Progressive Rock Review: Telergy-Hypatia

Release Date: 19^thJune 2015

Label:  Telergymusic

Website

Hypatia is release number 3 for the band, Telergy, the name for the creative vehicle of composer and multi-instrumentalist, Robert McClung. I had not heard of this band prior to The Legend Of Goody Cole arriving on my desk for review in 2013. That release followed on from the debut by Robert, The Exodus, in 2011. All 3 albums are concept releases, with each telling the story of an important historical event. The new release, Hypatia, is based on the life of Hypatia of Alexandria, who was a great mathematician, astronomer, philosopher and teacher who met a tragic death in 415 AD.

Robert recruits musicians to help out in his recordings and he turned his attention to progressive music in 2009 after 2 decades of playing in a variety of genres.

On Hypatia, Robert is responsible for guitar, bass, violin, viola, piano, mandolin, organ, keyboards, flute, balalaika, ukulele, sitar, lap steel guitar, bodhran, percussion and tenor/baritone vocals, along with no less than 38 guest musicians and vocalists, including Durga McBroom-Hudson on vocals (Pink Floyd), Blake Carpenter on vocals (Minstrel’s Ghost) and Oliver Wakeman on keyboards (Yes).

Hypatia is a 17 track album which lasts just over 63 minutes. Nine of the tracks are narrative scene setters which link the main tracks and carry the concept through the album. They tend to be very short and vary in length from just under, to just over, a minute. The longest track on offer is track 4, “Philosopher” with a playing time of 11:44 minutes and the shortest of the main tracks is track 12, “Scapegoat” with a running time of just under 3 minutes. (2:54)

The first main track is track 2, “Astronomer” (7:15) and follows the directional narration of “Scene 1” (0:38). The initial building up of gentle sounds, slowly increasing in intensity, is suddenly blown away by the thundering entry of “the band” at just over a minute. Chunky guitar chords and stunning keyboards/synths run riot and a superb lead guitar weaves a melody over the solid background. Around the 2:30 minute mark, the lead instrument morphs into a stunningly emotive violin with a particularly memorable theme. A little muffled atmospherics carries the track into a very upbeat flute passage which reintroduces a level of chunkiness whilst maintaining an almost Eastern feel. Once again the guitar gets a chance to show off a little as the track starts to drive along and then settle back into the chunky feel of the starting point. This track works very well and bodes well for the album, remembering that it is a concept album and is mainly instrumental in nature.

A second short narrated scene setter, “Scene 2” (0:37) leads the listener into the longest track on offer, but only by seconds, “Philosopher”.(11:44) This time the band is piano based and has a magnificent arrangement of choral voices set against majestic strings. The slow “burn” of the choir fades to usher in some subtle synths which are joined by drums and bass to form a driving track with a terrific feel. The choir splits and leaves the male and female voices at times harmonizing and at others juxtaposing for the lead. The violin sweeps along with an excellent theme as the track approaches the halfway point before giving the piano a chance to lead the way. A change to a slower, almost melancholy, theme backed by some excellent strings lulls the listener into a false sense of security before the band “up the stakes” with a very metal section leading into a frenetic synth section which morphs into an electric guitar theme before returning to the synth. The track ends with a gentle orchestral fade out. 

One of the best tracks on offer is track 14, “Murder” (9:30) which aurally illustrates the brutal ending which befell Hypatia, when a small riot caused by rivals of her ideas, climaxed with Hypatia being attacked and killed by having pieces of her body cut off. The track conjures up the atmosphere of the unfolding brutal killing by constantly building in intensity, together with “shouting from the mob” in the background. The choir adds to the mesmeric soundscape being produced and there is a distinct slant to a metal style in the driving music. The slow section coinciding with the realization of the actions of the mob is stunning, bookended as it is by the metal style of the rest of the track.

Telergy has successfully produced another concept album which works very well, considering that the “storyline” for the most part is only being suggested by the instrumental nature of the music and the details of the story are being formulated inside the head of the listener. The music echoes the developing concept so well and shows that instrumental music that is well thought out, properly produced and played with passion will indeed “speak” to the listener.

Hypatia is not an “immediate” album and indeed I had listened several times before it suddenly all just worked and I found the album eye-opening (or should that be ear-opening?). My advice would be to give the album a chance, it does require multiple listens, but hopefully you will then appreciate just over an hour of excellent instrumental progressive music and the concept held within.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Astronomer, Philosopher, Murder

Tracks:
Scene 1
Astronomer
Scene 2
Philosopher
Scene 3
Mathematician
Scene 4
Teacher
Scene 5
The Burning of the Library of Alexandria
Scene
Scapegoat
Scene 7
Murder
Scene 8
Martyr
Scene 9

 

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

October 12, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Indie Rock Superstars Salute The Thin White Duke With All New Interpretations Of David Bowie’s Best!

