CONTRA-MANTRA

It is hard to define progressive rock, and even after listening to it for two years you would be hard pressed to get an answer from me that properly encompasses all music that is considered progressive. For each person, their definition will vary, as will what they consider progressive or not. But for each person, there is some point where they can say, "That does not fit into my definition of progressive". The majority of this album, which is full of big keyboard sounds, roaring lead guitars, and choruses you almost have to belt along with, I cannot consider prog by my definition.

The Damage is Done, Better Living Through Anarchy, Vanity, and A Different World are all straight up rockers, with Better Living Through Anarchy being the catchiest of them all. All I See Is Gray could be described best as a ballad.

So the progressiveness exists almost solely in the two longer tracks (The Hard Way and Anthem). Each are alright tracks, with The Hard Way diverging the furthest from the sound of the rest of the album. It ably moves between different ideas, and has quite a few good sections. I'm especially a fan of the parts where the acoustic guitars are used - I must admit to liking Marty Prue's guitar playing better than Jim Branner's on this album, it has more characteristic to my ears.

If you're looking big stadium sounding music with a bit of a prog edge, this album is for you. It's good, but I have a hard time considering it prog.