RIO suggestions

Hey again everyone!  

Once again, I'll be making an open confession for a subgenre I have yet to explore much of. This edition: RIO/Avant Prog. I know very little about this subgenre, except that its component parts are all wildly different from each other in a variety of ways. Keeping that in mind, I'm sure that somewhere within this nebulous group of musicians, I'm guaranteed to find something that'll pique my interest and likely fit into my tastes.

I tend to prefer groups with strong, well-developed melodies combined with a healthy sense of variety, focus, and drive. A bit of an edge doesn't hurt either, but more in the sense of sonic texture and not necessarily grating harmonies. Free atonality really doesn't work for me, nor does minimalism. I've referenced a few of these groups in past topics I've made, but the ones that represent my preferences the most include VDGG, Wetton-era KC, Opeth, Discipline, and Riverside.

Thank you all so much again! I definitely appreciate all the suggestions, and am really eager to read your choices and why you think the groups you pick are special. 

Check out Secret Chiefs 3, they have some great folk influences and are very melodic. Of course I say that and it's true but only part of the time. Secret Chiefs 3 is basically 7 bands. (Check out Book of Secrets and you'll know exactly what I mean).

Ok this is going to be fun. A bit of an edge will be easy but avoiding grating harmonies and atonality will be a bit harder :)

This is my essential must listen list:-

Henry Cow - In Praise Of Learning - technically complex with no compromise with Dagmar in full throat, if she's not to your taste try Western Culture which is my personal favorite
Univers Zero - Ceux Du Dehors - The dark end of the Chamber Rock pool, this is melodious and moody in spades, their whole catalog is phenomenal, the bassoon is featured heavily.
Cardiacs - On Land & In The Sea - This is punk prog at it's best, high energy, lyrically complex, punch you in the face nuts, this is what punk is when played by musicians.
Alamaailman Vasarat - Huuro Kolkko - Finish heavy band play instrumental metal using trombone, sax & cellos.
Uz Jsme Doma - Caves Another punky prog band high energy shouty vocals, folk influence, metal touches.
Vezhlivy Otkaz - Geese & Swans - Russian Folky underground band with jazzy classical arrangements
Thinking Plague - In Extremis - Guitar led with angular vocals about dark subject matter, complex arrangements that rock
Present - Triskadekaphobia - Univers Zero's electric focus brother, angular dissonant and soul crushing.
Secret Chiefs 3 - Book Of Horizons - Metal instrumental with a Middle Eastern aesthetic
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum - Of Natural History Avant Metal with some cookie monster vocals but high concept and wonderful tunes.
Guapo - 5 Suns - Heavy zeuhlish tendencies with crushing heaviness.

Edited by Nogbad_The_Bad - January 11 2014 at 20:25

 

Edited by schizoidman - January 13 2014 at 13:01

Start with Leg End if you want to check out Henry Cow.  In Praise of Learning might be a bit rough for a newcomer.

All these look like awesome suggestions. Thank so much everyone! Once I get a chance to sit down and give them an earnest aural dissection, I'll let you all know that I think! Many thanks to all you wonderful people  And if there are any more, don't be shy! All are definitely appreciated. 

Some RIO/avant prog is out there and can be difficult to get into but Hot Rats by Zappa is very accessible yet edgy. I also like Uzed by Univers Zero, French TV-Violence..., Henry Cow-Legend, and Clear Spot by Beefheart

So I'm previewing Uzed by Univers Zero now, and I mush say, I'm really digging this! There's some powerful music here that really appeals to my appreciation for well-constructed, driving music. Definitely going high on the "to buy" list! Thank again everyone  I'll be sure to give the others a listen too!

Just learned about these guys....nice stuff..

Nogbad_The_Bad wrote: Ok this is going to be fun. A bit of an edge will be easy but avoiding grating harmonies and atonality will be a bit harder :) This is my essential must listen list:-

I would go on that list (above), and add to this Alek Redfrain, Charming hostess and U-Totem. Maybe even 5UU's hunger teeth? Aranis?

problem is with that recommandation threads that it end up with dosen of recommandations that no one can really digest