Features performances by Kittie, Dum Dum Girls, Electric Six, Rogue Wave, Heartless Bastards, The Muffs and more!

Los Angeles, CA - David Bowie’s career has been defined by his unique ability to make artistically complex and challenging music sound like mainstream pop…ok, maybe pop music from an entirely different planet, but pop music all the same. As a result, the definition of rock music has expanded; Bowie never went mainstream, the mainstream always came to him. For these reasons and more, he is one of the most deeply revered and profoundly influential artists in modern rock. And nowhere can Bowie’s influence be felt more than in the world of indie rock, where bands and artists have taken Bowie’s fiercely independent streak, commitment to artistic integrity, and a diverse array of musical styles into the 21st century and beyond. Now, a truly impressive gathering of indie and modern rockers have gathered to pay tribute to the man with A Salute To The Thin White Duke - The Songs Of David Bowie to be released on both CD & vinyl as well as mp3s on October 2 courtesy of Cleopatra Records.

Among the participants is the all-girl alt metal Canadian quartet Kittie who expressed a sentiment shared by many of the artists here, “We are so excited to be able to contribute to this amazing tribute album. ‘Space Oddity’ is arguably one of David Bowie's most well known songs so we put all of our efforts into doing all of its intricacies justice, while still retaining our signature, heavy sound.’ Meanwhile, Detroit’s own Electric Six made no bones about their preferred Bowie era, saying “We had to do ‘80s Bowie because frankly, we couldn't trust the earlier Bowie. And the ‘90s Bowie is, well…So ‘80s Bowie was the one for us, and ‘Blue Jean’ was just sitting there waiting for us to club the shit out of it, and, man, did we club it!” Similarly, Zach from Rogue Wave had this to say of “Modern Love,” the song that opens the album, “My favorite Bowie song from his tailored suit era. All that uptempo beat and those chugging horns couldn't hide the sadness of what it means to come down to earth.”

Jared Artaud from The Vacant Lots succinctly expressed the challenges of approaching Bowie’s music, “It’s hard to touch Bowie. He’s an architect. What he’s done, you can’t make it better, so we wanted to reconceptualize it & approach the song from another point of view.” And The Tulips offer this entirely accurate description, “Covering a Bowie tune was like jumping into a cab and realizing there's a tiger sitting shotgun, and no one says a word.” A wild ride indeed! And fans of Bowie will find this collection of covers equally as thrilling!

Track List
1. Modern Love - Rogue Wave
2. John, I’m Only Dancing - Jesca Hoop
3. Letter To Hermione - Dum Dum Girls
4. Heroes - The Tulips
5. Ashes To Ashes - Icky Blossoms
6. Starman - The Deer Tracks
7. Rebel Rebel - The KVB
8. Cat People (Putting Out Fire) - Magic Wands
9. Blue Jean - Electric Six
10. Jean Genie - Heartless Bastards
11. Suffragette City - Ume
12. Fame - The Vacant Lots
13. Space Oddity - Kittie
14. Moonage Daydream - Boy Hits Car
15. Absolute Beginners - Coves
16. Changes - The Muffs

Buy the CD or Vinyl: http://asalutetothethinwhiteduke.bandcamp.com/
Buy the digital album: http://flyt.it/SaluteToTheThinWhiteDuke

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

CLEOPATRA RECORDS, Inc.
11041 Santa Monica Blvd #703
Los Angeles CA 90025
www.CleopatraRecords.com

Orca – 'Amber' Single Review

Prog outfit Amber are making waves with their new hard hitting single ‘Amber.’ Completely self produced a building introduction which draws you in before the heavy rhythms kick in hard.

The arrangement drops layers of drums, guitar and bass in and out to great effect, tied together by the tight, melodic vocal. This dynamic approach keeps the track fresh throughout, and lays down a marker for the excellent production values you can come to expect from Orca when their album hits.

Orca are a cracking band and we’re excited to see what happens next. Amber is out on September 23^rd.

Check them out below:

http://www.orcaband.com/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfc2c5RQ1oHYu8EmZ-TNSsQ/videos

https://twitter.com/orcabanduk

https://www.facebook.com/orcaband

https://soundcloud.com/orcaband

Metasic – Single Review

Unrelenting 5 piece Metasic are back with new track ‘New Design.’ The lads combine hard and heavy grooves with complex lyrics and a variety of timbres. ‘New Design’ is a bruising track with differing themes and some very technically gifted performances from across the whole band. Having supported the likes of The Hoosiers and We Are Scientists, Metasic are definitely in a good position to be able to strike out into the mainstream and it will be exciting when they do.

