New Album Roundup - Spring 2026

New Album Roundup - Spring 2026 

Hey, here we are in Summer already, but there's been a lot of great music already released so far this year. Here is my rundown of the best new albums I heard this Spring. I listened to about 50 new albums in this time and these were the most notable. All of these were released over the past three months (April-June 2026).  

Albion - In the Month of May I

This 2nd album from Albion provides more dynamic symphonic progressive folk, mixing in traditional Irish and Celtic themes with elements of Symphonic Prog and metal. Beautiful melodies and vocals, great arrangements and instrumental prowess. This album leans even more into the folkier aspects than the first album, with more acoustic work and the use of heavier guitar riffs limited to just a couple tracks. Their prominent use of flute and prog folk arrangements invites inevitable comparison with Jethro Tull, and although there are similarities Albion has their own unique sound and styler. Although this album doesn't quite reach the heights of their fantastic debut, Lakesongs of Elbid (2024), it is a great follow-up and most worthy successor, with great songs and dynamic instrumentation. A special treat for those that crave a mix of folk and Prog. Best Tracks: Eldest, Down with The Hero, Calan Mai, She is the River, Cherry Hill. Rating: 4 stars

Magenta - Tarot

This veteran symphonic Prog band led by multi-instrumentalist-songwriter Rob Reed and featuring the wonderful vocals of Cristina Booth returns with their first album of all-new material since 2020's Master of Illusion. With this release, the band looks back toward their earlier days (and 1st album, Revolutions, 2001), with what is almost an homage to the symphonic prog style of the classic prog band Renaissance. The songs were written specifically to feature Christina's vocals and the neo-classical prog style of Renaissance, with orchestration and keyboard and bass-dominant arrangements, but with an uptempo rock sensibility. The album is structured with 6 main tracks (4-10 min each) based on Tarot cards separated by very short acoustic or orchestral Etudes (20-30 sec each). It makes for a very entertaining album (although the Etudes seem too short to have much impact). Magenta remains among the elite of the modern prog bands. Best Tracks: The World, Strength, The Lovers, The Empress, Tarot. Rating: 4 stars

Brass Camel - Brass Camel

This unique Canadian Alt-rock band combines many different elements (including classic rock, prog, funk, blues, power pop, and even some glam) into a wonderful mix of styles to create something new. There are glimpses of everything from The Beatles, Little Feat, Queen, Badfinger, 10 cc, Rush, The Black Crowes, and maybe even some Alice Cooper, all mixed together for some rousingly good songs and arrangements, that provides many quirks and surprises. Fun album that sounds both somewhat familiar, yet very different and unique. Best Tracks: Why Bother, Ice Cold, Catch Us If You Can, Last Call, Everybody Loves a Scandal. Rating: 3.5 stars 
 
 

Yes - Aurora

The current version of Yes (Steve Howe, Geoff Downes, Billy Sherwood, and Jay Schellen) returns with their 2nd album with this lineup (follow-up to 2023's Mirror to the Sky) and 24th album overall, and delivers a solid album that both honors the past but also tries to move in some new directions. In some ways this is sort of like Yes-lite, or DAD-Yes, as the songs have a more gentle sound and style, less rock, more acoustic and more orchestration, but the songs are generally good, just with a somewhat different mood and feel. Steve Howe's guitar, and especially acoustic guitar work shines throughout, as well as various vocals and harmonies, and rich arrangements. Along with the tracks that try to recapture that Yes sound, there are some departures, such as the more classical and orchestrated Ariadne, the funkier rocker All Hands on Deck, and the fun, poppy Jambustin'. No, this is not Yes from their classic period, but how could it be? That was 50 years ago. This is a fine album that shows where the band is today, and it is quite good. Best Tracks: Countermovement, All Hands on Deck, Ariadne, Jambustin', Watching the River Roll. Ratng: 3.5 stars

Death Cab For Cutie - I Built You a Tower

This 11th album from longtime US Indie rock band DCFC, led by introspective singer-songwriter Ben Gibbard, shows the band in top form, with some of their most beautiful and poignant songs, and a wonderful album. The songs chronicle the emotional turmoil following the end of Gibbard's marriage, but are beautifully rendered. From the stark, simple beauty of Stone Over Water and Full of Stars to the punkish energy of Envy of birds, to the two different songs both titled I Built You a Tower, it all works beautifully. Simple song structures, but great melodies and vocals, clever, insightful, emotional lyrics, and wonderfully effective arrangements. This one hits hard and stays with you with beautifully heartbreaking songs. Best Tracks: Stone Over Water, Riptides, Envy the Birds, I Built You a Tower, Trap Door, Full of Stars. Rating: 4 stars

