MOTH VELLUM

This is another album that I was sent quite some time ago, but for some reason it wasn't reviewed when it should have been. I have been searching the web but can't find any indication that this band is still going, which is a real shame as this is a bloody good listen. It brings together the sound of classic groups like Yes and The Moody Blues and mixes it up with more recent acts like Porcupine Tree and especially Mr So & So to bring together a sound that is accessible and inviting. Sure, there will be some critics who feel that there isn't anything dramatically new and that this is another prog band that is looking backwards instead of forwards but there is nothing wrong with that to my ears. This is genuinely an album that progheads will listen to with a smile on their faces and isn't that what music is all about?

This Californian quartet, Tom Lynham (keyboards, drums), Johannes Luley (guitars, producer), Ryan Downe (bass player/vocalist) and Matt Swindells (drummer/vocalist), have produced a prog album that sounds great and while they have the opportunity to show off their skills and vocal talents this is all about a great set of six songs, with half of them breaking the ten minute barrier yet never being too long. Overall this is a fun album that is well worth hearing. www.mothvelum.com