Check out the new single here: 

www.facebook.com/metasic

www.twitter.com/metasic

Featured Track: Kwame Binea - Hang On

Kwame Binea sings with a purpose and plenty of emotion on his upcoming release Shakedown. "Hang On" is a great example of what to expect on the upcoming album. 

"Hang On" is full of hope and positive energy. There is nothing about this music or artist that suggests any sort of negativity, its all upbeat and straight forward.

Good music is not something that is a given, it is hard to find with so many artists to choose from. Trust me, Kwame Binea has got it together and he knows how to deliver a song.





More About  Kwame Binea:

http://www.kwamebineashakedown.com

According to legend or myth (depending on who tells the story) the band earned its name Uptown Shakedown because the walls in Kwame’s apartment in Harlem used to shake when they rehearsed there. It was later truncated to just Shakedown.KwameinfusesalotoftheBritish rock elements of the legendary rockers that inspired him to become a rocker such as; Rod Stewart, the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zepplin. He was also heavily influenced by soul singers Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, the iconic Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley, (both whom were revered in England) blues greats Buddy Guy and Robert Johnson, funk pioneers Sly and the Family Stone and Parliament-Funkadelic, and South African world music giant Fela Kuti.

He has fed his recording and live endeavors with an unyielding spirit and intestinal fortitude that is strikingly visible in his artistic growth. He continues to draw a legion of loyal fans with electrifying and inspirational performances at most of New York City’s most celebrated venues including Brooklyn Bowl, Mercury Lounge, Rockwood Music Hall, Sullivan Hall, The Bitter End and Joe’s Pub. He also has a Summer Residency at Arlene’s Grocery and he’s continually expanding into other major markets on the East Coast.

Simultaneously, he has incrementally built his growing fan base digitally with several well- received videos helmed by noted Director Jamal Joseph and a couple he self-produced/directed with Joel Davenport (“Little Lady and “Hang On”). He has also accumulated nearly 2 million hits via all his social media sites (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter) in the past several years and has netted a cumulative 800,000 views on Youtube from a handful of videos over the past year alone.

Kwame Binea Shakedown…is primed and ready to really SHAKE UP things…break through some walls…and you heard it here first.

Rock-Pop Review: Gordon Weiss-It’s About Time

Release Date: June 8, 2015

Label: Gornpop

Website

Gordon Weiss has a new album out titled It’s About Time. I find that title very appropriate considering it has been 7 years since he released his last recording. However I think there can be more than one more meaning in that song. Once again musical/studio wizard Jeff Canatta provides his talent in the production phase of the album as well as contributing musically.

Weiss is the kind of artist that wears his influences on his sleeve and those influences are ingrained in his soul, you can hear it in his music. He plays guitar, piano, bass, keyboards, balalaika and percussion throughout the album. His talent is quite apparent and his voice is very distinctive. 

The first two tracks come bursting out of the gate with energy and a decisive direction. “The Ugly Inside” is an excellent way to kick off the album showcasing the all-around talent of Weiss. Its highly energetic approach and fast pace get in you in the right frame of mind and essentially set you up for what is to come. “I’m Your Fan” (featured on Rate The Tracks) is a radio ready pop-rock tune with all the essential elements. With lyrics and music to match it makes for the perfect ear candy.

“Sticky Thoughts” is drama and truth set to the perfect musical setting. The piano, bass and drums are the screen the actors portray their characters upon. It’s not hard to see this kind of thing in your mind’s eye. Only good music is able to produce the proper images that the words suggest and I find the music of Mr. Weiss to be an appropriate answer to that question. In other words, he gets the job done very well. 

My ears and senses always appreciate a multi-talented artist like Gordon Weiss. “About Time” is another great tune that dives into the conceptual piece of this recording. I liked the way the song builds up slowly then launches into a faster paced guitar with an organ, bass and drums to drive it to the next level. Then when it reaches a climax it steps back and slows down for further introspection then forces you to listen closer to the words. It is the perfectly crafted pop-rock track and it pays tribute to the fab four nicely.

There are complex tracks such as “Thanks I Get” and “Spinning ‘Round” that offer several layers of instrumentation and apexes of sound that are remarkably entertaining and progressive. It shows a musician/songwriter in his element bringing all of the talents he has to the forefront to create virtual musical magic. If you can recall The Beatles album Rubber Soul and how they were changing and getting more complicated with their presentations, then perhaps when you hear those two tracks and find parallels.

What I truly love about covering artists like Weiss is I never forget. They leave me with a great impression and always touch base to let me know there is some new music to enjoy.

