NEROTICA

Originally this band was called Ulysses, and had an album produced by Karl Groom and Clive Nolan some eleven years ago. Now they are back with a new line-up and name, but obviously haven't forgotten their history. This is German progressive rock that is looking as far into the past as it is in to the future. Although they have been influenced by other German bands such as Everon, it is to Canada where they have been looking most as there are Saga-esque touches, as well as the much missed (well, by me anyway) London-based prog act Winter. The vocals of Falk Ullmann (ex-Tipsy Slut, Waxmuseum) have a distinctive sound that moves them away from many of the modern prog bands; there is an edge, a real 'presence'.

This debut album is one that I have found myself drifting into, for the proghead this is music that is floating yet for the areas where it meanders along there are others where there is real purpose and bite. The gentle sections just serve to emphasise the power of the guitar ? for Neronia never forget that they are a rock band, although they are much more in the Pendragon are of music than Arena and light years removed from Threshold. It is an album that reminds me of the sort of material that SI were releasing, good solid prog, or even Marillion. It isn't the sort of music that grabs the listener but the more this album is played the more there is to be taken from it.

Originally appeared in Feedback #79, June 2004