention--the drums, keyboards and guitars working together to build a mild cacophony that--if you close your eyes--gives the sensation of being hurled through space on a long bungee cord...you know you will eventually snap back, so best to simply enjoy what's coming.

Making the obligatory return trip to the buffet, I want to find something that tests the boundaries of prog fusion; perhaps "Hardwood" is just the ticket.  The orchestral opening with choir-like vocals leading into a funky 70's prog groove seems fairly "fusionish" I must say.  Backhand takes the listener on a roller coaster ride of time changes, tempo and mood swings, and even a few leaps through the prog rock time warp a la "Time Bandits."  The hard hitting guitars are matched blow-for-blow by thumping drums and a bass that keeps the players in line.  The jazz club piano is a bonus for those able to keep up, and Backhand ties it all up in a neat little package with keyboards and horns in what feels like an all-out dare for you to do just that.

Liner Notes...Backhand was formed in 2010, consisting of Pablo Mendoza on guitar and vocals, Adrianus van Woerkom on keyboards and vocals, Oscar Fanega playing bass guitar and vocals, Adolfo Herrera on drums, percussion, and vocals, and Phil Naro on lead vocals.  Each member of Backhand is a well accomplished musician in his own right--Pablo, Adrian, and Adolfo are Berklee graduates and all five have side projects and other bands keeping their itineraries full.  Having built their own individual resumes in fairly respective fashion, Backhand comes together without the growing pains some new bands might go through. Everyone has been here before and appreciates the position they are in.  Growing musically within and without a band simultaneously helps keep the music fresh, ahead of the curve, and right on the mark. Backhand packed decades of experience into four years of performing together and the result is superb.

My final selection from this week's prog buffet is a song called "A Million People Crying Part I."  What starts out as a ballad quickly rolls into an observation on the sadness that life can become...a dark song for sure but if you listen hard enough you hear the light--that little glimmer of defiance and determination to turn things around.  The horns climb triumphantly onto the shoulders of more strong guitar work by Mr. Mendoza and are greeted warmly by Adolfo's drum kit.  A very poignant piece of music...

The clip posted below is called "Crime Story."  Watching the energy Backhand brings to this intimate performance makes me long for the days of the local nightclub scene...meeting the band after the gig and discovering the who and the why behind the what was a marvelous way to spend a Saturday night...not to mention grow my album collection...

OK progheads, time to check that map on the wall...looks like there are an impressive number of location pins marking progressive music discoveries all over this tremendous planet we call home.  Adding one more this week still leaves so many places as yet undiscovered!  Whether it be cross town or cross country, I am determined to find the best prog has to offer and bring it to you.  Not sure where the next leg of this quest is taking me just yet, but I have no doubt there is progressive music lurking in a stereo or on a stage somewhere just waiting to be heard.  Time to zip the carry-on, check the weather maps, and grab some more location pins...until next week...

Solterra

Good evening once again fellow progheads!  Spring has finally begun to make her entrance...better late than never I suppose.  To commemorate the start of the equinox I decided to go domestic this week...not to mention I am pretty low on clean laundry...

There are four specific time zones in the continental United States; certainly I can locate at least one good prog band somewhere between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, right?  Meandering my way left via the interstate system, I discovered a great prog sound bouncing off the Rocky Mountains.  Driving closer for a better listen, I find myself in Denver, Colorado enjoying the incredible sounds of Solterra.

Solterra is a self described "...four piece instrumental progressive fusion band..."  Hmmm...sounds intriguing at the very least.  Fusion can take on so many forms; are the top notes jazz-like, electronic-laden, or simply of the avante-garde nature?  Time to take off my shoes and start wading into the pool...

A preliminary listen oozes with fragrances of the Alan Parson Project, Dire Straits,Yes, and  Be Bop Deluxe, with a hint of Mostly Autumn folded in to create the diversity and chaos that is fusion...something tells me this is going to be a fun week to be in the "Mile High City."

My first trek to the prog smorgasbord this week is for a song called "Mild Electrocution."  The opening is suggestive of Pink Floyd at first and quickly drops to an  instrumental notch much akin to Alan Parsons...Solterra can really spread the wealth.  The interspersed recordings of early Apollo conversations between Mission Control and the astronauts give the song a bit of a surreal texture.  The guitar work throughout is extremely smooth and the drums fit the groove perfectly. This is a very well balanced piece of music and a great start to my week...so far the domestic option has been a success...

Returning to the buffet for my next serving I find a song with an appealing title; "Window Seat."  The initial pull is the imagery dancing in my head of what I might witness while sitting in a window seat.  Let's explore the view from Solterra's vantage point.  The rhythmic guitar is almost hypnotizing as it lures you in and sets the tone for a soothing prog ride.  The bass keeps everybody focused but not to the point of robotically following a simple "pop beat;" rather it pairs with the drums like a fine chianti embracing a soft fontina cheese...