It’s About Time never disappoints, it is consistently solid throughout, the words and music tell a story and it makes you want to hear it all over again. It is funny how he says in the “Great Imitator” “If I wrote Hey Jude, would they say it's too Beatley?” Well it works for me and I like the way he slides that in there to remind you from whence he came. This is great pop-rock album that deserves more than one spin.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: The Ugly Inside, I’m Your Fan, About Time
 
Tracks:
01. The Ugly Inside
02. I'm Your Fan
03. Saccharin, Aspartame, Splenda, You, & Me   
04. Sticky Thoughts   
05. About Time
06. The Great Imitator
07. Thanks I Get
08. Spinning 'round
09. My Love Still Grows

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

June 23, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music

Still Got Me by Andorra Indie Music Review

 

Andorra is an alternative rock band from Philadelphia PA. The band consists of 4 well dressed, not-so-clean shaven dudes that play a 90s style of rock with a free flowing sound that can take shape into any direction.

Still Got Me is a fun, upbeat song straight off their recently released album Etc, Etc, Etc. Nostalgic of a young fun weekend night hanging out with friends and living an 'ideal' life filled with excitement and memories. The song has a bit of an older school (80's?) feel. I like the instruments and vocals from 00-48 and the harmony on "you still got me and the rest of your life."

Take a listen...

MusicWeMake
Bandcamp

Find out more about Andorra
facebook.com/andorramusic
instagram: @andorra_music
twitter: @andorramusic

Vida Double A side Single ‘Electric Lady’/’Fade Away’ Review

A truly exciting band who have been likened to some of the shining lights of UK indie, Vida are a British four piece who are going places. Drawing comparisons to a wide ranging indie catalogue, including the likes of Oasis, Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, The Black Keys, Miles Kane and more, their growing reputation has seen them garnering recognition from some of the country’s top tastemakers.

Their new single is a double A-side release showing two of the different sides of the group. First, ‘Electric Lady’ tells the story of repeated overnight stays with the same girl after meeting on several nights out, and the awkwardness that follows the next morning. Meanwhile, ‘Fade Away’ speaks of a completely different kind of awkward – finding yourself in the same room as an ex…

Fade Away – With an array of easy on the ear sounds varying from the choir in the background of this song. The fantastic guitar or the pleasant-sounding vocals! Is a really slow paced but smooth track!

Electric Lady - Is definitely more upbeat then the previous song and the vocals are better built as well.  A really energetic and heavy guitar riff is included in this track! The drums are also superb in this track, setting the pace of this track along with the drums!

Overall Vida’s double single is a really fantastic double single showing two sides of Vida! I personally prefer the second side of Vida (Electric Lady) both equally have a lot of potential to hit the charts! 

Vida Facebook

Listen to the tracks for yourself here:

Featured Track: Gordon Weiss-I'm Your Fan

It has been 7 years since Gordon Weiss released an album. It's About Time says it all! Once again musician and studio wizard Jeff Cannata is behind the mixing board for the recording.

"I'm Your Fan" is one of the most colorful and expressive tracks on the album. There is truth and humor surrounding the story and its accompanied by some great pop rock music.

As I recall from my previous experience with Mr. Weiss, he knows how to spin a yarn and add just the right touch from a musical standpoint to come up with an entertaining mixture for your senses.

"I'm Your Fan" hits the bulls-eye of your heart and soul. Give it a listen and I guarantee a smile will come to your face.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-Rating 4/5 Stars




More About Gordon Weiss:
http://www.gornpop.com

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Gordon Weiss made his debut musical performance miming on the recorder along with the other third graders, which made him vow to learn to play an instrument for real. His first true foray into the world of music took the form of studying classical trumpet for eight years, culminating in two performances at Carnegie Hall with the New York City All-City Band. It was deja-vu when he stood up for a trumpet fanfare to find that his mouthpiece had fallen out backstage.

By then Gordon had been bitten by the Beatle bug and his love for clever songwriting with strong melodic hooks took over full force. But it was the power chords of Pete Townshend and The Who that made him give up the trumpet and pick up an old acoustic guitar, which he promptly stripped of two strings so he could play along with all of John Entwistle’s bass lines. Gordon soon acquired a proper bass and played in bands in high school and college, before adding a Stratocaster to his collection, which prompted his first attempts at singing and songwriting.

Realizing that playing in bands with names like “Dead Grotty” would unlikely lead to a record deal, Gordon went to medical school and eventually became a child psychiatrist. He relocated to Connecticut and continued to feed his cravings for classic rock and pop music, with healthy doses of Elvis Costello, Squeeze, XTC, Crowded House, Jellyfish, Honeydogs, and Candy Butchers, while amassing a catalog of his own songs that he played at occasional impromptu gigs, open mikes, or family gatherings.

