Time of Orchids - Namesake Caution (V0)

Time of Orchids remind me a lot of Kayo Dot. They use many of the same timbres and angular melodies, and Time of Orchids use the same abrupt changes in rhythm. Lyrically, though, they differ in that Time of Orchids seem to prefer a more choral approach to their arrangements of vocals and lyrics. The interplay between the multiple vocalists often complements the usually spiraling guitar lines, accented by the drums and, occassionally, more eccentric instruments. Although their arrangements are very similar to progressive rock bands, they are definitely less dogmatic in their approach to songwriting. There's a lot to analyze here, but mostly Namesake Caution just sounds really, really good.

In time, your weapon grows for you.

Crippled Black Phoenix - I, Vigilante (V0)

I was actually shocked to hear that Crippled Black Phoenix was releasing a new album this year, in light of Mogwai's planned release for Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will and Electric Wizard's Black Masses, released appropriately the day after Halloween. Crippled Black Phoenix is a collaboration between the two bands, among others, and has put out some of the best and, unfortunately, least noticed music over the last five or so years, beginning with the astounding A Love of Shared Disasters.

I, Vigilante is an incredible album. Although it is only a short six tracks, less than an hour, it shines as an example of the ever-developing 60s-era psychedelic musicality that only musicians as skillful as Crippled Black Phoenix could replicate. Although their previous release, 200 Tons of Bad Luck, was almost strictly a tribute to Pink Floyd, their latest finds the UK supergroup using their unique skills and senses to create something entirely transcendent their influences, similar to Stardeath & White Dwarf's The Birth following their tour with The Flaming Lips.

Soaring, crushing and mesmerizing all at once, I, Vigilante is definitely one of the most unexpected and impressive releases this year.

Download here.

Mike Oldfield - Ommadawn (320)

Ommadawn is a completely unique work. It's progressive rock only in the sense that it is actually progressive: it bears little resemblance to the giants of the genre. Oldfield has a dense and layered approach to songwriting; there are many instruments being played at the same time but they are all Oldfield himself using tape loops and editing. The result is a trance-inducing, ethereal, mystical work that should be required listening for anyone interested in modern instrumental music. It's the foggy Scottish countryside in audio form.

Don't let the new age tag scare you away, trust me.

Floater - Glyph (V2)

Floater has been a bit of a legend in the northwest for 17 years and counting. With little to no recognition from outside the area, they've managed to continuously make a living selling tons of albums around the area and always filling the house with their infamous live shows. The majority of my close family absolutely loves this band, and it's always a favorite to pop into the stereo. You won't hear one person in the house complain, which isn't too common.

Glyph is Floater's second studio album, and is probably their most popular one to date. This album goes back and forth between loud bombastic head-bangers and slower, anxious, sometimes sad songs. The former being great songs to blast and rock out to, the latter being so intense feeling you'll get lost in it and let the music drive your emotions, at times being reminiscent of Pink Floyd's The Wall in their tone. The large contrast on this 70 minute experience should keep you reigned in the whole time. Particularly the beginning and end of the album will leave an impression on you. I know every time I hear "Crawl Into You" I immediately want to start the album all over again with "The Knowing Dirge"

You may not love this album your first listen, I didn't, but give it a few listens and I'm sure you won't regret it.

Highlights: The Knowing Dirge, All the Stories But One, Crawling Into You.

Download here.

You did this to yourself again.
Gunning for a bluer sky.
Swallowed the dose,
cut your own rope,
just to know it all.
Do you know it all?

The Dear Hunter - Act I: The Lake South, the River North (V2)

The Dear Hunter is one of those bands that reminds me how well music can be used as a medium for story-telling.

Act I: The Lake South, the River North is the first of what is planned to be a six part concept album. Only three of these "acts" have been released thus far, with the fourth one under TBA. It's certainly an ambitious goal, with equally ambitious music. This album is eight tracks long, with the most of them being about six minutes in length, often incorporating breaks and intros that often sound very orchestral and rock-opera-esque before going right back to the heavy guitar and drum work. In it's most basic form, the story itself is that of a boy born to a prostitute and his life that follows. Not the most unique of premises, but the music gives it a depth you wouldn't expect. There are plenty different moods and emotions spread across this album expressed through the almost bipolar song construction to keep your mind busy and entertained. At times it feels like you're listening to the soundtrack to a rather bizarre musical.

