BABAL – THE CIRCLE OF CONFUSION OF TONGUES – MELODIC REVOLUTION RECORDS

by | Jul 29, 2018 | Reviews

This is the fourth album by UK art rock/psych/prog outfit Babal. The band is based around the core of singer Karen Langley and Rob Williams (guitars), with Jon Sharp (drums), Zoie Green (keyboards) and Ben Balsom (bass), and to be honest, I don’t like it very much at all. But, I can appreciate it, and that’s a difference. While I can’t see myself ever playing this for pleasure, I can totally understand why a great many will be fascinated by this weird amalgam of Frank Zappa, Bill Nelson and Talking Heads (plus lots more). I’ve never understood the fascination with David Byrne, but as soon as I started listening to this I was reminded immediately of him, and would have been surprised if I hadn’t come across him in relation to these guys, and wasn’t disappointed.

There are musical layers upon layers, complex, often staccato and disjointed, all coming together in a strange mix where the drums are too far to the front. That is my only complaint on what is generally very strong production indeed, so that is an obvious choice as opposed to any failing. This really isn’t my style of music though, but for anyone who is intrigued by the idea of David Byrne being involved with Zappa (in particular) then I do urge you to seek this one out, even though it is not for me. It has been released by Melodic Revolution Records on vinyl as well as CD and digitally

7/10 by Kev Rowland

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CARPTREE – NYMF – FOSFOR CREATION

by | Jul 29, 2018 | Reviews

The first four albums were all released two years apart, but it took three years for the fifth to see the light of day, and what wasn’t understood at the time was that this would be the last album until a return some seven years later with 2017’s ‘Emerger’. Edelönn, Fandén and Perkovic were all still involved alongside the duo of Flinck and Westholm, but there had been a musical shift between this album and the previous ones. There is now a bleakness, almost a desperation, while the music has also become heavier and more symphonic. There is definitely the feeling that the band has become much more of a quintet than just a duo, and while the orchestral feel from the earlier albums is still here, this is a band starting to move away from what they had been doing.

Between this album and the previous one, Westholm had released a couple of albums under the name of Jupiter Society, which were musically very different to Carptree and there is no doubt that at this point this band were moving into a much rockier direction than they had previously. Carl was to become heavily involved in HM acts, including the mighty Candlemass, and although this could never be thought of as a heavy album, it is indeed a step change from what had happened before. Niclas has a voice that I have seen compared to Hogarth, but in fairness to both of them he is much more like Gabriel, and while he has always seemed at home in the gentler material, when given the opportunity to put himself more to the fore, as on the dynamically changing and challenging “Land of Plenty” he relishes the opportunity.

Of the four albums I have heard from Carptree this is definitely the most diverse in its approach, while also the most interesting. I may be behind the times, but I am so glad that this 2010 album has finally come my way.
www.carptree.com

8/10 by Kev Rowland

Entransient signed for RoSfest 2019

by | Jul 28, 2018 | Festivals, News

US progressive rock band, Entransient is confirmed for RoSFest 2019.

US band was formed back in 2014 and operate out of their home base in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The band consists of musicians with a past from the local metal scene in West Michigan and while this band is a recent formation, all the musicians are seasoned performers. They have released two albums to date: “Entransient” in 2015 and “The Weight of Things” in 2018.

While Entransient describes themselves as being more of a post and neo-progressive rock band, their music, at least on their latest album, is a bit removed from this context as regarded through the eyes of a progressive rock fan. It is easy to hear that they have caught some inspiration from bands such as Opeth, and even more so from the likes of Porcupine Tree. In terms of direct comparisons, the end result actually isn’t too far removed from the harder edged material of a band like Riverside. As Riverside are headliners, those who are looking forward to seeing them should set aside the time to enjoy the music of this fine, homegrown band as well.

Entransient is a fine addition to the roster of homegrown bands we do enjoy signing and supporting at RoSfest. Our own bands need all the support they can get, especially when they create music as appealing as this band does. We expect this band to be going places sooner rather than later, and this should be a fine concert experience for the parts of our audience that appreciates progressive rock explored in a harder-edged, metal-oriented context.