A thoughtful gift of drum lessons to help him learn to really bang out some of those Neil Peart licks he had always air drummed along to, led to forming a musical friendship with great session drummer Greg Trabandt of RVP Studios. After hearing of Gordon’s unfulfilled dream to make a record of his original music, Greg not only introduced Gordon to veteran producer Jeff Cannata, but agreed to play drums on all the tracks of Sum Of Its Parts. Featuring brilliant contributions from ace keyboard player Jeff Batter and soaring vocal harmonies from Pete Hodson and Bill Welch of Z-Plan, Gordon wanted to keep this first solo album personal by playing the rest of the instruments himself. The album was released on Gornpop Records, a nickname for Gordon referencing an affection for a large, albiet very slow, lizard from Star Trek.

A world tour did not follow. But thanks to The Weirdo Mike Viola Superfan StageIt Group, a wonderfully supportive community of fans, many of whom are fellow musicians, Gordon kept writing and playing online live performances, including a performance of side 2 of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band in its entirety with support from his daughters and nephews. After a seven year hiatus, Gornpop Records is pleased to announce the release of It’s About Time featuring nine new original songs.

Growl Rock Group Kinky Dove Set To Release New EP!

Kinky Dove are a group of collective musicians and musical moniker of frontman Scott Wade.

 Their particular brand of rock and roll, defined in many ways by the bluesy, post-rock growl of Wade on vocals, is currently in short supply both nationally and globally, and Kinky Dove are now looking to redress that balance.

For a taste of their punchy style, check out the video to EP track ‘Some Kind of Fool’, featuring an epic slap-happy montage of Hollywood moments.

The EP also features a remix/cover version of classic 1974 track ‘Another Girl Another Planet’ by The Only Ones – in this case titled simply ‘Another Girl’.

3 track release set to be unleashed on June 15th

Links:

www.facebook.com/kinkydove

www.soundcloud.com/kinkydove

www.reverbnation.com/kinkydove

New Age/Contemporary Instrumental Review: Neil Tatar-Learning To Fly

Release Date: June 2015
Label: Indie

Website

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. However, in this case the beauty comes to you through your ears and then works its way to your heart and soul on Learning To Fly. This 9 track album from Neil Tatar offers the listener an audible journey of the soul. As he says in the CD notes “Each track on this album comes from memories of life experiences, reflections on personal and meaningful moments that have ultimately shaped my world.” That says it all and you can take that to heart and find your own way through these musical journeys.

So how does one translate these life experiences through instrumental music you may ask? I experience this frequently and can say without any doubt that I can feel more and envision so many different things while I listen to this type of new age instrumental music. To be more precise, the artist refers to this music as contemporary instrumental which is like a “blanket” term that covers everything on the recording. I think that is appropriate considering what a potential listener has in store once they give it a spin.

To say this album is laden with talent would be a good place to start. Besides Neil’s gorgeous and effective guitar and piano playing he has the incomparable Tony Levin on various basses, Jill Haley on English Horn, Jeff Haynes handling percussion and Mr. Will Ackerman on guitar (“Summer Strut”). Also Michael Manring, another bass player that shows up on a lot of albums, plays on one track (“Twilight Dance”).

I honestly do not know where to start with bringing attention to certain tracks as they all are stunning works of art and beauty. As I made my way through the first four tracks I was mesmerized when “Twilight Dance” began to play and I realized that I was hearing one of the best new age CDs of the year. The guitar leads you into another world with layers of sounds that have jazz and world undertones bubbling to the surface. It is the most eclectic and interesting track on the recording.

What I heard on Learning To Fly  was the perfect blend of instruments and atmospheres. If you already know how to fly (and that interpretation is up to each individual listener) or want to learn, this music will enhance that experience. For this listener it held a few meanings. I felt as if I could appreciate the beauty of life itself and reflect upon my life and all the love and gifts that surround me. It is a journey without question, it just depends where you want to go and what you need to accomplish along the way. I found peace and transcendence in this music and I hope every listener can be open to that type of experience.

Because every track was so outstanding I have to say that each was a key track in its own right. Again personal preference rules the day here and each individual will find certain tracks to have more impact as with any album new age or otherwise.

“Summer Strut” is the quiet storm of jazz taken a path of exploration and the music spreads its wings and takes flight. It is definitely something that would sound right on a summer’s day. It’s light and airy and brings a smile to your inner being.

