CEILING UNLIMITED

US outfit CEILING UNLIMITED was formed back in 2004, but for the first few years of its existence it stayed pretty well below the surface as far as attention goes. Entering the final stage of a talent competition hosted by music television channel VH1 gave the band somewhat more of a public presence, but the main prize of opening for Yes in 2008 wasn't quite within its grasp at that point. Next up for the band was to assemble an album, and in 2010 this next step was finalized in the shape of its self-titled debut production. As is more and more customary these days, the band decided to release the album themselves, as a limited edition CD and with more of an emphasis on the digital marketplace.

Amy King is among the best less known lead vocalists I've encountered in the progressive rock universe, a singer that many could and probably should hold in envy. And those fond of strong female lead vocals used in art rock creations with a distinct mainstream orientation and expression should find the first album by Ceiling Unlimited to be one well worth taking note of. Slick, melodic and harmonic throughout, but with subtle details of the kind those fond of sophisticated rock will appreciate.