New Album Roundup - Spring 2024, Part 2

 New Album Roundup - Spring 2024 (April-June), Part 2

Here's the 2nd part of my roundup of quality new albums from the Spring (April-June) of this year: 

IZZ - Collapse the Wave

IZZ, a modern prog band from New York playing their own version of symphonic prog, has been around since the late 90's, but I only heard about them this year. This is their 10th album, and based on how great this is, I can only ask, why have I not heard of this band before now? This is fantastic! This band takes classic symphonic prog influences, mixes it with various other elements (including classical, jazz, pop, and theater) and a modern perspective, and creates something wonderful and new from it. Sure, you get glimpses of the various classic bands here, such as Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, ELP, Steely Dan, the Beatles, etc, but those elements quickly morph into something different and varied, and uniquely this band's own. One example of this is on There's Hope, which opens with some wild ELP-style keyboards, then goes into a Steely Dan groove for the verse, then changes again for a more acoustic folky chorus, then continues on to a rousing finish. Great keyboard and guitar work, as well as 2 drummers providing expressive drums and percussion. They feature 2 male vocalists and a female vocalist wich leads to very dynamic vocals and harmonies and great interplay among them, which adds another dimension to their sound. The album contains 11 songs (53 min runtime), all great, featuring many different styles from song to song (and within songs), but it all fits together and feels consistent and cohesive (no jarring disconnects as the styles change). A quite wonderful album and a must for fans of classic (and modern) prog. Best tracks: Collapse the Wave, Sometimes Sublime, Not About Me, Deep Inside, We Are the 3rd, There's Hope, And We Will Go. Rating: 4.5ó

Airbag - the Century of the Self

This Norwegian prog band started in the mid-2000s and has become known for their distinctive blend of progressive, ambient, and alternative rock (with Pink Floyd and Radiohead being the most obvious influences). This is their 6th album, and it does not disappoint, laying down a dark, moody, atmospheric base, punctuated by scorching guitar leads and evocative melodies and vocals. Excellent musicianship and song construction are evident throughout, as they take their time to create an atmosphere and build upon it with fantastic results. The album consists of 5 songs ranging in length from 6 to 15 minutes each, for a satisfying runtime of 47 minutes. Although somewhat dark and moody, it remains quite accessible, with its beauty and power, creating a quite immersive listening experience. Best Tracks: Erase, Dysphoria, Tear It Down, Awakening. Rating: 4ó

Sleepmakeswaves - It's Here, But I Have No Names For It

Sleepmakeswaves is from Australia and has been billed as a 'post-rock' band. Well, on this album I hear plenty of rock, as in modern prog rock, but I don't hear anything really 'post'-like. This is essentially an all-instrumental album (some ethereal background vocalizing on a couple tracks) that is bold and dynamic, very accomplished musically, nicely arranged, which I very much enjoyed. Lots of energy and dynamics, heavy crunchy guitars, big drum sound, as well as some needed quieter moments and interludes. However, it comes across to me very much as the backing tracks for a great album, but what is still missing for what it needs to BE a great album, are strong melodies and lead lines. Great songs that just seem to be missing the main vocal or instrumental melodies. Perhaps that is their point, that they don't need vocal or instrumental lead melodic lines to be great. But if that is the case, their music undermines that very point, because most of these songs seem to be crying out for a strong lead vocal or instrumental melodic lead laid down over the top of these excellent tracks. Sure, some work just fine as atmospheric interludes (such as Verdigris), but most still need that melodic line to anchor the song and make it really memorable. It just seems unfinished. Every time I listen to this I find myslf trying to add in the vocal, lead, or solo lines that seem like they ought to be there, but aren't. Still very enjoyable, great sound, but can't shake the feeling that this hasn't yet lived up to its full musical potential. Best Tracks: Super Realm Park, Ritual Control, Verdigris, Black Paradise, title track. Rating: 3.5ó

