+4626 - COMFORTZONE

I have spent most of my life listening to prog and am proud to know both the origins of the style and today's bands. Being such an unique and demanding style, one could be tempted to dismiss newer or different approaches to what the founders of the style did back in the late 60s and early 70s. But if one thing that hasn't changed much is the inclination for innovation that prog rock has kept. This being said, few bands can showcase this as Beardfish can. Having had a long career by today's standards, they have done a marvellous work with their latest and final album +4626-Comfortzone.

Not only is Comfortzone a conceptual album in its essence, it is also a perfect blend of prog with a more rock and roll feel. If we were to dismiss the lyrics of these fine tunes, we might find ourselves listening to a perfectly enjoyable and suiting prog album, but that would to no justice to the musical pieces that these accomplished musicians have put forth - indeed one could say that, if anything, this is the perfect farewell album, with its depressive and somewhat defeatist implication of its lyrics.

Technically wise, its a wonderfully recorded album. It won't shine for its technical prowess when compared to Rush or Dream Theater, but it will still catch the attention of those who disdain the repetitiveness and predictability of regular rock, while adding great instrumental sections and fitting solos to atmosphere driven musics that fit perfectly in a larger musical narrative.

There are few albums that I consider as accomplished as this and while Prog Archives does not allow for a 4.5 rating, I can state that his album is surely above a regular 4*. If anything, I regret that we won't be hearing from Beardfish in the future, as there were few bands that delivered consistently good albums as these guys.

I absolutely recommend a few hearings of these guys, especially for those who are bored or disenchanted with symphonic prog or psychedelic rock, as this album is the perfect showcase for what lies on the other side of the spectrum.