Elder - Through Zero

8th album from this US Heavy Prog band that has really developed from their early days of psych-rock and stoner metal into a premier heavy Prog band. Their previous album, Innate Passage (2022) was one of the best of the year, and they just keep going from there. A great Prog sound that is atmospheric and complex, but also quite heavy at times (without indulging metal cliches) while also maintaining a spirited rockin' groove, kind of like a heavier, harder-rocking Pink Floyd. Their constantly moving rhythm section with interweaving keyboard lines keeps the tempo brisk and energetic, providing the perfect foundation for the guitar riffs laid on top, which is also surprisingly bright and uplifting. Great collaborative instrumental work that meshes together well throughout, effective vocals, and quite melodic and atmospheric despite the heaviness. It all works extremely well on multiple levels. All the tracks are great (6 songs, each 6-11 min), but the album really takes off from the title track on offering an exhilarating album experience. Best Tracks: Through Zero, Strata, Sight Unseen, Blighted Age. Rating: 4.5 stars

The Lemon Twigs - Look For Your Mind

Brothers Brian and Michael D'Addario are back with more shimmering 60's style pop-rock, following up on their previous album, A Dream is All We Know (2024), this time narrowing in on the early to mid-60's sounds and styles of bands such as The Byrds, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, and Simon and Garfunkel. With their beautiful harmony vocals and meticulously crafted arrangements, these talented musicians recreate classic 60's pop sounds. But although it all sounds great, is extremely well-done, and I wanted to really like this, I just don't. Something just seems a bit off here. Rather than just be influenced or inspired by those classic bands, these songs come off more as imitations, or worse yet, replication of these sounds and styles, rather than original songs. And the songs themselves are just not as good as the originals, just dressed up in this 60's sheen. I know this band receives much high praise for these tributes, but other than the 'Oh, this sounds just like that' factor, I just don't really enjoy these songs that much and they don't withstand repeated listens, at least for me. Best Tracks: Nothin' But You, Bring You Down. Rating: 3 stars

Dodgy - Hello Beautiful
Dodgy is a band from the UK that started as a successful Britpop band throughout the 1990's, have broken up and reformed a few times since then, and are now back with their first new album in 10 years, and it is fabulous, and one of the best finds of the quarter. Now, I am not familiar with their earlier releases (and never heard of them until now), but love this album. For me, their sound here is not at all Britpoppy, but rather has a real 70's hi-quality pop-rock sound, reminiscent of bands like The Doobie Brothers, The Kinks, America, and Todd Rundgren. Lead singer's vocals are somewhat similar to Ray Davies (which gives that somewhat Kinks sound), and they craft just a wonderful kind of folk-rock, vocal pop, and quality pop-rock, with great melodies and hooks, wonderful vocals and harmonies, and well-crafted arrangements. They evoke a 70's style without imitating or copying any one band or sound (and for me much better and more enjoyable than The Lemon Twigs album). Just Love this one, every track is low-key great. Best Tracks: It's Not the End, Call It What You Want, Looking Back, Beside Me, Summer Forever. Rating: 4 stars

Advent Horizon - Falling Together

This exciting Heavy Prog band from Salt lake City, Utah, made a big splash with their previous album, A Cell to Call Home (2023), which was absolutely fantastic. What was so great about this band and that album in particular was the great (and delicate) balance and mix between the heavy (metal) elements, classic melodic rock, and lighter more acoustic melodies and vocals. Just a fantastic blend that was unlike any other band. With this ambitious new album, they have again created something special, but they have also disrupted that wonderful blend by moving in a much heavier direction. The album is still very good, but the heavy elements dominate now, even including the addition of some extreme growling vocals. To be sure, there are still some beautiful melodic moments and great vocals, but these are fleeting, much less prominent, and are overpowered by the onslaught of heavy guitar throughout most tracks. That great balance has been lost and their sound now fits more closely with what other prog metal bands are doing, albeit some very good prog metal. Thus, although still quite good, this album was a disappointment for me, as I was really looking forward to some similar magic to what they created on the last album. To me, none of the songs here are as good as anything from the last album, although there are many fine moments. Best Tracks: Past Life Parable, Patience, Gravity I. Rating: 3.5 stars