Azure - Fym

Azure, a modern progressive rock band from the UK, creates a dynamic, upbeat (often mind-spinningly frenetic) variation of Prog incorporating many influences, from classic prog, pop, metal, and jazz to fantasy and musical theater. This is a sprawling concept album dealing with sci-fi-fantasy adventure elements. With 12 tracks and clocking in at nearly 80 minutes in length, it is almost too much to take in all at once. But some really amazing stuff here, with a lot going on, mixing in a bit of so many different elements to create a truly unique experience. Some comparisons could be made to bands like The Dear Hunter and Thank You Scientist, at least in their overall approach, if not actual sound, mixing in many elements for a bold and dynamic vision. And energetic does not even cover this, as the frenetic pace and sheer number of notes played can be very intimidating (I do think they need to learn to ease off the gas more often, as there are many stretches throughout this album that feel like a 33rpm record played at 45 rpm speed, it is that noticeable), creating a chaotic feel. Thus, although at times a bit too frenetic or discordant to be continuously enjoyable, it is packed with many brilliant moments and sections throughout. Certainly one of the most intriguing albums of the year. I still need time to fully process it, but it is quite an amazing achievement. Need to hear more from this band as well. Best Tracks: Doppelganger, Weight of the Blade, Sky Sailing/Beyind the Bloom/Wilt, The Azdinist/Den of Dawns, Trench of Nalu. Rating: 4ó

The Decemberists - As It Ever Was, So It Shall Be Again

This folk/indie rock band with proggy tendencies hails from Portland, Oregon. This is their 9th album and with this one they return somewhat to some more progressive leanings after forays into more pop aspects on their last couple albums. This is a major, quite ambitious release (13 tracks, nearly 68 minutes long) featuring many different styles, somewhat broken into sections. The first section (4 tracks) features more indie rock/folk rock, accessible tracks and some of the best songs on the album, with upbeat vocals and melodies (even though dealing with melancholy subjects). The next section (4 tracks) features more traditional folk songs, slower with mainly acoustic guitar (and a plaintive horn section) and moving folky vocals and melodies, culminating with the love song All I Want is You. The next section (4 tracks) features more rock and diverse mixture of styles (but more rock and pop, less folky, even some psychedelia). Lastly (in a section all to itself), is the epic-length experimental track Joan in the Garden, which clocks in at just under 20 min, and also consists of three main sections, the first is built on a somber, moving melody that builds from an acoustic opening to fully orchestrated with vocal choir dramatic conclusion, but then the song goes into a section of ambient and random sounds and spoken words (that goes on too long) before finishing with a surprisingly rockin' closing section and one of the highlights of the album. Overall, a quite wonderful, moving, and satisfying album. Best Tracks: Burial Ground, Oh No!, America Made Me, Never Satisfied, Born to the Morning, All I Want Is You, Joan in the Garden. Rating: 4ó    

Returned to the Earth - Stalagmite Steeple

This is the 5th album from UK prog band Returned to the Earth. They also feature a moody, atmospheric style, but more low-key, melodic, and gentler than most other prog bands, but beautiful and quite evocative. They are musically reminiscent of Pink Floyd and the gentler side of Porcupine Tree, Pineapple Thief, and Airbag. The subject matter of the songs can be quite sad or heart-wrenching, but the music remains beautuiful and moving, if a bit melancholy. Overall, this may be a bit too low-key musically, as in some places it could some more punch, as there are some songs that seem to have a slow build to something bigger, and I keep expecting it to break out and explode into a big finish, but it never does and just trails off. Certainly, need to be in the right mood for this album, but it delivers some quite beautiful and moving pieces. Best Tracks: Dark Morality, Stalagmite Steeple, Die For Me, The Raging Sea. Rating: 3.5ó