Liner notes...originating in the summer of 2011, Solterra started with Ryan Bannigan on drums and Tanner Lichty on guitars.  Chris Dreiling joined the band playing bass following their initial EP release, and after the debut album "Soul>>Earth>>Sun" was thrust on the public for their listening pleasure, Ryan Sims was added on guitar to round out the quartet.  The second release from Solterra, "Umbra" hit the airwaves in November 2012.  This was the first production to include all four current members of the band.  If these two presses are any indication, Solterra will do just fine going through the aging process.

My third selection from the prog buffet this week is a tune called "Horseteeth."  No way I could walk pass that without at least a nibble--no pun intended.  This is an excellent instrumental piece from Solterra's initial release and if I did not know better I would swear Solterra had been playing together for years prior to this recording.  The guitar is as smooth as 25 year-old scotch and the drums are as subtle as the first morning dew of spring.  The mixing here is amazing as well--I played this song over and over and never got bored.  I kept picking up delicate notes that floated by almost undetected on the previous go-round.  It is a true pleasure to find a prog band this tight and even keeled...Solterra has a unique style that dances close to the jazz fusion line but don't be misled--these guys can swim in the deep end just as easily as wading in low tide. Check out Solterra at http://solterra.bandcamp.com/ and learn more about what really goes on in the Rocky Mountains...

The clip posted below is "Fear & Loathing."  I thought a little jolt would do you good.  The electricity in this tune is enough to keep you focused but not so much that you are looking for taser marks at its conclusion. Quite the contrary--you come away wanting more--exactly what progressive music is supposed to do...sate the appetite but leave you with just enough room for dessert.

OK fellow progheads, staying stateside this week was well worth it.  Not only did I get to sleep in my own bed all week, I also discovered a great prog band just two time zones away.  Solterra hit the world head-on claiming to be a prog fusion band and they delivered.  Think Yes with a Flim & The BB's twist and you are pretty close to the unique sound that is Solterra.  Now where is that dessert table?  Until next week...

Amoenus

Hello once again fellow progheads!  As we celebrate--or mourn--the demise of yet another winter (depending on your point of view), I thought it best to travel to a spot on the map that is still virgin territory for the concert closet.  While the calendar declared spring's arrival weeks ago, the early morning frost refuses to relinquish her grasp on daybreak around these parts just yet.  I never need an excuse to take the concert closet on the road, so I reasoned this was an opportune time to head to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Here I discovered a band that has a bit of an edge, a smooth but not "sickly-sweet" sound, and the ability to put a bit of a strut in your step...let us listen together to the sounds of Amoenus.

At first listen Amoenus appears to be the just latest incarnation of a rock band.  However; clearing the flotsam and jetsam from my head for a keener listen allows me to go a bit deeper...below the surface...and let the sounds wash over my ears.  Amoenus has a solid sound that doesn't defy categorization--but it does challenge it.  The vocals range from sultry to bellowing; think Patti Smith and Laurie Anderson.  The accompanying instrumentation has hints of Consider The Thief and Fire Garden.  Amoenus is without doubt planted squarely in new acreage deep in the prog garden, but the fertilizer of choice beckons some heavy hitters...

My first serving this week is a song called "Involucrado."  Amoenus chooses to come out of the gate full stride on this cut, riding the strength of forceful guitars and drums that clear a path like the Grim Reaper swinging a scythe.  My obligatory mea culpa here; the lyrics are not my mother tongue.  However; that is way beside the point...the vocals are strong, clean, and crystal-like in sharpness.  This song never loosens its grip on your ears until the last echo fades from the headphones.  You only get one chance to make a good first impression and Amoenus has proven victorious.

Sauntering back toward the buffet for a second helping, I dive into "Eres (Deja de Morir)."  Here Amoenus grabs the wheel and steers hard left...not a bootlegger's turn but definitely off in a different direction. The acoustic opening melting into some haunting vocals is but a prelude to a deep piece of music that echoes in the ears just long enough to carry you to a calm island where the waves will wash over you but not toss you into the tide so you forget which way is up.  The time change hits you quickly and painlessly so you essentially roll through it without missing a beat.

Liner Notes... formed in 2006, the core of  Amoenus is Rodo Amoroso on guitars, drums, and arrangements, Natalia Tunon on vocals, and Alejandro Montenegro on bass and arrangements under.  Darius Sposito guests on harmonica and Ruben Debenedetti adds adjustments.  Amoenus runs the gambit as far as prog style; I detect echoes of Marillion and Pandora when focused on the production.  The vocals are a bit harder to pin down--I mentioned Laurie Anderson and Patti Smith earlier.  Although they are fair comparisons, I don't believe they truly capture the uniqueness that is Natalia's voice; perhaps a bit of Kate Bush has been folded into the mix as well.  There is almost a classical top note to the flavor of Amoenus and the layers of the music they put forth.  The cathedral-like fullness to their sound is also quite impressive.