Now I should come out and say that as with most progressive rock, this isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea. They're part of that "love it or hate it" category. The main reason being the vocals/lyrics, which feel a bit lacking at times, with corny names such as Ms. Terri (bet you couldn't guess the word play there) and some songs being sung a bit more on the whiny side. I myself don't mind it, but I'm well aware that some people can't get past things like that.

So my suggestion is that you give this album a listen, even if you're feeling a bit skeptic after my previous paragraph. You just may be able to enjoy the vocals, or at least tolerate them. And if they just bother you too much I'll gladly take the blame for your wasted time, because I think this album is worth a try at the very least.

Highlights: City Escape, 1878, The Pimp and the Priest

Download here.

Sing softly, bring me to the lake.

Yes - Relayer (320)

Yes's interpretation of Leo Tolstoy's War and Peace divided many critics at the time, but with hindsight many now view this album as one of their very best. Coming off the heels of Tales from Topographic Oceans, not their best effort to say the least, they finally got their shit together and created an undeniable progressive rock masterpiece (again). It's denser, louder, and more complex than CttE, but more varied and jazzy. As always, the musicianship is second to none. It's said that if you look up the word "epic" in the dictionary, you'll find Relayer's album art.

Experience the heat of battle.

Kayo Dot - Choirs of the Eye (V0)

Our eyelashes weaken with a weight that is sweet and fine,
And this feels like frogs and spiders in the sweet outside.
Tell me why world, unfathomable and good,
The beauty of everything is infinite and cruel.

An airplane, a puppet, an orange, a spoon,
A window, and outside
Stars and the moon.

Few artists are more musically, lyrically and instrumentally gifted than Toby Driver. Choirs of the Eye, Kayo Dot's debut album, is so incredibly diverse that it is a world unto its own. Each instrument, each word and note plays its own role; the phrasing is perfect, better even for its juxtapositions between brutality and serenity. What is so stunning about Kayo Dot is that, beneath each layer of incredible instrumentals, there is an even more incredible layer of meaning in Toby's lyrics. His words are profound, enchanting and mystical, whispering and seeking. Behind sensations of soaring, of crushing, of searching, there is always the reminder that these sounds are coming from someone, from something organic. Clear classical influences reveal themselves only to be swept away by contemporary rehashings, by innovation and reinvention. Each moment of Choirs of the Eye is just as compelling as the last, and each song ends so perfectly that you can't help but want to listen again.

Download.

King Crimson - Larks' Tongues in Aspic (320)

To those accustomed to the "romantic prog" style of KC's first few albums, the overall sound of LTIA might come as a bit of a surprise. From the delicate and exotic ambient opening minutes to the loud instrumental freakout at the end, this is about as prog as you can get without veering off into avant-garde territory. It's heavy, it's jazzy, and most of all, it works. There is a reason it is hailed as one of the greatest albums from the classic prog era: its eclectic style has influenced many experimental bands today (many even say it's proto-prog-metal, you'll know why when you hear it). It may take some effort to fully appreciate Fripp and co.'s genius, but it's well worth it.

Just makin' EEEEASY MONEYYYYY!

The Samuel Jackson Five - Easily Misunderstood (V0)

For many people, the term "post-rock" means long songs with minimal instrumentation (maybe with some strings or horns thrown in) that build to rousing, heart-wrenching crescendos. Many people get the impression that this is all that post-rock is about, having heard giants of the genre like GY!BE and A Silver Mt. Zion. However, there is much, much more to the genre than that. The Samuel Jackson Five plays a much different kind of post-rock: there is still a prevalent sense of dynamics, but they have much more in common with fusion/prog bands like The Mahavishnu Orchestra and Soft Machine than any type of classical music.

Their second album, "Easily Misunderstood", is in my opinion not only their best album, but one of my favorite albums ever. There is great songwriting on display here, coupled with jazzy, infectious grooves. If you're looking for a fun, entertaining post-rock album to listen to, look no further.

(Also, their band name is awesome.)