Barock Project - Time Voyager

Barock Project is an Italian Prog band started in 2004 that mixes classical (mainly baroque style), with rock, jazz, and pop in a progressive rock framework. This is their 7th album, but first that I have heard from them. I only recently discovered this album and wasn't sure what to expect, but was completely blown away by how great this is. By the 2nd song (Summer Set Free, with its viciously infectious rhythm, beat, and melody, and it's mostly in 11/8 time!), I was totally hooked. Sensational album! Superb Symphonic Prog. Great balance between the classical influences and more rockin' aspects, as well as deft handling of all the other myriad influences for a truly wonderful listening adventure. Especially appreciate the way they interwove the more eclectic proggy elements (such as odd beats and time signatures, extended instrumental passages, etc) with more mainstream melodic rock and vocal harmonies. I was particularly impressed with how they had embraced and incorporated so much 70's and 80's American prog into the mix, with notable influences from Kansas, Styx, Ambrosia, Toto, Steely Dan, and others (which is unusual for Italian prog bands), in addition to references to other classic bands (Jethro Tull, Yes, Neal Morse, etc.). It certainly does harken back to the glory days of mid-70's prog, although they also add many more modern touches as well, creating a very dynamic, invigorating, and exciting mix. Wonderful songs and structure. Great keyboards and guitars, great vocals and harmonies, and great drumming throughout. This is a concept album following a traveler lost in time, so the style also varies across the various songs dealing with different time and place aspects (12 songs, 70 minutes runtime). Overall, a superb album, with numerous highlights throughout, and no lapses or weaknesses. This is my favorite prog album of the year so far. Just fantastic from beginning to end, and anyone who enjoys classic symphonic prog should be thrilled with this album. Best Tracks: Summer Set You Free, Carry On, The Lost Ship Tavern, Voyager, Mediterranean, Propaganda. Rating: 4.5ó (could move up to a 5 by year's end).

Quick Hits (More worthwhile, quality albums that I didn't have time to fully review, wasn't as excited about, or just don't have much to say about). Just a brief description for each:

Waxahatchee - Tiger's Blood
Another strong album from this folk-rock band. Noting fancy, just enjoyable, well-crafted songs, great vocals, and basic but effective arrangements. 3.5ó

Norah Jones - Visions
Solid album of Norah's songs and vocals, but doesn't stand out among her other notable releases. 3ó

Mark Knopfler - One Deep River
Beautiful, mellow, melancholy guitar and vocals from Mark. Relaxing, immersive, and quite impressive. 3.5ó

Pearl Jam -  Dark Matter
Worthy album from Pearl Jam. Not their best, but still a good listen. 3ó

The Tangent - To Follow Polaris
Actually solo project from Andy Tilison in the Tangent style. Very good prog rock album. 3.5ó

Sykofant - Sykofant
Impressive debut from this Norwegian prog band. Explores psychedelic and heavy prog elements with a 60's-early 70's aesthetic. 3.5ó

Avett Brothers - Avett Brothers
Nice return from Avett Brothers featuring spirited folk-rock, country-rock, Americana. Fine vocals. 3ó

BlitzenTrapper - 100's of 1000's, Millions of Billions
Solid album, enjoyable tracks of a mixture of styles, but doesn't match their best. 3ó

BB’s Rating scale:

1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time

2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall

2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either

3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often

3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall

4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again

4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 

5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

 

That's it for now, but I may add in a few more that I didn't get to yet. But now, let's hear from you, about these or other albums. What new albums have you enjoyed so far this year?  

