New Album Roundup - Summer 2024, Part 1

New Album Roundup - Summer 2024, Part 1

OK, I'm a bit late with this, but it was a very busy summer, and once again, there was a lot of great new music that came out all summer long. I've made a concerted effort to listen to more new albums this year, and so far I've listened more than 120 albums from 2024, with around 50 of those coming out out over the past few months. And now that it is October and the calendar has turned over to Autumn, here are some of my favorite albums from this Summer. These all came out in July, August, or September 2024. New music from new bands and artists that I'm just discovering, reliable favorites, and even aging legendary superstars showing that they've still got more great music in them. Once again, I have capsule summary reviews of my very favorite, as well as many others that are worth checking out, but I only have a very brief line or two description. This is the first part, and part two will be posted shortly.

Cloud Cult - Alchemy Creek

This great, eclectic, Symphonic Folk band from St.Cloud, MN, has become one of my favorite bands over the past couple years, following their magnificent 2022 album, Metamorphosis. And they have a new album out now, Alchemy Creek, which is really fantastic as well. A low-key powerhouse, with more of their personal, relatable, emotional, philosophical, and very inspiring songs describing life's journeys and the human condition. Deceptively simple songs that build through creative arrangements and instrumentation into emotionally powerful and satisfying themes and melodies. Led by singer-songwriter Chris Minowa, and featuring an array of different instruments (strings, brass, percussion, etc.), they create moving songs and atmospheres that I really connect with personally, both musically and lyrically. Once again, they have quietly made (you won't hear much about them) one of the best albums of the year, just a joy throughout. Best tracks: A Different Kind of Day, One Human Being, Let it All Out, I am a Force Field, Something is Changing in Me, As Beautiful as it Hurts, Got Your Backpack Open the Back door. Rating: 4.5ó

Meer - Wheels Within Wheels

This unique 8-member Norwegian Symphonic progressive pop collective has delivered a strong and powerful follow-up to their wonderful previous album, Playing House (2021), as this is bigger and bolder, more emotional, dramatic, and theatrical, as well as with more Prog elements than the prior album. Led by the brother-sister vocal duo of Knut and Johanne-Magrete Kippersund Nesdal and a large supporting cast of multi-instrumentalists (including violin, viola, guitars, keyboards, etc), they have big bold songs with great vocals from the siblings and big pop orchestral arrangements. Powerful, melodic, and impressive throughout, although my one main complaint about the album is that there is a bit too much sameness in the style and approach from song to song (not as much variety and diversity as the previous album), as they all basically start out softly with melodic themes and then build throughout the song to a big dramatic (and usually orchestral) conclusion (sometimes featuring somewhat overwrought vocals). Although this works extremely well for most songs, in some cases it is just too much and the songs would have worked better if they had remained more understated and gentle, and this would have helped the overall feel and flow of the album, as it is just sometimes a bit too much, and this also would have made the concluding powerhouse songs more effective, instead of just more of the same. So, although a great band with a great sound and some great songs here, and an overall very strong album, at least for me, I still prefer the previous album over this one. Best Tracks: Chains of Changes, Come To Light, Today Tonight Tomorrow, Take Me to the River, Something in the Water.  Rating: 3.5ó

Ritual  - The Story of Mr. Bogd, Part 1

This 4-piece Swedish Prog band made a few albums in the 90's and early 2000's and then disappeared, but has now re-formed and re-emerged after a 17-year hiatus with a fantastic new album, of which this is the part of a series (2nd part coming out later). The band features a varied musical approach incorporating classic progressive rock with folk, punk, and various modern elements. Great diversity and originality, from classically-influenced melodic instrumentals to hard-rocking modern prog, and they also feature many eclectic acoustic instruments, such as bouzoukis, mandolins, flutes, harmonica, etc. well-integrated into their sound. The Story of Mr. Bogd is a concept album following the varied adventures of the mysterious Mr.Bogd. One minor criticism is that there is no ending or conclusion to the album, it just ends abruptly. I recognize that this is just the first part of the story, but when the parts are released separately as individual albums, there should be some sense of conclusion to this part at least, so that the album can stand on its own. No doubt with the second part, this will be remedied, and that may actually make this first part make more sense, but it did leave a very unfinished feeling to the project. But, overall, a quite wonderful excursion. Best tracks: Chichikov Bogd, Dreams in Brougham, Read All About It, Through a Rural Landscape, Forgotten Qualities. Rating: 4ó