Bruce Soord - Ghosts in the Park

4th solo album from founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and primary songwriter for the Pineapple Thief, Bruce Soord. It is dark, moody, and atmospheric. Yes, somewhat melancholic, but with shimmering arrangements and instrumentation, and Soord's wonderful vocals. It is like all the quieter, gentler, brooding parts of Pineapple Thief maintained throughout the whole album, but without the heavier outbursts and more rockin' elements, which in some cases really seems missing here, and is what keeps this album from reaching the heights of the Pineapple Thief albums. Still, very good, with some great guitar, instrumental sections, and melodic moments throughout. The slow, sustained atmosphere is cool, but sounds a bit too much the same from song to song. But, if you are in the right mood for this, it is very effective and beautiful. Best Tracks: Day of Wrath, Ghosts in the Park, Our Predicament, Kept Me Thinking. Rating: 3.5 stars

Exploring Birdsong - Every House We Built

This just-released (6/26/26) first full-length album, following two fantastic EPs, The Thing With Feathers (2019) and Dancing in the Face of Danger (2023), shows the full potential of this wonderful UK Prog trio fronted by the dynamic keyboards and great vocals of Lynsey Ward, and ably supported by Jonny Knight (bass) and Matt Harrison (drums). Bringing a modern pop sound into their Prog landscapes, they blend multiple genres from dreamy pop to heavy prog to create their unique sound and style. Often moving from plaintive piano phrases to an immersive wall of soaring vocals, keyboards, bass and thundering drums, while maintaining a strong melodic sense amidst rhythmic intensity, they deliver bold and dynamic tracks, quite proggy, yet still fit rsomewhat within the pop world. Best Tracks: Footprints, Arrythmia, Meadowlands, Spy in the House of Love, The Warning, I_You.  Rating: 4 stars

Noah Kahan - The Great Divide

OK, so I had never heard of this American folk-pop singer-songwriter before this album dropped, but evidently he hit it big a few years ago with his last album, Stick Season (2022). Anyway, listened to this and really liked it. Very enjoyable, he's got a nice folky style with some slick pop production. His somewhat folk, somewhat pop songs, are simple but with catchy hummable melodies and hooks, with direct, often blunt, relatable lyrics, and basic but effective arrangements, and are just very pleasant and enjoyable. He covers a lot of ground in the Americana, Folk-rock, country-rock vein, but with a mainstream pop sheen. Sometimes sounds like a slicker Head and The Heart and on some ballads like a folky Ed Sheeran. Whatever, it goes down quite nicely for a pleasant good time. However, after awhile, and with the massive length of the album (17 songs, 77 min, let alone the extended edition with 21 songs and 96 min)), it does wear a bit thin with its sameness and repetitive style, but in smaller doses its quite nice. Best Tracks: Downfall, Great Divide, Headed North, Haircut, Porch Light, We Go Way Back. Rating: 3.5 stars

Artificial Silence - Hollow Drift

2nd album from this exciting young Prog band from Tacoma, Washington featuring, an enticing mix of symphonic prog, melodic rock, metal elements, and sophisticated vocal arrangements, as well as dashes of classical, jazz, pop, and soft rock. Beautiful melodies and vocals punctuated with driving rock and metal make a heady blend. However, in some places, the metal elements seem to be working against or even undermining the vocal melodies, and a lighter touch would be preferred, such as on Paradise and Tidal Lock. But the full potential of the band is realized on the fantastic epic-length title track (24 min.), where the band eases back on the metal aspects and lets their great vocals, melodies, songwriting, and instrumental prowess shine, showcasing numerous different styles to great success. Shows great promise, and with this album, the band is just on the brink of greatness. Best Tracks: Hollow Drift, The Shadow, Voice of a Stranger. Rating: 3.5 stars

 

Different Light - Binary Stars (Part II - Alternate Reality)

 Here's a Prog Band from Prague (Czech Republic), with the follow-up to their previous Binary Stars (Part I - Operant Condition) from 2020. Their music combines all the Proggy elements you expect with solid doses of classic rock and power pop, for a complex but very accessible sound. Think along the lines of Neal Morse, but maybe even more reminiscent of Styx, Kansas, or even a proggier Toto. A very effective and enjoyable album of melodic prog. It is structured into multiple suites of short songs comprising a 60+ min concept album. Very Nice. Best Tracks: A Fool's Errand. MindSpeaker Suite, Constant Silver Lining suite, The Syncretist. Rating 3.5 stars

