Mark’s Quick Review: Laura Meade’s – Remedium0 (0)

Mark’s Quick Review: Laura Meade’s – Remedium
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by | Sep 16, 2018 | Reviews

Laura Meade’s – Remedium

Another wonderful singer and person is on tap for today’s review. Laura Meade, also know for her work in IZZ, has put out a solo album. Our first meeting was at ProgWest 2002 and we have seen her perform with IZZ a few times. We always had a great time during the show and enjoyed meeting her and the rest of the band afterwards.

Remedium as you would expect, features Laura prominently. There is also a lot to like for bass players on this album. I can’t, however, recommend this album.

This might be a personal bias of mine, but I really struggle with albums that are solo female artists whether it’s pop or prog. Unfortunately, Remedium didn’t change my bias as I am not hearing any drama or compelling reason to listen to this album over another. I will say I may be in the minority as Remedium has been well received by others including Prog magazine and NJ Proghouse.

I think several tracks would make great passages in IZZ songs. If you do like solo female artists, for example some of Christina Booth’s solo work, then I would give this a try – otherwise take a pass.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Request What I See From Here Here

Click above to purchase at Amazon US or Amazon UK and we’ll get a little referral bonus on your whole order. Even if you don’t order this album

If you have never read the key for my ratings below please do so one time. I feel my ratings are tougher than my peers. Also Check my last.fm link to see how compatible our music tasts are.

https://www.last.fm/user/mon40/library/artists

Key:
These ratings are just attributes and may not have correlation to the most important: OVERALL RATING

PREVIOUS BAND RATING
0: Never heard of them or debut album.
2: Someone recommended. I give them another shot.
4: Some good moments in the past but never put together an album I really liked.
6: Some 4 or 5 star songs but albums can be hit or miss for me.
8: I like 80% of their songs and probably went to see them live.
10: I would, and probably have gone on a plane to see them live.

ACCESSIBILITY EXAMPLES
2: Weather Report
4: Zappa
6: Genesis – Selling England by the Pound,
8: Marillion – F.E.A.R
10: Kino – Picture

HEAVINESS EXAMPLES
2: IQ – Seventh House
4: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
10: Opeth – Black Water Park

MELODIC EXAMPLES:
2: Opeth – Black Water Park
4: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
10: IQ – Seventh House

OVERALL RATING:
2: Will Never listen to again and deleted under no circumstances should you buy this
4: Not my thing maybe one redeeming song.
6: I like parts of this and I would check them out if they were near me.
8: I would get in the car and road trip to see this album live
10: I would get on a plane to see this performed live

Packaging:
0: Did not send
2: Sleeve or jewel-case with only single card front.
4: Some interesting information in packaging.
6: Nice art and some information
8: Nice art and full lyrics
10: Full lyrics, composer credits, are for each specific song

See if our likes are similar See my Last.fm Page

Mark’s Quick Review: Overture’s – Self Titled Album0 (0)

Mark’s Quick Review: Overture’s – Self Titled Album
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by | Sep 13, 2018 | Reviews

In the mood for some Italian Prog, well then look no further than this debut from Overture. This album has all the hooks, time signatures and sounds that you would expect from a classic Italian Prog Band.

Most songs are in the nine minute range and flow very nicely into each other. Unlike a lot of albums I listen to today. The middle of this album seems to be my favorite portion.

Get the word out about his band they literally have no chance in showing up in any search results. Whoever told them it was ok to name their band Overture and the album Overture did them a real disservice. The funny thing is their opening track is called intro not overture. Its tough to even find their music on my player as I actually have 61 songs named overture.

Luckily they sent their album to me and I did not have to try and find it. Hopefully they will send their future albums to me.