Circe Link and Christian Nesmith - Arcana

Probably the surprise of the Year! Circe Link and Christian Nesmith are a couple that have been making music together (Circe with vocals and Christian all the instruments) for over 20 years (16 albums). In recent years they have become somewhat known for their excellent cover versions of pop, rock, and prog songs (Beatles, Yes, Pink Floyd, etc.) on YouTube. Christian is a multi-instrumentalist and the son of former Monkee and music innovator Michael Nesmith, and Circe has a wonderful voice that adapts to many different styles. Their previous album, Cosmologica (2022), was their first full-on foray into original Prog rock in the classic style, and it was quite good. But this new album far surpasses that one, as it is absolutely fantastic! Although not well-known or appreciated in Prog circles (yet!), this is certainly one of the best Prog albums of the year (or any year)! This is in the classic symphonic Prog tradition and emulates the sounds and styles of classic prog bands, most notably Yes, and also Genesis, Gentle Giant, and others, but is not a copy or imitation. It creates its own vivid original music, with wonderful melodies, vocals, and extended magical instrumental passages. This succeeds where others have struggled (in emulating classic prog) due to the great composition and flawless execution creating inventive and exciting new prog masterworks, certainly reminiscent of the classics, but also bringing its own unique and memorable songs. The album consists of 5 tracks (ranging from 8 to 15 min each), each depicting one of the Major Arcana trump cards from a Tarot Deck, and each creates its own magical journey. Prog fans should not sleep on this one, as it stands among the very best in the symphonic prog realm. If you need convincing, just check out 'The Fool' first, the shortest track, but a masterpiece of melodic prog. Best Tracks: The Fool, The Hanged Man, The Chariot, The Tower, The Magician. Rating: 4.5ó

Mile Marker Zero - Coming of Age

This is the third full-length album from this modern melodic Progressive rock band from New Haven, CT, following their acclaimed concept album The Fifth Row (2018). Great stuff! Love the mix of various Prog elements (from moody and atmospheric to heavier prog metal influences) while also maintaining strong and solid rock melodies and vocals throughout. They have their own unique sound, but as musical references, I would say if you like modern prog bands along the lines of Pattern-Seeking Animals and The Pineapple Thief, you should also really like Mile Marker Zero as well. In their heavier moments they also have some elements of Rush. Great find. Best Tracks: Coming of Age, Best is Yet to Come, End of August, Bizarre, Towns to Grow Up In. Rating: 4ó

 

Cen-Projekt - The Story of Enja

This 'band' is basically the creation of one person, prolific German composer-multi-instrumentalist Chris Engel, only occasionally aided with additional musicians (on bass and drums). Chris has released 12 albums since 2019 (including 4 in 2023 and 3 so far in 2024). I've only heard a couple of his albums, but this is full-on classic symphonic fantasy element Prog, with songs and stories of elves, dragons, and ancient druids, with musical stylings deeply indebted to Genesis, Yes, Steve Hackett, Anthony Phillips, and other classic symphonic prog bands from the 70's. But even with the very obvious references, the songs create their own musical path with wonderful melodies and compelling instrumental work, mellotron-drenched fantasies that work quite well. Vocally, Chris even seems to mold his voice to mimic the different vocal influences, sounding suspiciously similar to Phil Collins on some songs, Peter Gabriel on others, and even Jon Anderson on another. There are also dreamy female vocals throughout as well (no credit given for them). This is a wonderful excursion into somewhat familiar territory, but it is still a wondrous ride and very enjoyable throughout. Best Tracks: Dance of the Will-o'-the-Wisps, The Rescue of the Moonstone Dragon, Born in the Enchanted Forest, The Melody of the River Sprite, The Triumph of the Elven Horse. Rating:  4ó

Wrongbird - Don't Quote Me on That

Love this album from the unique Austin, TX indie band Wrongbird. Such a breath of fresh air. Great, eclectic blend of various styles, mixing in folk/americana with some jazz, funk, pop, kitschy old-timey vibes, theater, etc. Seems to be a band not concerned with genres or categories, just play what they want. Great fun. They have a nice and versatile sound, yet are also a bit ramshackle and somewhat rough around the edges (some shaky background vocals, mixing, etc.), which comes across as more endearing than annoying. They’re not virtuoso musicians or vocalists, but they know music and play what they like, and the songs for the most part are wonderful. A little-known diamond in the rough that deserves to be heard. I also checked out their previous album, Epitome of the Opposites (2016), and it is also very good. Best Tracks: Sun & Moon (I Love You Too), Western Hero, Goliath, Sons of the Desert, Mr. April, Playing God (For Fun). Rating: 4ó

David Gilmour - Luck and Strange

An unexpected new album from the legendary Pink Floyd Guitarist, his first album in 9 years, and although this is a very low-key affair, it is a delight from start to finish. At this stage of his career, Gilmour doesn't need to try to impress with fiery licks or rock theatrics, he is in no hurry to let these tracks play out, laid-back and mostly calm, letting his uniquely characteristic style play out slowly and gradually. This is a slow, languid album, that takes its time, with moody, atmospheric grooves, bluesy, tasteful fills. This is the type of album that you just need to put on, sit back, relax, and let the music just wash over you. It is quite relaxing and soothing overall, and quite wonderful. Gilmour's vocals are still quite effective, and the additional wistful vocals provided by his daughter Romany blend perfectly with the music on Between Two Points. But the highlight of the album is the bluesy jam title track featuring the departed Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright (from a session in 2007), as the relaxed interplay between Gilmour and Wright is magical. The album version is an edited version of a longer rehearsal jam, and fortunately, the full extended jam is also included as a bonus track (which doubles the track length from 7 min to 14 min). Another bonus track features a nice vocal duet between David and his daughter Romany. Best Tracks: Luck and Strange (both versions), Between Two Points, Sings, Scattered, The Piper's Call. Rating: 3.5ó 

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 all for now, much more to come in Part 2, which will feature many quick hits on dozens more quality albums that came out this summer.