Paul McCartney - The Boys of Dungeon Lane

The legendary Sir Paul McCartney, perhaps the greatest popular songwriter of all time, at 84 years old, delivers a surprisingly good album, a quite wonderful album of personal songs. Yes, his singing voice is shot at this point, but he makes it work here, with a collection of mostly very good tracks covering a variety of styles. Although I have not been a fan of many of his recent albums, and Paul is long past his prime years of the 1970's, he can still be counted on to put out at least one really good album every decade. In the 80's it was Tug of War, in the 90's Flaming Pie, the 2000's Chaos and Creation in the Backyard, the 2010's New, and now this one, a quite entertaining blend of well-written and performed songs looking back on his life and times. Best Tracks: Ripples in the Pond, Down South, Come Inside, As You Lie There, The Days We Left Behind, Home To Us. Rating: 3.5 stars

Muse - The Wow! Signal

Interesting album from Muse, and a bold step forward relative to their other recent releases. Strange mix of styles and tracks, but with some real standouts. Although the album has somewhat of a space-age theme with the title reference and some more spacey synths and such, there are also plenty of gothic stylings with cathedral organ, choirs, and dark theatrical flair, their compelling drama pop, as well as some pure pop and dance tracks. But the two standout tracks are straight-up rockers, Cryogen and The Sickness in You, with heavy guitar and killer riffs and groove. It's a bit all over the pace stylistically, with some real ups and downs, but overall, surprisingly good and a promising return from the band. Best Tracks: Cryogen, The Sickness in You, Hush, Unravelling. Rating: 3.5 stars

Bruce Hornsby - Indigo Park

Interesting but very uneven album from piano master Hornsby. He tries out many different sounds and styles here, with some working and some not at all, his ? album. There are some very good songs in his recognizable sumptuous piano-based pop-rock style, but others where he goes more synthy or poppy are less successful. And then there are those where he tries to be more edgy or discordant, with talk-singing and atonal melodies that just don't work. He's just not Tom Waits or Randy Newman, and these departures weigh the album down, although do provide something different from Bruce. Thus Overall, worth hearing, but a mix of good and bad. Best Tracks: Indigo Park, North Dakota Slate Roof,  Sliver of Time, Take a Light Strain. Rating: 3 stars

Joe Jackson - Hope and Fury

After various forays into other musical styles, UK singer-songwriter Jackson returns with his first rock-oriented album in many years and a style Jackson refers to as "bicoastal Latin-jazz-funk-rock" and is most reminiscent of his albums Night and Day (1983) and Laughter and Lust (1991). He still slings his biting, sardonic lyrics, this time focusing on his observations of modern day England (and let's just say he is not happy with what he sees), but is bolstered by his characteristic piano-based, jazz-tinged, latin percussion backed, swinging rock. Although there is nothing new here (quite similar to previous work), it's nice to hear him get back to this style, and it is an enjoyable listen, but just doesn't stack up among his best work. Rating: 3 stars

Devin Townshend - The Moth

Big, ambitious, theatrical concept album, with full orchestra and dramatic presentation of this rock opera Townshend has been working on for many years. An impressive production, but musically, it is a very hit and miss affair. Obviously a passion project for him and a major work, but the music itself is less impressive and tends a bit too much toward the opera side, with its classical trappings and vocal style, and not enough on the rock side, to make it consistently entertaining. But have to give credit to the massive undertaking here. Rating: 3 stars

Foo Fighters - Your Favorite Toy

Well-done, competent rock from these veterans, if somewhat generic and similar to past releases. A step down from their last album, the more memorable and varied But Here We Are (2023). They go for a leaner and meaner sound on this one, but the heavier sound isn't necessarily better. It sounds fine, and fans will approve, but after listening, I didn't remember a single song or riff from this one. Rating: 3 stars

Ringo Starr - Long Long Road

Ringo and producer T-Bone Burnett return with another country album, following the successful Look Up (2025), again featuring Ringo's laconic vocals over Burnett's impeccable Americana production and numerous guest stars to bolster Ringo's limitations. But this 2nd effort delivers somewhat diminishing returns, with more of the same, but with noticeably weaker songs, being just OK and failing to rise above mediocrity. Rating: 2.5 stars

