THE LONG DIVISION

It's refreshing to find once in a while among all the bombastic modern prog a band that sounds restrained, smooth, with a bar music feel.This is an album that draws its influences not as much from British prog but rather from the primary sources of Ameican rock (another modern band with such an approach is Shadow Circus, although they are more bombastic) - bar music, soul, jazz, gospel, traditional pop, hard rock. A pure example of crossover prog-lite.

The sound here reminds me of 60s and 70s - not too loud, with restrained power chords, prominent bar piano and groovy rhythm section. Melodies often have a relaxed 11pm jazz feel, even trembling at times (see Exit Strategy), although it has a fair share of rocking out (opening track, sections of Televised and Socio-economic Petri Dish). This decidedly retro sound stands in curious contrast with lyrical theme, which is a bitter commentary on contemporary political divisions in America.