OUT OF THE BARNYARD

Fright Pig, a band who at first glimpse of the song titles seems to be just a gag, ends up being quite a storm of modern, heavy, hard hitting progressive rock. At some point or another this group of oinkers seems to be just about everywhere on the map from classic symphonic prog to neo prog and prog metal, with the tendency to deliver with loads of energy and a frequency of swapping instruments in and out of the arrangement that would please your ADHD. "Recreation" delivers up front with some Yes like tendencies in the keys, but then gives us moments of prog metal and even a great eerie section of vibrato choir vocals over the top of weaving guitar harmonies and piano runs. "Incident at Bembroke" is a straight up prog/folk metal jig with 70′s prog leanings (lots of organ and synths) and a good deal of rhythmic interest, while "Barque at the Lune" is a full out prog metal romp replete with technical guitars, double kick, shredding, and classical style piano soloing. As the album progresses it seems to get more and more technical with tunes like "Darkest of Forms," mixing 80′s rock, baroque, and wild instrumental sections, as well as "Presumido," a full on flamenco metal piece (calling to mind Power of Omens) with some nice extra touches like the screaming Hammonds and classical guitar. At first I was blown away by this as being an album that presents mountains of energy and sounds, but as it went on it became apparent that there may be a bit too much focus on wild instrumental arrangements and not enough on clearly purposeful composition, in my opinion at least. Still, Fright Pig delivers an impressive debut with Out of the Barnyard, dazzling with their ability to seamlessly meld and transition between prog genres and really come out all guns blazing. Get ready to roll around in the mud with Fright Pig!