Slift - Fantasia
Post-punk (or is it post-rock? I never know) darlings. This is absolutely terrible, with obnoxious screaming vocals through the whole thing. There may actually be some interesting things happening musically here, but the vocalist screaming at me throughout ruins everything else. Unlistenable. Rating: 1.5 (the extra .5 only due to some nice instrumental work)

BB’s Rating scale:

1 star – Terrible, torturous to have to listen to

1.5 stars - Poor, not worth your time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

OK, that wraps up the new and notable albums I've been listening to lately, lots of good stuff there. Some of these I've only had the chance to listen to a few times, so it's possible some ratings could change a bit with repeated listening, but this is how I'm feeling now. What did you think of the latest crop of albums? Let me know what your favorite albums have been so far this year?  
   

 
 
 

New Album Roundup - Capsule Reviews and Comments - Early 2024

New Album Reviews - Early 2024

Hey, it's time to through some of the best albums of the year so far. I usually spend the first month or so of a new year catching up on recommended albums from the previous year that I missed or had not yet heard, and that was certainly true for this year, as there were several albums that came out right near the end of the year, as well as several interesting albums I heard about in various year-end lists that I was not familiar with. So, I had been listening to dozens of 2023 albums through the early weeks of 2024, as I waited for the new crop of 2024 albums to start coming out. So, before highlighting the best of the new 2024 albums, Here are a few of the best of those 2023 albums that I did not hear until 2024.

2023 late arrivals:

Regna - Cinema (2023) 

Regna is a relatively new progressive rock band, from Barcelona, Spain. This is their first full-length album, following an EP, Meridian (2015). And this band certainly bases its sound on the classic Prog of the early 1970's, harkening back to the style of Yes, Genesis, Camel, and others of the time, but also adding some modern elements as well. Their strength is their musicianship and instrumental prowess, with dazzling displays of proggy goodness, as exemplified on their 20-min epic, Accolade. However, the vocals are a bit of a weak spot, as they are just OK, functional but nothing special, and with a single vocalist, there is little in the way of harmony or backing vocals throughout. But overall, the strength of the songs and playing provide a very good album of classic-style prog. Best Tracks: Tangent, Accolade, Spyglass. Rating: 3.5ó

Lalu - The Fish Who Wanted to be King (2023)

Lalu is a prog band formed and lead by French keybordist-composer Vivien Lalu. This is their 4th album, following closely after 2022's Paint the Sky, and their 2nd album to feature premier vocalist Damian Wilson (Ayreon, Star One, Headspace, Threshold) and he shines throughout the album. Although this band has been designated as progressive metal, this most recent album is really not that at all, fortunately, as it is more melodic and contains more elements of AOR style rock. I would call it more of a mixture of melodic rock, Neo prog, and classic symphonic prog, with some more modern, heavier, and jazzy elements as well. And it is quite wonderful, a delight from start to finish. There is certainly more than enough great classic proggy instrumental flourishes throughout to satisfy the prog fans, but also maintains solid melodic lines and themes (to not scare away the non-prog rock fans), as well as a diversity of styles, creating a fun, entertaining and unique blend of driving, rockin' prog songs, from the shorter, jazzy instrumental, Reversal of Fortune, to the many highlights of the more epic length Amnesia 1916 and title track. Best Tracks: Amnesia 1916, The Fish Who Wanted to Be King, Deoxyribonucleic Acid, Digital Fear, Reversal of Fortune. Rating: 4ó .

David Longdon -  Wild River (2023 Remastered Reissue, originally released 2004)

David Longdon was the wonderful lead vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the prog band Big Big Train who died in a tragic accident in late 2021. This is the rerelease of an earlier solo album he made prior to his joining Big Big Train. David was one of the best vocalists around, with a pure, heartfelt, majestic quality, but was also a fine instrumentalist, playing guitar, keyboards, harmonica and flute. On this early album, from 2004, his vocals, songwriting, and playing are all in fine form, as he moves through songs of varying styles. Although overall, it might be classified as light rock or pop, he mixes in various styles and influences, including folk, pop, blues, classical, and rock, and all the songs have interesting arrangements and strong melodies. Although this is not quite in the prog style of Big Big Train, the qualities that David brought to the band are clear throughout, from his songwriting and melodic sense, to the intricate arrangements that bring out the best of each song, to of course, his fantastic vocals. This is a great album from a great artist in the early stages of his career. Best Tracks: This House, Vertigo, Mandy, Falling Down to Earth, Honey Trap. Rating: 4ó

