SEED

SOPHISTREE are a progressive art-rock band from Hamburg, Germany that was formed in 1994. Starting out as a band with a KING CRIMSON style they later became more melodic and poppy, yet keeping their progressiveness. Their progressive side is shown in their complicated compositions with odd meters and tempo changes. This is their strong debut album from 1998, and it's a pleasant surprise. Their influences are SPOCK'S BEARD, UK, GENTLE GIANT, MARILLION, SAGA and TEARS FOR FEARS. Although the pop influences are very present this is true progressive rock. They are showing a high quality musicianship and the vocals are good too. The songs are long just as you'll expect from a progressive band, yet there's a lot of strong and catchy melodies. The highlights are "The Seed of my Smile", "The Seven Seas" and the epic composition "Big Love, Big Fake" that is split into two sections "i: The Kite" and "ii: Hear the Child Scream". It's also the longest track that clocks in at 14:57. It's a great album from a promising band and I wont be surprised if they are one of the future big names in progressive rock. I'm already looking forward to the new album that will be released in 2000. Until then I just have to put this one into the CD player again. Recommended!

4.5, In one word - captivating

Now I'm talking about a true lost gem in progressive rock realm, belive me one of the better examples of solid song writteing, inventive arrangements and a kick ass voice all those elements are Sophistree. Formed around early '90's in Hamburg - Germany, Sophistree released so far a single album named Seed in 1999, who turns to be their swansong. Sad because they realse only a single album, because this band made a promissing debute and had huge potential in progressive rock world. The band is similar to my ears with for ex Saga, Everon or even Galleon in places. All those 3 bands combined are Sophistree but with a lot of original ideas and excellent songwritting. The voice of Frank Wollenburg is the cherry on the cake, he has almost same tone and range with Sadler from Saga but aswell some moments when he is like Oliver Philipps from Everon , we can find him later on in a band called Beyond the blue who release The ray of spring few years ago. So, about the music, who is very well written, very strong arrangements, quite unique in their own way, with super guitar works and splendid keyboards. The music is eclectic meets neo here and there and some crossover moments with nice passages, elaborated and long pieces, with fantastic vocal parts, just check out: The Snail's Shell , The Seed Of My Smile and aswell The Seven Seas , 3 of the best tracks I ever heared, impressive songwritting and above all beautiful and warm vocal passages, excellent music. One of the most amazing albums of the '90's in progressive rock scene , yet not really discovered or rediscovered by wider public, quite unnoticed and unfairly underrated band with solid as rock compositions. I will give easy 4 stars, almost close to a masterpiece in my opinion, but not quite there, anyway an essential album in anyone's collection, belive me. Recommended.