A VULGAR DISPLAY OF PROG

Moongarden

Symphonic Prog

3.57 | 103 ratings

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Windhawk
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

An interesting effort from this veteran Italian band, extending their musical scope in some rather unexpeted directions this time around.

The main foundations of this album is still neo-progressive rock of the vintage variety though. Rich, multilayered soundscapes where keys, synths and, unless I'm mistaken, mellotron reigns supreme, backed by steady bass, dampened guitar themes and lead vocals - eerilie similar to Seal in sound as far as the latter goes. Most of the songs strech well beyond the 5 minute range as well, and may indeed be described as "A Vulgar Display of Prog" to some extent.

However, blended into this stylistic expression you'll find quite a lot of electronic and industrial elements this time around. Ominous, dark, rhythmic sound layers or swirling electronic textures, dissonant guitar bursts and other musical elements pulled from the effects catalogue of an act like Nine Inch Nails are effectively utilized to expand the musical palette on most tracks here. Not to the extent that any of these efforts venture outside of the contemporary sounding symphonic landscape, but often enough to add variation and some unexpected developments to the proceedings.

And on closing epic Compression we're also served a chaotic, dissonant atmospheric segment followed by a rap-inspired spoken word sequence. The latter which may probably alienate quite a few hardcore prog fans, but which I feel suits this particular effort perfectly.

A strong album, and while those who wants their prog made following the purity laws might not appreciate this album, those intrigued by artists with a desire to add innovative elements to their musical ventures might want to check out this disc. In particular if symphonic progressive rock of the neo-progressive variety normally is regarded as likeable.

Windhawk | 4/5 | 2010-1-9

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