2024
It is still early in 2024, but there have already been many great new albums released in these first few months. Here are some of my favorites so far:

Neal Morse - The Restoration: Joseph Part 2 

A solid, and improved follow-up to last years's The Dreamer: Joseph Part 1. Once again, Neal has brought in many guest vocalists (Ted Leonard, Matt Smith, Jake Livgren, Nick D'Virgilio, Ross Jennings) to round out the cast of characters in his biblical prog rock opera telling of the story of Joseph, along with his Neal Morse band cohorts guitarist Eric Gillette and keyboardist Bill Hubauer to enhance Neal's own multi-instrumental musicianship. Although a long album (16 tracks, 75 min), and certainly dramatic and theatrical in nature, Neal tries to keep things interesting by varying the tempo and musical styles from song to song. That and the different vocalists, keep things moving through the various stylistic choices of Morse and Co. Mixing in familar prog elements (reminiscent of Spock's Beard, Gentle Giant, ELP, etc) with hard rock, choirs, vocal harmonies, orchestration, jazz, and even a bit of latin swing, as only Neal Morse could.  Although much of this may seem quite familiar to other projects from Morse, he still manages to surprise occasionally, and entertains quite consistently, as it builds to a rousing and satisfying conclusion, and saves the best songs for the last sequence. Better than expected. Best Tracks: My Dream, the Argument, Make Like a Breeze, The Brothers Repent, Restoration, Everlasting, Dawning of a New Day. Rating: 3.5ó

Ellesmere - Stranger Skies

This is the 4th album from Ellesmere, lead by Italian progger Roberto Vitelli, and is firmly in the style of classic symphonic prog ala Genesis and Yes. Vitelli has assembled an accomplished band of musicians  perfectly suited to the prog workout displayed here, with all the intricate instrumental passages and soloing to make successful prog, and are joined on this album by vocalist John Wilkinson, who sings in a voice and style suspiciously similar to Phil Collins. Thus, all the pieces are there, the vocals are fine and the instrumental sections do achieve a grandness and virtuosic satisfaction. However, to me, it just seems a bit too ordinary and run of the mill, and just going through the motions. What is missing here are great songs, as the songs and melodies here are just ok, nothing special. They just are not very engaging or compelling. Great playing all around, but the songs themselves just don't do much for me. Still enjoyable to listen to, but I can't get too excited about it, even with some great musicianship on display. Rating: 3ó   

Kyros - Mannequin
Kyros, a UK progressive pop band, lead by the vocals and keyboards of Shelby Logan Warner, has embraced 80's style synth-pop on this, their 5th album. But this is synthpop re-imagined from a decidedly bold progressive rock perspective, for a style that sounds new, but is also quite familiar as well. Very catchy beats and melodies collide with edgy vocals and prog flourishes throughout. Starting off with a more gentle acoustic pop song (Taste the Day), the album moves to an energetic synthpop instrumental (Showtime) before the main features and core of the album take hold, an impressive display of progressive synthpop brilliance for the next 6 songs. Unfortunately, the album falters on the final 2 tracks, when the band goes much darker and heavier (more prog metal) on Technology Killed the Kids IV, which apparently is a continuing series from previous albums, but which does not fit or work at all here, and completely ruins the vibe and feel of the album. The final track, Have Hope, is hyperactive and disjointed, and although has some nice moments, is too much of a chaotic mess. Up until those final 2 tracks, this is a really great album, but have to downgrade it due to the poor finish. Best Tracks: Esoterica, Illusions Inside, The End in Mind, Ghosts of You, Liminal Space, Digital Fear. Rating: 3.5ó