I especially enjoyed and appreciated the combination of jazz, new age and world music. Like a strong and divergent tree this music grows and spreads out to give every listener something to connect with. And with that my music loving friends I highly recommend Learning To Fly.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: ALL

Tracks: 
1. Wait For Me
2. Breeze In Blue
3. Ode To My Mentors
4. Missing You
5. Twilight Dance
6. Learning To Fly
7. Morning Peace
8. Summer Strut
9. Falling For You

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music  Reviews Founder

June 10, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews

Prog Rock Review: Magic Pie-King For A Day

Release Date: 25^th May 2015

Label:  Karisma Records

Website

Magic Pie has just released their 4^th album, King For A Day, following on from the debut, Motions of Desire (2005), Circus of Life (2007) and The Suffering Joy (2011).

The Norwegian band is highly regarded amongst prog fans with their unique blend of classic prog and 70’s hard rock. The band have listed as influences a sort of Who’s Who of prog, including Spock’s Beard, Dream Theater, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Transatlantic, Yes, Deep Purple and more. 

Magic Pie is a 6 piece band comprising, Kim Stenberg (guitars, vocals), Eirikur Hauksson (lead vocal, guitar), Eirik Hanssen (voc, guitar), Jan Torkild Johannessen (drums), Erling Henanger (keyboards, backing vocals) and Lars Petter Holstad (bass, backing vocals). Eirikur Hauksson also provides vocals for Kerrs Pink, another Norwegian progressive band.

King For A Day is a 6 track album with a total playing time of around 72 minutes, which is a fair amount of music to put on a CD, especially with some releases under or just over 40 minutes. Listeners can however, rest easy in the fact that the quality of the music is very high, so not quantity over quality, just superb progressive music. The penultimate track, “The Silent Giant” is the shortest track on the album clocking in at 5:30 minutes and the final, title, track “King For A Day” is the epic tour-de-force of the album at 28:16 minutes.

“Trick Of The Trade” (6:18) is the opening track on King For a Day and has all the trademark sounds of Magic Pie, with a thundering start into stunning keyboards almost immediately. The vocals appear around 40 seconds and the music settles back a little before the track shifts tack just after the 1 minute mark. There are some harmonized vocals with keyboard flourishes that take the track on past the 2 minute point and to another switch. Superb guitar work carries the track on into another phase and a section of chunky guitar riffing. A return to an earlier passage brings the action down a little in intensity and we are back at a keyboard theme from the start plus much more keyboard work. The guitar takes over the lead for a section then relinquishes that position to the keyboards and some more vocal harmonies appear and we have reached 6 minutes, when the keyboards escort the track out. This is a cracker of a track to start the album.

“Introversion” (12:24) has an acoustic guitar intro into synths which is simply magical, before the band let rip. Superb vocals, excellent harmonizing and more chunky riffs abound. The guitar and keyboard passages are simply superb. The track moves into an amazing organ sequence around the 3 minute mark and is added to with more excellent vocals. There is a change of direction just after 5 minutes, with superb vocals and harmonies over guitar and piano. A minute later and we are back to the guitar and keyboards “showing off.” The music then drops away into the background apart from a simple passage that can be heard as a little aural oasis is provided. Moving towards the 9 minute point, there is a fabulous guitar solo which flows so well and then the other instruments pitch in and the band is back in action, while the guitar continues to fly. There is a change to a simple piano/synth passage before the band blast back and into amazing harmonies and guitar riffing before the keyboards gently finish the track off.

“According To Plan” (6:46) is a driving track highlighting the guitars and keyboards and never lets up for a moment. “Tears Gone Dry” (12:33) is a slow atmospheric burner which just builds and builds in intensity. The characteristic harmonizing and guitar playing are littered through this track. “Silent Giant” (5:30) has its heavy and light moments constantly pulling the listener into the music.

The closing track on the album, “King For A Day” (28:16) is of epic proportions and starts off very gently with a piano passage which morphs into synths and then full band very quickly. The guitar and the keyboards are again the driving forces of the track and little “hooks” start to appear all over the track. Changes in the tempo start to appear around the 5 minute point and the harmonized vocals, a characteristic of Magic Pie, appear. The retro organ sound floats around behind the voices but adds another level to the music. Reaching 8 minutes, the track has already moved in many directions, but is always nailed down by the foundations provided by the “engine” of the band, Lars and Jan on bass and drums respectively. The 10 minute mark has a majestic guitar passage that moves the track into a very laidback acoustic passage, including some very jazzy guitar as the track evolves into a more up-tempo keyboard passage, which is nothing short of stunning. The band then get to flex their collective musical muscles as the track drives along. Around 17:30 minutes, there is a jazzy passage featuring piano/synths, which escorts in a chunky guitar passage as the intensity starts to climb. 22 minutes into the track and there is a very atmospheric sequence with far-off sounds of people and sirens. The harmonized vocals reappear and the track builds as the guitar starts to fly as the track moves towards completion.