My third and final platterful from the prog buffet this week is a song called "El Mar No Cesa (Heroes Del Silencio)."  Once again the mellow acoustic opening leads to a quick guitar blast that hits you square--but the blow is not fatal.  Rather it is but a prelude to what feels like a full bodied bottle of Malbec...the flavor lasts a good long time and you are never quite sated.  Amoenus has aged well in seven plus years and the bar is set high as they make their way across the prog landscape.  Learn more about who and what Amoenus is at http://www.amoenus.com.ar/

The clip posted below is "La Voz de la Auscencia."  I thought you might enjoy a heapin' helping of Natalia's voice; smooth as  lemon vodka and gritty as virgin wool all at once.  The mood hangs a bit somber here as Rodo's looming guitar seems to envelope the entire piece.  I almost get a sense of Uriah Heep as I listen to the drums and guitar bring out the best in each other.        

OK fellow progheads, we have successfully taken Argentina by storm.  The pins in the map are numerous as we take the concert closet around the globe in search of all things prog.  My passport is getting worn out as I pass through customs on a weekly basis, and my carry-on is straining from the weight of additional albums purchased along the way.  No worries; globe-hopping for all things prog is the best therapy I can think of to offset the ordinary normalness of life.  I wonder if an investment  in some Rosetta Stone software would be tax deductible?  Until next week...

A Lonely Crowd

Good evening fellow progheads!  Pack your bags, stop the mail delivery, make plans for doggie day care if necessary, and cancel all appointments for the next seven days...we are taking the concert closet on a trip that may require some in-flight snacks!  This past week has been a time of deep prog searching; I have been hankering for something "left of center..." music that takes off in a different direction.  Knowing that prog means a lot of different things to a lot of different people, I dug deep...looking for the out-of-the-ordinary. Welcome to "The Land Down Under" my fellow progheads, and the music of A Lonely Crowd.

A Lonely Crowd hails from Melbourne, Australia...not the first time I have ventured this far from home I know, and seeing blades of grass bravely poking through the dirty snow in my backyard I thought it might be a good time to go grab a Fosters where they brew 'em.  Australia seems to be fertile ground for inspiring progressive music bands...could be something in the air...or maybe the water...all I know is the few times I have journeyed to that side of the equator the jet lag was well worth the trip.  A Lonely Crowd defines themselves as experimental/progressive...time to break out the Bunsen burners and test tubes...

My first serving from this Aussie feast is a song called "The Fall."  I like it when a song catches you by surprise like this one does.  A subtle opening...some guitar fading in...and them BAM!  My headphones explode.  The vocals ring of The DiVinyls and 4 Non Blondes, while the full sound of the drums and guitar are quite capable of backing up the singing.  The fast pace of the percussion paired with the lounge feel of the voice wrapped in a guitar blanket is an interesting first take.  So far I like what I hear...

Serving number two is called "Bipolar Bear."  I am immediately transported to my youth and the sounds of my sister's jewelry box opening with an innocent twinkle.  A Lonely Crowd likes to lull you into a false sense of security though; the guitars and drums once again burst through like so many sledgehammers on an arcade Whack-A-Mole game.  The mood swings from high to low and back so often in four minutes that the poor bear has a lot more than bipolar issues to deal with...his claws must be bleeding trying to hang with the constantly changing time signatures and tempo swings.  A Lonely Crowd  hits you like a mosh pit surfer wearing a shirt and tie; your first thought is, "where did that come from?"

Liner Notes...A Lonely Crowd is Luke Ancell on guitars, Scott Ancell on drums, David Morkunas on bass and keyboards, and Xen Havales on flute and vocals.  Starting out in 2011, the band has released two albums to very positive reviews and appreciative audiences.   Describing themselves as "steadfastly original and left of center," A Lonely Crowd plays music they like to hear rather than trying to find a sound that pleases the masses.  This is one of the many reasons I live in "Prog World"--no need to conform when you have talent.  To paraphrase a semi-famous movie line; "If you play it, they will hear."  A Lonely Crowd has undeniably staked out their own turf in the prog garden, growing fertile sounds strong enough to burst through even the rockiest soil.

Song choice number three is a tune called "Tightrope Somnabulists."  With an opening reminiscent of the "Twilight Zone" I am instantly drawn in.  A Lonely Crowd puts all the pieces together on this cut; everyone seems in complete sync with each other.  Scott lays a solid drum foundation while Xen's flute floats over the top like an eagle eyeing innocent prey.  During this little tete-a-tete Luke and David are pushing the parameters with tight guitar work and Xen adds just enough vocal to tie the bow.