The Pineapple Thief - It Leads To This

Another great album from veteran prog band The Pineapple Thief lead by composer-gutarist-vocalist Bruce Soord, who have really been on a roll since the addition of drummer extraordaire Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree) in 2016. This new album is even stronger than their quite good previous couple albums, Giving it Back (2022) and Versions of the Truth (2020), but doesn't quite reach the pinnacle of Dissolution (2018), which I consider to be their masterwork. This album saw a closer working relationship between Bruce Soord and Gavin Harrison in crafting the songs for the album, actually writing together in the same studio for the first time. The album starts with Put it Right which sets the mood and atmosphere for the album with a soft understated cool, but dark vibe and develops into a slow boil throughout the song. But the album really takes off with the middle series of songs, starting with the title track and its blend of atmosphere, melody, and rhythms. The intensity builds with The Frost amid heavier riffs. Throughout, the understated vocals and melodies of Soord mixed with the dynamic drumming of Harrison, and the rhythms and riffs of the rest of the band create rich and satisfying soundscapes, even with the undercurrents of darkness and unease. This album is a real grower, in that it may not knock you out on first listen, but its subtleties and intricacies develop and is richly rewarding with repeated listens. The band seems even more of a cohesive coordinated unit than on previous albums creating a wonderful listening experience. My only mild criticisms would be that 1) it doesn't stray very far from what they've done previously, similar in style and substance (but so very well done), and 2) It just seems a bit too short (8 tracks, 40 min). It ends rather abruptly, and it just seems it could use one more song to round it out. All in all though, Another gem of an album. Best Tracks: It Leads to This, Every Trace of Us, All That's Left, The Frost, To Forget. Rating: 4ó

Steve Hackett - The Circus and the Nightwhale

The latest from guitarist extraordinaire Steve Hackett (and something like his 30th album), this one is a concept album with a story based on Steve's own life experiences, and is something special, his best album in many years. At 74, and a career spanning more than 55 years, Hackett seems to be stronger than ever, with his Genesis Revisited tours and regular releases of live and new solo albums. This album mixes together songs of many different styles, ranging from classical guitar stylings to dark and ominous heavy prog metal riffs, as well as lighter more melodic pop and rock, with international stylistic flourishes, strong harmony vocals, and yes, even some Genesis-reminiscent passages. Steve has his powerhouse backing band (same as his touring band) as well as some guest artists to bring these songs to life, and the result is a tour de force album of delights, 13 tracks comprising a compact 45 minutes, telling his story in one of the prog highlights of the year.   Best tracks: Enter the Ring, Wherever You Are, Ghost Moon and Living Love, Get Me Out, Into the Nightwhale. Rating: 4ó

Dirt Poor Robins - Firebird

Dirt Poor Robins are a totally unique band from Louisville, KY, and are essentially the married couple of Neil and Kate DeGraide writing and performing all the songs. They bill themselves as a Theatrical/Cinematic/Singer-Songwriting Rock Band and make genre-defying music, incorporating pop, rock, jazz, prog, musical theater, and nostalgia (music of the 1920's, 30's, 40's, and 50's), usually in elaborate concept albums. Very theatrical, cinematic, but also quite accessible, they weave compelling story songs of varying styles. With this latest album, The Robins create a futuristic sci-fi scenario rooted in pop styles from the 1980's, yet again, encompassing many different styles and genres, but with a bright and exuberant sound throughout. This album may be their most entertaining and accomplished work yet. From the pop gem opener, Political, through to the majestic closer Firebird (based on Stravinsky's Firebird theme), this is a wonderful album, even with a couple of overwrought ballads I did not care for, it is all part of the experience. The only other band I can compare them to is The Dear Hunter, as they both feature that musical diversity and theatricality aspects, yet are so compelling and accessible.  Best Tracks: Political, Holy Roller, So Long to Yesterday, Firebird, You'll Never Hear it Coming. Rating: 4ó

Albion - Lakesongs of the Elbid

Another somewhat new band releasing their first full-length album. Originally formed in 2019, released an EP, Pryderi in 2021. And what a fantastic album this is, with a unique and exciting sound that the band calls folk metal, which mixes Old English-style folk music with classical, hard rock, and prog metal for a rousing sonic journey. But it is much more than that, with a wide range of styles and influences, featuring songs ranging from traditional folk with acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies to a rockin' Sea Shanty all the way to full-on progressive metal, but on most songs creating an exhilarating blend of multiple styles in a bold symphonic prog. This band features guitarist-flutist-vocalist Joe Parrish-James, who has been guitarist for Jethro Tull for their 2 most recent albums, but recently announced he was leaving Tull to concentrate on his other band, Albion. Although there are several similarities with Tull, in that both bands feature a mix of acoustic folk and hard rock, with prominent flute and symphonic arrangements, Albion's sound is uniquely its own, with only occasional similarities with Tull. Actually, the modern band that they are a bit more reminiscent of is the Von Hertzen Brothers. Several songs start out in a mostly folky mode, but then build or explode into full-on symphonic prog powerhouses, while still retaining folk elements. A stunningly good album. Fresh, invigorating, exciting, and exemplifies what Progressive rock is all about. Best Tracks: Pagan Spirit, The Dream of Rhonabwy, Lyn y Fan Fawr (Sister Lake), Arthurian Overture, Camlann, Canens (Maya). Rating: 4.5ó