So if you like prog sung in Italian, and you like the bands PFM or Unreal City rest assured you will like this album.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Request Il%20Mendicante Here

Click above to purchase at Amazon US or Amazon UK and we’ll get a little referral bonus on your whole order. Even if you don’t order this album

If you have never read the key for my ratings below please do so one time. I feel my ratings are tougher than my peers. Also Check my last.fm link to see how compatible our music tasts are.

https://www.last.fm/user/mon40/library/artists

Key:
These ratings are just attributes and may not have correlation to the most important: OVERALL RATING

PREVIOUS BAND RATING
0: Never heard of them or debut album.
2: Someone recommended. I give them another shot.
4: Some good moments in the past but never put together an album I really liked.
6: Some 4 or 5 star songs but albums can be hit or miss for me.
8: I like 80% of their songs and probably went to see them live.
10: I would, and probably have gone on a plane to see them live.

ACCESSIBILITY EXAMPLES
2: Weather Report
4: Zappa
6: Genesis – Selling England by the Pound,
8: Marillion – F.E.A.R
10: Kino – Picture

 

HEAVINESS EXAMPLES
2: IQ – Seventh House
4: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
10: Opeth – Black Water Park

MELODIC EXAMPLES:
2: Opeth – Black Water Park
4: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
10: IQ – Seventh House

OVERALL RATING:
2: Will Never listen to again and deleted under no circumstances should you buy this
4: Not my thing maybe one redeeming song.
6: I like parts of this and I would check them out if they were near me.
8: I would get in the car and road trip to see this album live
10: I would get on a plane to see this performed live

See if our likes are similar See my Last.fm Page

Mark’s Quick Review: Rava’s – The Sun Remains the Same0 (0)

Mark’s Quick Review: Rava’s – The Sun Remains the Same
0 (0)

by | Sep 12, 2018 | Reviews

Rava’s The Sun Remains the Same, is from a finish band Rava that I never heard of before. This 4 song album 1 hour long song is quite impressive. The music is moody, polyphonic and rich with drama. Their songs are instrumental and they seem to have mastered the art of droning. The only comparison i think I can make is Interpol’s PDA song or maybe Kraftwerk’s Autobahn.

I don’t always like the droning but when it’s done right its great and this is great. It is a self-published album written, performed and procuced by Janne Lyytinen.

This album is for fans of ambient rock, and post electronic probably not if you are a fan of one or the other I think you need to be a fan of both. These long songs rarely get exude in these musical styles.

I have a link to the 14 minute track for you below. Give it a listen.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Request Lapse Here

Click above to purchase at Amazon US or Amazon UK and we’ll get a little referral bonus on your whole order. Even if you don’t order this album

If you have never read the key for my ratings below please do so one time. I feel my ratings are tougher than my peers. Also Check my last.fm link to see how compatible our music tasts are.

https://www.last.fm/user/mon40/library/artists

Key:
These ratings are just attributes and may not have correlation to the most important: OVERALL RATING

PREVIOUS BAND RATING
0: Never heard of them or debut album.
2: Someone recommended. I give them another shot.
4: Some good moments in the past but never put together an album I really liked.
6: Some 4 or 5 star songs but albums can be hit or miss for me.
8: I like 80% of their songs and probably went to see them live.
10: I would, and probably have gone on a plane to see them live.

ACCESSIBILITY EXAMPLES
2: Weather Report
4: Zappa
6: Genesis – Selling England by the Pound,
8: Marillion – F.E.A.R
10: Kino – Picture

 

HEAVINESS EXAMPLES
2: IQ – Seventh House
4: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
10: Opeth – Black Water Park

MELODIC EXAMPLES:
2: Opeth – Black Water Park
4: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
10: IQ – Seventh House

OVERALL RATING:
2: Will Never listen to again and deleted under no circumstances should you buy this
4: Not my thing maybe one redeeming song.
6: I like parts of this and I would check them out if they were near me.
8: I would get in the car and road trip to see this album live
10: I would get on a plane to see this performed live

See if our likes are similar See my Last.fm Page

Mark’s Quick Review: The Sea Within’s – The Sea Within0 (0)

Mark’s Quick Review: The Sea Within’s – The Sea Within
0 (0)

by | Sep 10, 2018 | Reviews

Super group the Sea Within, formed in 2017 by Swedish guitarist and singer-songwriter Roine Stolt, bassist Jonas Reingold and guitarist Daniel Gildenlöw, German drummer Marco Minnemann, and American keyboardist Tom Brislin.