New Album Roundup - Spring 2024, Part 1

 New Album Roundup - Spring 2024 (April-June), Part 1

Time again to talk about some of the new albums released in 2024. There's been a whole slew of high quality albums released over the past few months. I've listened to over 50 new albums just since my last new album roundup (March 2024), and most of those were at least pretty good, with some being quite spectacular. In fact, there were so many good albums worth checking out that I can't cover them all in one post and need to divide this into two separate posts. It's quite a common refrain to hear people (especially from my generation) say that today's music sucks and how it was so much better back in their day. But that's pretty lame. Sure, there was a lot of great music made back then (whenever 'then' may be), but also a lot of crap as well, but there's also a lot of great music still being made all the time. It just seems that less of the really good stuff gets played on the radio or makes the charts these days. It's out there, you just have to look for it. No matter what kind of music you tend to like, I guarantee that there are great musicians out there making great music that you would like, if you know where to look. And music is so much more available today than ever before, through the internet and places like Youtube, BandCamp, and all the streaming services, virtually anything you could want to listen to is available. So, I'm featuring today some of the albums that I have liked most of those I have listened to this Spring. Once again, many of these are in the realm of Progressive rock (because that is what I listen to most), but there are also several fine offerings in the realms of pop and rock, and quite a variety of different things. There are some stellar offerings in what I would call pop music for grownups, in that they are more mature pop, not on any pop charts, but have a pop sensibility, beautiful catchy melodies and hooks, and a great sound and feel. Overall, a great Spring and another fine year for music thus far. So, here is part 1 of my New Album Roundup for Spring 2024:

Bend Sinister - Mostly Great Things

This Canadian Indie rock/progressive rock band from Vancouver, British Columbia, was first formed in 2001, and this is their 5th full-length album. Although their earlier albums featured a variety of styles with more of a progressive leaning, in their last couple albums they have found their niche with a more vibrant and dynamic rockin' power pop style. And this latest album is their best yet, a really great album of tight, bright, uptempo, catchy power pop and melodic rock songs. They show many influences, from 70's pop-rock and classic rock to modern prog, but they have their own unique style and sound. They have a fresh sound, but also somewhat familiar in a classic rock sense. Such great fun and a real feel-good album. These songs should be all over the radio (and would have been back in the old days), but sadly just don't fit in with the current pop music scene. Twelve tracks of superb good-time music and great summertime fun. Best Tracks: Pay the Price, What It Takes, Gotta Get Ready Now, Renegade, Leave the Lights On, Where You Gonna Run?  Rating: 4.5ó

Rick Miller - One of the Many

Canadian composer, multi-instrumentalist, and prog rock artist Rick Miller has been around for many years (has released 13 albums since 2000), but this is the first album of his I have heard, and it is quite wonderful. A moody, somewhat dark, but very melodic and beautiful concept album dealing with issues of emotional struggles, memory issues, nostalgia, and loss. The obvious musical reference here is Pink Floyd, as the mood, style, and sound is undeniably Floydesque, but with various other elements reminiscent of The Moody Blues, Mike Oldfield, Porcupine Tree, and The Alan Parsons Project. This is an excellent album that unfortunately seems to be gettng lost in the shuffle of bigger name releases as no one seems to be talking about this one, but it is quite wonderful from start to finish. Even with the obvious musical references, Miller has constructed a wondrously vivid and creative musical gem here. Best tracks: Atrophy, The Lost Years, One of the Many, Perchance to Dream, Another Time. Rating: 4ó

Vampire Weekend - Only God Was Above Us

Vampire Weekend have been darlings of the indie rock scene for awhile now, but I had never checked them out until this most recent new album. and overall, was not very impressed. There is definitely some talent here, and although the album is somewhat intriguing, it is ultimately quite frustrating and disappointing. Many of the songs have much potential, with the basic structure, melodies, and vocals quite interesting and engaging, until they are inevitably undermined and sometimes completely ruined by the band's self-conscious attempts at being offbeat and edgy, with such unwanted intrusions as a screeching sax, a purposely out-of-tune distorted piano, or an incongruously inserted pseudo-baroque theme. Look, I love quirky bands and songs, but most of the added off-kilter intrusions here are just annoying and detract from rather than enhance the songs. The songs in the second half of the album fare much better, as the band plays it a bit straighter, or at least the quirky additions fit in somewhat better with the songs and are not as distracting. Again, there are the makings of a fine album here, as these songs given better arrangements could work very well, but the listening experience is more frustrating and annoying given the treatment of many of the songs. Still, there are some quite fine moments, and overall, is worth checking out, but this certainly does not deserve the praise it has been receiving. Best Tracks: Pravda, Mary Boone, Prep School Gangsters, Hope. Rating: 3ó

