ALMAGEST

This may be progressive, but don't expect it to rock (unfortunately like I did). This album is basically nearly forty minutes of keyboard/synth drones and sound effects, with flute and guitar (albeit rarely) melodies interspersed. I have nothing against ambient music, though I have to say that I often find the distinction between music and sound blurred with this genre. There certainly is no virtuosic playing, no choruses, few time signatures, and little else that I need when I listen to music. I'll be the first to admit that I prefer a Western version of song structure, and for those who don't, this may be up your alley.

I won't review each song, because to my ears, each song sounds like the others, with some being longer, and some being shorter-- that's the only real difference I can discern. Some parts have simple drums, some parts have a melody, and other parts are just keyboard chords and effects. Needless to say, I find it quite boring.

The only thing that I use this album for is falling alseep. That's not meant to be a backhanded compliment: there is a serenity and restraint to this music that even I can appreciate. However, if I want to actually pay attention to the music, this one consistently fails to satisfy. Two stars because this is relatively boring, but on the positive side, there's nothing truly grating or terrible.