Southern Empire - Civilisation

An enjoyable melodic-prog album (I assume it is in the crossover prog genre). I bought it after being very impressed with 'How Long' on the debut album. Wasn't very aware of the Unitopia connection at the time - I suppose Aussie prog was off my radar a couple of years ago.

The only track that doesn't really connect with me is the opening track - 'Goliath's Moon" - which I find is lyrically weak and slightly cheesy. The highlight is 'The Crossroads' - a lovely interweaving epic with African overtones (maybe that hints at a concept with other tracks). However, another PA member mentioned that much of the track is based on part of 'Travelling Man (The Story of ESHU)' which was covered by the United Progressive Fraternity on their 'Fall in Love With the World' album - who I gather are the rival offshoot from Unitopia after the split (so I assume both groups are doing their own takes on music created when they were all together). Interestingly, parts of 'How Long' are in that track as well. I think ESHU is some form of African deity - but I'll be pleased to be corrected.

All very confusing and hopefully a Unitopia fan will bring us up to speed about all of this - but I've enjoyed the music of Unitopia, UPF and Southern Empire over the last few years and long may it continue.



Edited by Squonk19 - September 02 2018 at 16:38

This album is fantastic...AOTY contender for me. Cries for the Lonely is probably my favourite track. Absolutely stellar guitar solos from Cam Blokland.

Edited by RoeDent - September 04 2018 at 13:28