I was fortunate to hear this band at Night of the Prog where they put on a stellar show. This album is really enjoyable. The 5 songs writen by Roine have many of his signature sounds especially the first track Ashes of Dawn.

My favorite song written by Marco Minnemann has to be the 14 minute Broken Cord. All in All there are 5 songs were written by Roine, 4 by Marco, Tom has one and Daniel has two bonus tracks.

As much as I liked their performance and the album I think its average / above average. This gets a moderate buy rating from me. Its very good though throughout. As I look at my ratings on each song I would be happy to play any one of them which is the mark of a good album. There is just not a passage that I think is a must hear.

Queue up a track and hear for yourself.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Request Ashes of Dawn Here

Click above to purchase at Amazon US or Amazon UK and we’ll get a little referral bonus on your whole order. Even if you don’t order this album

If you have never read the key for my ratings below please do so one time. I feel my ratings are tougher than my peers. Also Check my last.fm link to see how compatible our music tasts are.

https://www.last.fm/user/mon40/library/artists

Key:
These ratings are just attributes and may not have correlation to the most important: OVERALL RATING

PREVIOUS BAND RATING
0: Never heard of them or debut album.
2: Someone recommended. I give them another shot.
4: Some good moments in the past but never put together an album I really liked.
6: Some 4 or 5 star songs but albums can be hit or miss for me.
8: I like 80% of their songs and probably went to see them live.
10: I would, and probably have gone on a plane to see them live.

ACCESSIBILITY EXAMPLES
2: Weather Report
4: Zappa
6: Genesis – Selling England by the Pound,
8: Marillion – F.E.A.R
10: Kino – Picture

 

HEAVINESS EXAMPLES
2: IQ – Seventh House
4: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
10: Opeth – Black Water Park

MELODIC EXAMPLES:
2: Opeth – Black Water Park
4: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
10: IQ – Seventh House

OVERALL RATING:
2: Will Never listen to again and deleted under no circumstances should you buy this
4: Not my thing maybe one redeeming song.
6: I like parts of this and I would check them out if they were near me.
8: I would get in the car and road trip to see this album live
10: I would get on a plane to see this performed live

See if our likes are similar See my Last.fm Page

Mark’s Quick Review: Damanek’s – In Flight0 (0)

Mark’s Quick Review: Damanek’s – In Flight
0 (0)

by | Sep 9, 2018 | Reviews

Damanek’s In Flight album is the sophomore release from Guy Manning and crew. The album is due for release Oct 5th 2018. The name is a concatenation of DAniel Mash, Guy MANing and MerEK Arnold.

Going into the review I feel that I have to disclose that I am pretty fond on all the members of the band. I have seen Guy play at RoSfest and at a private show at my house. Dan Mash and Luke Machin I have seen play as Concrete Lake in Wales and in the Tangent in Quebec. Merek Arnold I have seen in Seven Steps to the Green Door in Rüsselsheim and at Summer’s End. I have seen Sean Timms as Unitopia play at Summers End, RoSfest, and in my house twice. Damanek I have seen once at Summer’s End too. Their previous album, On Track, I also declared as best UK album of 2017.

This album is another steady, quality album. While there may be no goosebump moments for me yet, there are two great songs on this album. Skyboat is wonderful, thanks to the choir that is featured on that particular song. The 30 minute Big Easters is a wonderful epic track.

I might suggest that you take at least one listen to this album with the liner notes as Guy’s lyrics are as important to him as the music. Not to mention, you will be rewarded for reading the lyrics which are poignant and introspective.

