Who is peaking right now? - Progressive Rock Music Forum

Ok, so I missed out on the peak of so many bands over the years, I discovered PT well after In Absentia, I discovered The Flower Kings, well after their 'classic' period, I discovered the Beard after Neal left, shoot Genesis had long since been defunct when I discovered them.

So help me out here, who is peaking right now, which bands do I need to start paying attention to?

I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a five year old daughter and coping mechanisms.

Originally posted by Snow Dog

Me! Approve

Beat me to it. LOL

"PA = LOL^WTF" - Me, with help on this equation from Pat (Padraic).

Yes, I can't speak for Snowie, but I am peaking right now. Tongue

"PA = LOL^WTF" - Me, with help on this equation from Pat (Padraic).

Since it's impossible to know the future of any band, how can we know if a band is peaking right now?

To illustrate what I mean, think of Pink Floyd in 1967, two chart hits and a great debut album, and then a Hendrix tour! But were they peaking? No.

Now move on three more years to 1970. Pink Floyd had their first Number One hit album.

But were they peaking?. No.

Now move on another three years to 1973, when Dark Side Of The Moon turned Pink Floyd into megastar stadium fillers for the first time. Were they peaking? No.

You see my point? In each case it might appear as if the band is peaking, but they actually go on to greater heights afterwards.

rotten hound of the burnie crew

Originally posted by Stool Man

Since it's impossible to know the future of any band, how can we know if a band is peaking right now?

To illustrate what I mean, think of Pink Floyd in 1967, two chart hits and a great debut album, and then a Hendrix tour! But were they peaking? No.

Now move on three more years to 1970. Pink Floyd had their first Number One hit album.

But were they peaking?. No.

Now move on another three years to 1973, when Dark Side Of The Moon turned Pink Floyd into megastar stadium fillers for the first time. Were they peaking? No.

You see my point? In each case it might appear as if the band is peaking, but they actually go on to greater heights afterwards.

Seriously, I'll settle for reasonable guesses, I won't come back and give you grief years from now if you're wrong . . .

How about this, who has had one or two fantastic albums as of late, who is riding the crest of being best in their genre. With all of the hubbub about 'The Raven . . . " you could say that Steven Wilson is peaking. Who else out there is going through a golden era?

I don't have an unnatural obsession with Disney Princesses, I have a five year old daughter and coping mechanisms.

Peaking? Right now? In terms of what? Popularity? Sales? Influence?

As of now, my best answer would have to be:

- Well, SW's new album is out, but I bet you know that already (although SW is not a band ... though you kind of wish it was ... no, wait ... that's PT).

- iamthemorning, so get their album.

- Big Big Big Big Big Bi-i-i-i-i-i-ig Train (with English Electric, pt. 1)

... I'm out.

Edited by Dayvenkirq - March 17 2013 at 13:56

"Composing itself, in a way, is a simplifying process, just trying to pick some (strands?) out [of] the clamour in the head." - Robert Wyatt.

Guapo seems to be riding quite high lately. And I don't know if Dungen are planning on releasing any more albums, but their last two (2008 and 2010) are my favorites yet.

My other avatar is a Porsche

I'll second Big Big Train and would add Glass Hammer (their last three are excellent if derivative), The Tangent have yet to release an album I don't like, and Phideaux has released three great albums in a row and I expect their next release will follow that trend. If you're into RPI, I'd suggest La Maschera di Cera,

"PA = LOL^WTF" - Me, with help on this equation from Pat (Padraic).

I have only heard given a serious listen to "Luminol" so far, but if that is any indication, then yes, I would say Steven Wilson is peaking as an artist right now (and that includes Porcupine Tree).

Hackett has never sounded better than he has on his last few albums.

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music. ~Aldous Huxley