Big Big Train - The Likes of Us

Big Big Train, one of the premier prog bands of the 2000s, has been through a lot over the past few years. In 2019, half the band (including guitarist Dave Gregory, Andy Poole, Danny Manners, and string player Rachel Hall) quit, leaving the remaining core members (David Longdon, Greg Spawton, Rikard Sjoblom, and Nick D'Virgilio) to regroup and refocus. They did so brilliantly, coming back with the great album Common Ground in 2021, and showing some new directions. However, in late 2021, the band was devastated by the tragic accidental death of lead vocalist-multi-instrumentalis-composer David Longdon, and put the future of the band in doubt. But they have regrouped once again, adding vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Alberto Bravin, as well as Dave Foster on guitar, Oskar Holdorff on keyboards, and Claire Lindley on violin, and released this latest album, and it is another triumphant return for the band. Alerto Bravin brings a different presence to the band, as he doesn't try to sound like Longdon, but has his own style and commanding voice that all his own. He also has added substantially in the songwriting, playing, and arrangements of many of the songs on the album. Although forging on in some new directions, the album maintains the the essence of what makes Big Big Train great, with beautiful melodies, soaring instrumental passages, evocative narratives, and sweeping majestic themes, maintaining effective use of strings and horns, as well occasional bursts of heavier prog instrumental sections. From the shorter more rock-oriented Oblivion, to the beautiful ballads like Love is the Light, to the pastoral splendor and symphonic grandness of Light Left in the Day, to the magnificent epic Beneath the Masts, which has everything one could want in an epic-length BBT song (and will take its place among their greats), the album delivers another astounding chapter in the musical adventures of BBT, and continues their reign, at least for me, at the top of modern progressive rock.  Best Tracks: Beneath the Masts, Miramare, Light Left in the Day, Oblivion, Last Eleven. Rating: 4.5ó

Quick Hits:
Here are some more new albums worth checking out, but ones that I didn't have time to review in full, didn't like as much, or just didn't have much to say about. So here, are just the briefest of comments on these still quite worthy albums.

Caligula's Horse - Charcoal Grace (Inventive, dynamic prog metal album, but too much metal for me) 3ó 

ALMO - Reconciliation (Heavy Prog Metal, mostly heavy metal, not enough prog) 2ó

The Smile - Wall of Eyes (another set of half-baked, underdeveloped 'art rock' songs, more like demos or rehearsal sessions, but marginally better than 1st album) 2.5ó

Everything Everything - Mountainhead (Bright, bouncy, modern synthpop, just not that memorable or compelling) 3ó

The Last Dinner Party - Prelude to Ecstasy (Well-done drama pop, just not something I can connect with) 3ó

Emerald City Council - Motion Carries (fun, pop-oriented, accessible, melodic prog rock. Recommended) 3.5ó

Karfagen - Mesages From Afar: Second Nature (More well-crafted and engaging keyboard-led prog from Anthony Kalugin) 3.5ó

The Bardic Depths - What We Like in Stories (gentle melodic prog, nice vocals and arrangements, literate lyrics) 3.5ó

Monkey3 - Welcome to the Machine (Well-done instrumental psychedelic/space-rock inspired by Pink Floyd) 3.5ó

Drfting Sun - Veil (musically impressive prog songs, marred by creepy, distracting vocal performance) 3ó

Professor Caffeine and The Insecurities - Self-Titled (Invigorating, inspired indie rock, with elements of Prog) 3.5ó 

Mesa Verde - All is Well (Pleasant, mostly gentle, laid-back, but complex and quirky, indie pop, gets better as it goes on) 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

So, that's it for now. A lot of really good stuff already this year, with more on the way. What have you been listening to this year? What are some of your favorites thus far?