VIENNA CIRCLE

Well, this a wonderful album! This is straight-forward neo-prog, so nothing new is really heard here. However, Vienna Circle has really crafted an elegant, tasteful album in "Silhouette Moon". The melodies are beautiful, and the lyrics are well-written. That's definitely a good start!

I can't say I'm a huge fan of the vocalist, as his voice is rather high-pitched, but not in a good way. However, it grows on you, and he really proves himself with some rather great harmonizations. Besides, this album is probably 75% instrumental, and that helps. This album features some downright awesome instrumental passages (lots of synth!) that are masterfully crafted and progressively better and better through the album. Be that as it may, I still think my favorite track is "Dreams Presage", as it has some of the finest moments on the album. The last few tracks are also very good, as they sort of go together and progress the overall mood.

If you like neo-prog, do yourself a favor and give this album a listen. It isn't anything new and exciting, but it is masterfully presented and written, and I can't help but enjoy myself. 4 stars well earned!

I'm very surprised this band hasn't garnered more attention on PA - it would seem to be the perfect sort of band the site should love - a nod to the past but quite radically different from bands of the 70s and 80s. They seem to have ended up in "neo" quite by accident - really symphonic or eclectic would seem to be a better fit. Anyway....

Silhouette Moon caught my interest off the basis of a "Prog" magazine cover disc. The album seems to be a concept piece based on dreams - presumably a rather restless night's sleep. Nearly all the instruments are played by the two brothers who are the only members of the band., with some classic organ/keyboard sounds mixed with very modern guitar which makes for an unusual but very pleasant juxtaposition. Elements of Post-rock, Heavy prog and even Jazz-rock can be heard amidst the mainly symphonic sound.

If I'd reviewed this a couple of weeks ago it would have got a very worthy four stars as a pleasant album. The thing is it just demands yet another spin each day and grows with every one, until I've become convinced that this is the finest release I've heard this year, (well maybe 2nd to Big Big Train, but that's a hell of a high standard). The outstanding 20 minute central suite (tracks 3 to 5) and the beautiful "Ballad of Night" just drip with melody and invention. The vocals are mainly restrained but perhaps Paul Davis should let himself go a bit more - when he cuts loose they contain real punch and fire.

Based on this album I really hope the Davis brothers try to put a full band together and do some live gigs - I'd be there in a heartbeat. The surprise of the year so far - and possibly the album of the year too.

Named after the association of philosophers during the early 20's at the University of Vienna, this duo consists of brothers Paul and Jack Davis, coming from the town of Pewsey in UK.Both grew up performing at a lunch club in The Shak, the Pewsey youth centre, where any youngster could pick up an instrument and reveal his talents.After playing in separate bands, the Davis' brothers united in 2006 to record an album of their own under the Vienna Circle name.Helped by Russell Wilson on drums and production they finally launched their debut ''White clouds'' in 2008 as an indepedent release.

This is certainly one of the most accurate, promising and interesting releases of Progressive Rock in 2008 with the Davis brothers creating an album full of emotional colors, vintage references, superb arrangements and thrilling vocals lines.Moreover the album becomes even more interesting with each listening.Vienna Circle sound like a cross between MARILLION, PINK FLOYD, SKY ARCHITECT, MOTHER BLACK CAP, PORCUPINE TREE and several Polish bands like SATELLITE or BELIEVE.Excellent modern Progressive Rock with beats from Neo Prog and Heavy Rock fields, based on impressive guitar leads, soaring synthesizers and mellotron samples, while the background contains also some nice vocal distortions and plenty of acoustic breaks.All tracks are awesome with a deep emotional content yet with a fair dose of demanding musicianship.Changing moods, tremendous electric solos, powerful and grandiose orchestral textures and cool hypnotic ambiances offer series of original structures with a result that ranges from satisfying to simply masterful.And there is also an incredible ability by the Davis' family to combine an otherwise very modern-sounding work with the sounds of the past on the orchestral moves.

Excellent debut to say the least.Moving, adventurous, pompous and perfectly arranged Progressive Rock, that becomes even more valuable considering the fact that it was created by only two very young artists.Highly recommended.

It took me a long time to get used to this album, really. I had it for a long time but at first it didn´t strike me as anything really special. It was maybe too modern pop, like a more progressive version of a Radiohead or a Coldplay (but with better vocals and a real guitar player). However, after repeated listenings I was drawn to their fine musicanship, excellent songwriting skills and the subtle arrangements. The concept is quite interesting and original too. This project by the brothers Davies duo (plus drummer Russel Wilson) takes some time to get into, but it is worth it.

After some time I found myself enjoying more and more White Clouds. It´s a fine tapestry of sounds and so well done you might not get the excellent keyboards and guitar interplay, the shifting moods and the briliant (but discreet) perfomances if you´re paying due atention. But once you do, you´ll be reward with a quite melodic and interesting trip to the past, telling the story of an english guy facing the horrors of world war one. I really don´t think it sounds like anything Marillion or even Neil Morse have done as far as I´m concerned (a little Pink Floyd here and there is ok, but not much either). Neo prog? I don´t know...And yet their work is quite good and, being their first, has quite a personal sound.

I don´t know if I can call this album a real masterpiece, or even essential, for the average proghead. It is however a strong debut and I really hope those guys have plans for another shot at least. They surely made a very melodic, convincing and bold debut and it makes you wonder how far this talented duo can go. If you´re into melodic prog with fine, subtle instrumentation and good songwriting, go for it! Final rating: something between 3,5 and 4 stars.

This album has been getting heavy playtime since I received it a few weeks ago. After listening to a few of the songs online I decided to order the CD and have not been disappointed. I know it is a concept album with the first world war as the backdrop but to be honest, I really don't worry too much about lyrics, it is the music that matters. I would describe this album as fairly mellow but with enough energetic sections to keep the heartrate up. The melodies are fantastic and the songs blend together beautifully the way a true concept album should. All the songs have a unique flavour to them with the only filler piece IMO being Argonne Wood. Even it has an interesting feel to it as war veterans relate battlefield experiences. There are plenty of instrumental sections throughout the album with lots of soaring guitar solos a la David Gilmour or Steve Rothery to compliment the piano and other keyboard work. Production seems to be first rate as the overall sound is very good. This band (as far as I know) consists of two brothers who handle all the instruments, except for drums which were farmed out to a session player and a very good one by the sound of things. All in all an excellent listen for anyone that enjoys melodic progressive music. A solid four stars.

The debut album from Vienna Circle, White Clouds is a concept album, set against a backdrop of the first world war.

The album defies direct comparisons but there are definite influences apparent, such as Pink Floyd, Marillion and even Neal Morse.

The music is very melodic and layered in the true tradition of prog.

The vocal story line is regularly interspersed with lengthy instrumental sections and soaring guitar solos. Particular highlights for me are the dynamic 'First Night In Berlin' and the emotional 'Her Green Eyes Blew Goodbye'.

The album climaxes with 'White Clouds (Finale)' which reprises the opening track, embellished with a truly anthemic guitar theme.

All in all this is a truly remarkable debut which I can highly recommend to any neo-prog afficienados. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.