A VULGAR DISPLAY OF PROG

I love the title of this album! Was the music found on it just as good? I was somewhat familiar with Moongarden before getting Vulgar Display of Prog. They had been hit and miss for me on previous offerings but I wanted to give this one a fair shot. It's really hard to label this band into any specific prog category. There are many qualities present in their music and symphonic probably does come the closest. But it's a mixture of electronic elements and loud and bombastic sounds along with some wonderful guitar sections.

OK, onto the album. I did quite a few listens of this album to give a sound opinion. At first listen I was in the middle of a long distance drive and I cranked this one up. I was really blown away by the energy of it from the start. The production was done great and it sounded awesome in my car stereo. I was excited to see where it was going after each song. But once I got to the second half of the album I noticed a drop off of energy and I wanted to it to come back badly. By the time it was done I was wondering if this album was better in smaller doses and maybe I had overdone it by listening to it too loudly and too closely or maybe it was too new to me. So in the weeks ahead I kept on trying to find that missing ingredient on that second half of the CD. Well, it's been quite some time and I cannot seem to find the consistency on this one. I would rate the first half of the album with a very solid 4 stars and the replay value does not wane. There are some great sonic moments and some fantastic guitar solos and a high level of energy, I love it! But the second half of the album I give 2 stars, something was lacking and it's not a subtle change for me. It just loses interest for me and does not captivate me like songs 1 through 5.

So at the end I think this a good album but not essential which means 3 stars from me. I hope their next one will keep that consistency throughout. They are very talented and when it clicks, it sounds great! I look forward to what comes next...