RoSfest 2019 will take place on May 3rd through May 5th, 2019 at the Sarasota Opera House, Florida. The final line-up and schedule for the festival are still TBA. Confirmed bands to appear so far are Riverside, Karmamoi, and Traverser.

http://rosfest.com/entransient-signed-for-rosfest-2019/

Band Links:
https://entransient.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Entransient/

Edge of Reality signed for RoSfest 2019

by | Jul 28, 2018 | Festivals, News

US band, Edge of Reality, has been an ongoing venture for many years, initially instigated by Joey Frevola (Kyros) back when he was still in high school. He revived the band in 2014 and the same year they released their debut album, “Elephant in My Pajamas” by some critics described as a meeting of minds between Snarky Puppy and Haken. Some line-up alterations later and a second album, “Vicious Circle” was released. Following this, the band has released a couple of singles, self-released just like their albums, and a third studio album is planned for a 2018 release. Current band members are Brandon Center (drums), Jesse Brock (vocals), Jesse Peck (guitars), Joey Frevola (guitars) and Nick Mills (bass).

The band describes their music as being eclectic art metal, and that is, in fact, a useful indication about what to expect from this band. Like so many younger prog bands these days, they do like to have a go with both harder riffs and majestic riff and keyboard arrangements, but they are just as fond of shifting towards a more atmospheric laden, neo-progressive sound as well as quirkier details closer to the likes of Bent Knee. Complete with the occasional detours into jazzier landscapes.

We do like to sign and support our homegrown bands at RoSfest, documenting to our fellow Americans as well as to our faithful visitors that Made in America is still a mark of quality. Edge of Reality is a fine addition to the roster of homegrown progressive rock bands and we expect them to stimulate your musical palate once they hit the stage.
RoSfest 2019 will take place on May 3rd through May 5th, 2019 at the Sarasota Opera House, Florida.

The final line-up and schedule for the festival are still TBA. Confirmed bands to appear so far are Riverside, Karmamoi, and Traverser.

http://rosfest.com/edge-of-reality-signed-for-rosfest-2019/

Band Links:
Band Camp: http://edgeofreality.bandcamp.com/
FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/edgeofrealitymusic
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/EOR_official
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwuNyZrr_9Q&feature=youtu.be
Instagram handle – edgeofrealitymusic

Phideaux to Release “Infernal” in September: Double the Doom and Twice the Fun

by | Jul 27, 2018 | News

Los Angeles, CA July 20, 2018 — US-based artist Phideaux Xavier makes his long-awaited return from a seven-year hiatus with Infernal. The much-anticipated release is a double album of fear, terror, and perhaps a ray of hope that will finally see the light of day on September 9, 2018.

Phideaux is an art rock band that specializes in melodic, eclectic music.  The band is centered around several childhood friendships and the music of Phideaux Xavier.  They proudly wear their influences on their sleeves, they search for unique combinations of sounds and textures, creating albums that they hope will lure you on a surprising sonic trip.  They love classic guitar, quirky keyboards, beautiful vocals, heavy drums and occasional musical trickery; tragic, doomy, serious, silly, pretentious songs that you can hum!  Each of their albums presents a different side, a separate piece of the puzzle, but they all contain soundscapes for those who love to listen beneath the surface.

Infernal will be available in double red vinyl as well as 2 CDs in a gatefold mini-LP format.

Infernal is the final installment of Phideaux’s trilogy of albums that began in 2006 with The Great Leap.

The second installment, Doomsday Afternoon, was a bombastic and complex opus, utilizing a 12 piece section of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra among a bevy of other musicians, old and new. Released in 2007, Doomsday garnered the attention of the progressive rock communities in the US and Europe. The many accolades and increasing interest led to invitations for Phideaux to play various festivals, including England’s own Summers End.

While Phideaux has released other albums since Doomsday Afternoon (Seven, Snowtorch), Infernal returns to the stunning artwork and musical DNA from which the first two albums in the trilogy were created. The singular “eco-terror tale” continues with Infernal. Cryptic, melodic, mysterious and frightening, this new release is all one might hope to find within Phideaux’s new double creation. Infernal is “the end we saw begin”. At last.

Meanwhile, Phideux has released an EP “we only have eyes for you”

This is the first new release from Phideaux for several years, this EP introduces some tracks from the upcoming “Infernal” and presents alternate versions, unreleased material and a live track for good measure. .