King For A Day is a superb release by a band that know exactly what they are about. Album No 4 shows that Magic Pie have again hit the bullseye, with soaring guitars, sweeping keyboards, thundering bass and drums and crystal clear vocals, plus excellent harmonizing. The band can produce atmospheric sounds, ballads, gentle acoustics and full on band interplay, between and within tracks.

If you have not listened to Magic Pie, my advice would be to do so as soon as possible. King For A Day will not disappoint. 

I will end with a simple statement, “Welcome Back, Magic Pie.”

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Trick Of The Trade, Introversion, King For A Day

Tracks: 
Trick Of The Trade
Introversion
According To Plan
Tears Gone By
Silent Giant
King For A Day

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

June 10, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Prog Rock Review: Magic Pie-King For A Day

Release Date: 25^thMay 2015

Label:  Karisma Records

Website

Magic Pie has just released their 4^th album, King For A Day, following on from the debut, Motions of Desire (2005), Circus of Life (2007) and The Suffering Joy (2011).

The Norwegian band is highly regarded amongst prog fans with their unique blend of classic prog and 70’s hard rock. The band have listed as influences a sort of Who’s Who of prog, including Spock’s Beard, Dream Theater, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Transatlantic, Yes, Deep Purple and more. 

Magic Pie is a 6 piece band comprising, Kim Stenberg (guitars, vocals), Eirikur Hauksson (lead vocal, guitar), Eirik Hanssen (voc, guitar), Jan Torkild Johannessen (drums), Erling Henanger (keyboards, backing vocals) and Lars Petter Holstad (bass, backing vocals). Eirikur Hauksson also provides vocals for Kerrs Pink, another Norwegian progressive band.

King For A Day is a 6 track album with a total playing time of around 72 minutes, which is a fair amount of music to put on a CD, especially with some releases under or just over 40 minutes. Listeners can however, rest easy in the fact that the quality of the music is very high, so not quantity over quality, just superb progressive music. The penultimate track, “The Silent Giant” is the shortest track on the album clocking in at 5:30 minutes and the final, title, track “King For A Day” is the epic tour-de-force of the album at 28:16 minutes.

“Trick Of The Trade” (6:18) is the opening track on King For a Day and has all the trademark sounds of Magic Pie, with a thundering start into stunning keyboards almost immediately. The vocals appear around 40 seconds and the music settles back a little before the track shifts tack just after the 1 minute mark. There are some harmonized vocals with keyboard flourishes that take the track on past the 2 minute point and to another switch. Superb guitar work carries the track on into another phase and a section of chunky guitar riffing. A return to an earlier passage brings the action down a little in intensity and we are back at a keyboard theme from the start plus much more keyboard work. The guitar takes over the lead for a section then relinquishes that position to the keyboards and some more vocal harmonies appear and we have reached 6 minutes, when the keyboards escort the track out. This is a cracker of a track to start the album.

“Introversion” (12:24) has an acoustic guitar intro into synths which is simply magical, before the band let rip. Superb vocals, excellent harmonizing and more chunky riffs abound. The guitar and keyboard passages are simply superb. The track moves into an amazing organ sequence around the 3 minute mark and is added to with more excellent vocals. There is a change of direction just after 5 minutes, with superb vocals and harmonies over guitar and piano. A minute later and we are back to the guitar and keyboards “showing off.” The music then drops away into the background apart from a simple passage that can be heard as a little aural oasis is provided. Moving towards the 9 minute point, there is a fabulous guitar solo which flows so well and then the other instruments pitch in and the band is back in action, while the guitar continues to fly. There is a change to a simple piano/synth passage before the band blast back and into amazing harmonies and guitar riffing before the keyboards gently finish the track off.

“According To Plan” (6:46) is a driving track highlighting the guitars and keyboards and never lets up for a moment. “Tears Gone Dry” (12:33) is a slow atmospheric burner which just builds and builds in intensity. The characteristic harmonizing and guitar playing are littered through this track. “Silent Giant” (5:30) has its heavy and light moments constantly pulling the listener into the music.