The clip below is "Blur," the latest video from A Lonely Crowd.  The song is from the album "Transcients," released earlier this year as the band's follow up to their 2011 debut "User Hostile."  A Lonely Crowd does a fantastic job painting the musical picture narrated by the music.  The vivid imaginations of the artists both musically and visually come to life in a way that is all at once confounding and completely straightforward.  A Lonely Crowd is alluring because they refuse to be forged from a mold pre-defined by others.  Learn more about A Lonely Crowd at http://alonelycrowd.com/



Another long journey taken and another prog band discovered.  The only thing that seems faster than the trip itself is the minutes ticking off the clock like the racing heartbeat of a distance runner.  Time to regroup, do some laundry, and get the concert closet prepared for yet another trip to parts unknown.  Still can't decide if the best part of this whole thing is discovering new prog bands or just basking in the music itself.  Perhaps they are intertwined as one is not possible without the other.  It certainly is not the in-flight pretzels...until next week...

Exit By Form

Greetings fellow progheads; the concert closet is open for business and there is plenty of room...please; come on in!  All week I have been itching to travel...winter is finally relinquishing its icy grip on the calendar and the sun hangs like a glowing orb in the sky a little longer each day...time to broaden my horizons!

So stretch my wings I did...and before I could say "There's no place like Prog," I found myself in Vienna, Austria...welcome to the sounds of Exit By Form.  Any group of musicians calling themselves a "freaking ambient/aggressive/progressive/extensive" four piece band will catch my interest every time.  I would be derelict in my duties as a prog blogger if I failed to follow this trail...so Vienna for April Fool's Day it is!  Let's find out how Exit By Form manages to blend ambient/aggressive/progressive/extensive into something worth taking the concert closet halfway around the world for...

Moving eagerly to the buffet, my first serving is a song called "Peruvian Purple."  Exit By Form comes out of the gate at Mach III speed...the drums punch you in the gut almost instantaneously and the vocals come at you so fast and furious you feel the need to look for cover--OK; I get the aggressive. Fortunately, the music takes root and builds a foundation...it is absolutely dark and loud, but there is some depth here that is pleasantly surprising.  Listening to this song play out several times I start to feel emotions pouring out of my headphones...not just anger; I can sense frustration, disappointment, annoyance, and even a bit of angst as well. Very interesting start indeed...

Moving down the buffet line for serving number two, I catch a listen to a tune called "Monuments."  A much mellower opening with a nod to the ambient.  If "Peruvian Purple" had  tastes of Opeth and Tool, then "Monuments" fills the air with scents of Caligula's Horse, Porcupine Tree, and Alan Parsons Project.  I am under the impression Exit By Form likes to travel the entire progressive circuit...hence the extensive explanation of who Exit By Form is found in the band's bio.  The guitars surround the song with a steady pulse that keeps everything together while the drums are just enough to keep you satisfied.  The vocals hit both sides of your head again but with a much different feel; rather than kick you square-on, they gently leap around as if to keep you guessing.  The bass line as the song ends cuts right to your spine a la vintage "Twilight Zone;" never saw it coming and now it all makes sense...

Liner Notes...Exit By Form is Stevie on vocals and guitar, Atschi on guitar, keyboards, and vocals, Dogda on bass, and Mario on drums.  Fairly straight and to the point appears to the Exit By Form mantra...the band formed in 2010 and their debut release is called "Proliferation."  The album is a combination of thoughtful compositions and hours-long jam sessions...which might explain the title.  Loosely translated,  proliferation means "wild growth."  Exit By Form certainly meets the definition standard...

My final song from the musical buffet this week is the album's title cut...I guess we all need some wild growth.  An excellent instrumental piece; Stevie, Atschi, Marion, and Dogda work in perfect harmony here. No one artist stands out and nobody gets left in the shadows as drum feeds guitar feeds bass feeds keyboards and back again. There is a "Genesis meets Pink Floyd" ambiance to this piece that is quite striking in both quality and astral feel.  Exit By Form is in the game for the long haul; they have talent, ambition, and a lot of cool ideas.  I anticipate heavy wild growth in the prog garden's future.  Learn more about Exit By Form at http://exitbyform.com/

The clip posted below is called "In The Shed."  More of a "welcome to our world" than an actual music video, the previously reviewed title cut plays in the background as the members of the band "play" in the studio/shed.  Exit By Form is a band that refuses to take itself too seriously while understanding that good music is a serious endeavor.  The ability to mix hard work, fun, and humility is (hopefully) a formula for success.

Well fellow progheads, that makes two trips to Austria this year...progressive music really is a world-wide phenomena!  No worries; I am willing to make whatever sacrifice is necessary to bring you my faithful followers the best in all things prog.  Living out of the concert closet isn't always easy, but there are worse things.  With the seasons shifting I know there is more prog ripening on the vine...until next week...