I have included a link to request Damanek’s In Flight Skyboat below, but the link will not work until the album’s release date.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Request Skyboat Here

Click above to purchase at Amazon US or Amazon UK and we’ll get a little referral bonus on your whole order. Even if you don’t order this album

If you have never read the key for my ratings below please do so one time. I feel my ratings are tougher than my peers. Also Check my last.fm link to see how compatible our music tasts are.

https://www.last.fm/user/mon40/library/artists

Key:
These ratings are just attributes and may not have correlation to the most important: OVERALL RATING

PREVIOUS BAND RATING
0: Never heard of them or debut album.
2: Someone recommended. I give them another shot.
4: Some good moments in the past but never put together an album I really liked.
6: Some 4 or 5 star songs but albums can be hit or miss for me.
8: I like 80% of their songs and probably went to see them live.
10: I would, and probably have gone on a plane to see them live.

ACCESSIBILITY EXAMPLES
2: Weather Report
4: Zappa
6: Genesis – Selling England by the Pound,
8: Marillion – F.E.A.R
10: Kino – Picture

 

HEAVINESS EXAMPLES
2: IQ – Seventh House
4: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
10: Opeth – Black Water Park

MELODIC EXAMPLES:
2: Opeth – Black Water Park
4: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
10: IQ – Seventh House

OVERALL RATING:
2: Will Never listen to again and deleted under no circumstances should you buy this
4: Not my thing maybe one redeeming song.
6: I like parts of this and I would check them out if they were near me.
8: I would get in the car and road trip to see this album live
10: I would get on a plane to see this performed live

See if our likes are similar See my Last.fm Page

Mark’s Quick Review: The Bridge’s – Reunion0 (0)

Mark’s Quick Review: The Bridge’s – Reunion
0 (0)

by | Sep 6, 2018 | Reviews

A Chilean band with an edge. This is for fans of Dream Theater’s melodies Shield For Me sounds a bit like DT’s missunderstood actually.

This album will take a few listens possibly but you will be rewarded with a very enjoyable album.

Their self described influences are Pink Floyd, Metallica, Dream Theater, Neal Morse, Haken, Pain of Salvation and they wear those influences on their sleeves. I do hear those bands quite a lot.

Spin a track we suggest below you will be glad you did.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS: Request Shield for me Here

If you have never read the key for my ratings below please do so one time. I feel my ratings are tougher than my peers. Also Check my last.fm link to see how compatible our music tasts are.

https://www.last.fm/user/mon40/library/artists

Key:
These ratings are just attributes and may not have correlation to the most important: OVERALL RATING

PREVIOUS BAND RATING
0: Never heard of them or debut album.
2: Someone recommended. I give them another shot.
4: Some good moments in the past but never put together an album I really liked.
6: Some 4 or 5 star songs but albums can be hit or miss for me.
8: I like 80% of their songs and probably went to see them live.
10: I would, and probably have gone on a plane to see them live.

ACCESSIBILITY EXAMPLES
2: Weather Report
4: Zappa
6: Genesis – Selling England by the Pound,
8: Marillion – F.E.A.R
10: Kino – Picture

 

HEAVINESS EXAMPLES
2: IQ – Seventh House
4: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
10: Opeth – Black Water Park

MELODIC EXAMPLES:
2: Opeth – Black Water Park
4: Vanden Plas – Chirst 0, Dream Theater – Scenes From a Memory
6: Porcupine Tree – In Abstentia, Shadow Gallery – Tyranny
8: Discipline – Unfold Like a Staircase
10: IQ – Seventh House

OVERALL RATING:
2: Will Never listen to again and deleted under no circumstances should you buy this
4: Not my thing maybe one redeeming song.
6: I like parts of this and I would check them out if they were near me.
8: I would get in the car and road trip to see this album live
10: I would get on a plane to see this performed live

See if our likes are similar See my Last.fm Page