The Lemon Twigs - A Dream Is All We Know

The Lemon Twigs are the indie pop-rock brother duo of Brian and Michael D'Addario from Long Island, NY. This is their 5th album and comes on the heels of last year's acclaimed Everything Harmony (2023). Although their earlier albums (2016-2019) featured more of a quirky and strange mixture of '60's and 70's-influenced power pop, indie rock, art rock, and glam rock, these most recent albums have honed in on more specific periods and styles, with Everything Harmony focusing on 70's pop and soft rock. This new album is focused more on outright imitations or re-creations of sunshine pop from the 60's from bands such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Todd Rundgren. This is a fun and, for the most part, highly enjoyable album, and the brothers are talented both as songwriters and musiciains, and they have produced some uncanny re-creations of the sounds and styles of these bands. But for me at least, it veers too close to imitation rather than producing original music. It's fine to be influenced by these styles and try to recreate your own versions of these styles, as they did in their earlier works, but this just goes beyond influence to outright imitation on several of these songs. It's still entertaining, and there are some real gems here, but overall, doesn't quite stand up on repeated listens and I can't consider this among the best albums of the year, but it's good summer fun. Best Tracks: Peppermint Roses, My Golden Years, Sweet Vibration, A Dream Is All I Know. Rating: 3.5ó

Mandoki Soulmates - A Memory Of Our Future

This is a music project put together by German-Hungarian musician-producer Leslie Mandoki featuring an All-Star cast of International musicians playing a bold mixture of jazz-rock, progressive rock, and world music, as well as socio-political commentary on world issues. They have produced multiple albums over the past 20 years or so. This latest effort features the talents of such luminaries as Ian Anderson (flute), Al Di Meola (guitar), Mike Stern (guitar), Randy Brecker (trumpet), Bill Evans (sax), John Helliwell (sax, clarinet),and Simon Phillips (drums), among others. Yes, this is a 'message' album, but the music never takes a back seat to the lyrics and social themes. On the contrary, the music is the star here, and what a shining star it is. Vibrant and engaging jazz-rock with catchy melodies and rhythms, masterful instrumental passages and extended solos, and thought-provoking lyrics. In addition to the stellar music and arrangements, this album is a masterpiece of production technology, recorded completely in analog with audiophile excellence and a vibrant live sound. Certainly one of the best sounding albums you will hear all year. The songs are wonderful and feature abundant contributions from the all-star cast. The album opens with Ian Anderson's aggressive and prominent flute in Blood on the Water, continues with Enigma of a Reason with Al Di Meola's classical-style guitar prominently featured. All in all, dynamic, flowing  arrangements of some fantastic jazzy songs from a stellar cast of musicians, a wonderful, vibrant sonic experience. Best Tracks: Blood in the Water, Enigma of a Reason, Devil's Encyclopedia, Age of Thought, The Big Quit, We Stay Loud. Rating: 4ó

Crowded House - Gravity Stairs

Crowded House, of course, is the Australian pop-rock band founded by Neil Finn (songwriter, vocalist, guitarist) back in the 80's that had several hits and acclaimed albums from the late 80's through early 90's. Although they disbanded in 1996, original members Neil Finn and Nick Seymour (bass) re-formed the band in 2020, adding Mitchell Froom (keyboards) and Finn's sons Liam and Elroy. This new album (the 2nd from this re-formed lineup) has a very different sound from the 80's-90's version of the band, with more mature songwriting and more elaborate arrangements. The style here is more laid-back, with languid, dreamy pop songs featuring lush production and arranging. More mature and laid-back, but Neil can still write some wonderful pop songs filled with great melodies and harmonies. Several songs here show more influence from bands such as The Moody Blues than The Beatles, that is until later on the album where they breakout a Beatlesque trilogy of songs, from the the psychedelia of Blurry Grass, I Can't Keep Up With You straight out of the Revolver era and Thirsty showing  a White album aesthetic. Best Tracks: Magic Piano, Black Water White Circle, I Can't Jeep Up With You, Blurry Grass, Teenage Summer. Rating: 4ó