The closing track on the album, “King For A Day” (28:16) is of epic proportions and starts off very gently with a piano passage which morphs into synths and then full band very quickly. The guitar and the keyboards are again the driving forces of the track and little “hooks” start to appear all over the track. Changes in the tempo start to appear around the 5 minute point and the harmonized vocals, a characteristic of Magic Pie, appear. The retro organ sound floats around behind the voices but adds another level to the music. Reaching 8 minutes, the track has already moved in many directions, but is always nailed down by the foundations provided by the “engine” of the band, Lars and Jan on bass and drums respectively. The 10 minute mark has a majestic guitar passage that moves the track into a very laidback acoustic passage, including some very jazzy guitar as the track evolves into a more up-tempo keyboard passage, which is nothing short of stunning. The band then get to flex their collective musical muscles as the track drives along. Around 17:30 minutes, there is a jazzy passage featuring piano/synths, which escorts in a chunky guitar passage as the intensity starts to climb. 22 minutes into the track and there is a very atmospheric sequence with far-off sounds of people and sirens. The harmonized vocals reappear and the track builds as the guitar starts to fly as the track moves towards completion.

King For A Day is a superb release by a band that know exactly what they are about. Album No 4 shows that Magic Pie have again hit the bullseye, with soaring guitars, sweeping keyboards, thundering bass and drums and crystal clear vocals, plus excellent harmonizing. The band can produce atmospheric sounds, ballads, gentle acoustics and full on band interplay, between and within tracks.

If you have not listened to Magic Pie, my advice would be to do so as soon as possible. King For A Day will not disappoint. 

I will end with a simple statement, “Welcome Back, Magic Pie.”

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Trick Of The Trade, Introversion, King For A Day

Tracks: 
Trick Of The Trade
Introversion
According To Plan
Tears Gone By
Silent Giant
King For A Day

Jim “The Ancient One” Lawson-Sr. Reviewer Prog Rock Music Talk

June 10, 2015

Review Provided By Prog Rock Music Talk

Instrumental New Age: Michael Stribling-A Better Place

Release Date: May 10, 2015

Label: Indie

Website

A Better Place is Michael Stribling’s latest release. It is the first release since 2011. The goal of this music is to enhance the human condition. After listening to the album straight through, I would have to say that is achieved.

Stribling offers relaxing sounds that put you in a spiritual place. He uses keyboards to create his musical symphonies and in doing so brings forth a sound that is like a warm summer breeze touching your face or the gentleness of flower petals falling silently to the ground. This is the essence of his music. There are moments of transition that keep things interesting and energetic spurts that let you know he has the ability to step it up a few notches when he decides to and add a little excitement to the mix and make the softer approaches that much more poignant and meaningful.

As it says on the artist website, "The mission of Leela Music is to help others in their journey toward wholeness through the gift of music, by creating works that inspire and uplift the human spirit (Leela means 'divine play').” Certainly that is accomplished through the music. Being a diverse listener always helps to be more open to new sounds. There is not a day that passes that I cannot use a good dose of music that takes the edge off, and Michael reminded me of that while listening.

The amazing thing about how this man creates his music is that it’s just him, his keyboards, and various sampled sounds captured by a MIDI, then shaped and molded through Digital Performer and multiple plug-ins. It is electronic-based music, and it comes together quite nicely and sounds beautiful. It takes a good ear and plenty of talent to create music like this.

"Dust Yourself Off” is a favorite. I loved the keyboards and synth sounds; it is a marvelous and very effective combination. "Looking Up” into the skies day or night is a wondrous and spiritual thing; it has been for me my entire life. And this track is the most upbeat, driving, and dramatic take on the entire recording. It’s exciting, like something Vangelis would do for a movie score. The brightness and joy brought forth will bring a smile to you, inside and out.

"Time For Bed, Sweetheart” is a symphonic lullaby. It is pulls you right in like an inviting warm bed on a cold winter’s night. It is purposeful and determined, yet soft and sweet at the same time. I liked the texture and atmospheric nature of this track. It was like a bit of aural heaven for my senses.

As the album closes out, it is a reminder to all of us that life moves "Ever Onward”; as a gentle and happy invitation begins with keys and tinkling bells, you look back at everything you just heard and all the feelings the music was able to draw out of you. Music like this is not only relaxing, its intuitive nature allows contemplation and reflection of what is on the inside, not the superficial daily things. The question is what is really going on inside your head and what moves your soul. In spirit you can find the truth, and the final result is inner peace. I believe that is the goal of what Mr. Stribling strives to accomplish with his music. Thank you for making that a reality for me, sir; I look forward to your next outing of ear candy that translates to spiritual bliss.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Dust Yourself Off; Looking Up; Time For Bed, Sweetheart

Tracks: 
01. First Light
02. Looking Up
03. Winter Encounter
04. Dream Waves
05. Self Seeking Self
06. Just a Moment
07. Repose
08. A Better Place
09. Soliloquy
10. Reassurance
11. Quiet Certainty
12. Dust Yourself Off
13. Time for Bed, Sweetheart
14. Ever Onward

Keith "MuzikMan” Hannaleck-New Age Music Reviews Founder

June 4, 2015

Review Provided By New Age Music Reviews