Kaipa - Sommargryningsljus

Veteran Swedish Prog band Kaipa has a long history (origins of the band go back nearly 50 yrs). The current version of the band is led by the twin virtuosos of Hans Lundin (keyboards) and Per Nilsson (guitars), and rounded out by Jonas Reingold (Flower Kings, Steve Hackett) on bass, Darby Todd (devin Townsend, Martin Barre) on drums, and vocalists Patrik Lundstrom and Aleena Gibson. This is classic symphonic prog with jazz elements, filled with grand themes and melodies, and abundant instrumental flourishes. The album consists primarily of 6 extended length songs (9-15 minutes each, providing ample space for the band to stretch out and explore the varied musical themes and sections of the songs. These are book-ended by shorter opening and closing theme tracks. In addition to the instrumental virtuosity on display, the male and female vocalists (mostly sung in English, but with some Swedish in the title tracks) add another lovely element, both individually and with fine vocal harmonies throughout. This is excellent symphonic prog that raises the bar for Kaipa as I would say it is the best of any of their more recent albums. Best Tracks: Relationview, Seven Birds, Chased By Wolves and Burned by the Sun, Spiderweb train, Sommargrningsljus. Rating: 4

Guster - Ooh La La

Guster is a great indie rock band from the Boston area that has been around since the early 90's, and probably one of the most criminally underappreciated bands out there. They have an impressive string of albums and a devoted following, but always seem to hover just below breakout success. Their sound has traditionally featured bright vocal harmonies and melodies and an upbeat shimmering acoustic folky style. Although their more recent albums have shifted to more diverse styles, with more keyboards, less acoustic guitar, and more elaborate arrangements, they have always maintained great vocals and songwriting. This new album, their first in over five years, is a culmination of all their years of experience, showing their growth and development as songwriters, musicians, and recording artists, and brings together some of the style of their earlier songs, but with added depth and more sophisticated arrangements and production, and it is absolutely brilliant from beginning to end, probably their best album yet. It is somewhat low-key, so it may not knock you out on first listen, but it is a slow grower that gets better with each listen. Beautiful, well-crafted, uplifting songs with warmth and goodwill, expertly played, with great arrangements and impeccable production. Most of the songs start simply but then build into lush soundscapes of great beauty. Every song is a gem. The only criticism I have is that it is too dang short. 10 songs (most ~3-4 minutes long) and a brief 37 minute runtime, with many of the songs, and the album itself over too quickly. My new favorite album of the year (so far). Best Tracks: All Day, The Elevator, Witness Tree, Keep Going, Black Balloon, Maybe We're Alright, This Heart is Occupied. Rating: 4.5ó

BB’s Rating scale:

1ó – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5ó - Poor, not worth your time

2 ó – Fair, maybe a couple half-way decent songs, but sub-par overall

2.5ó – Average, OK, meh, not bad but not that good either

3ó – Good, solid album, several good songs, but not spectacular. Certainly worthy, but may not be something you come back to very often

3.5ó – Very good album. Some stellar tracks, very enjoyable overall

4ó – Great album, filled with great songs, one that you will want to come back to over and over again

4.5ó – Excellent album, beyond great, superb in every way, just short of a masterpiece 

5ó – A Masterpiece, among the greatest albums of its type, and has stood the test of time

That's it for Part 1, but there's a whole lot more to come in Part 2 of my Spring New Album Roundup, with more featured albums as well as numerous Quick Hits of additional quality albums but without a capsule review. stay tuned. I'll try to get the next part out in the next several days. In the meantime, let me know in the comments what you think of the albums I have mentioned, and what other new albums you have found and enjoyed so far this year.