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Relayer - Last Man on Earth CD (album) cover

LAST MAN ON EARTH

Relayer

 

Symphonic Prog

3.83 | 23 ratings

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Matti
Prog Reviewer
4 stars Danbo's right: John Sahagian really has some Freddie Mercury in his voice. Others that came to my mind are SCORPIONS singer and slightly also Bono. Or Geddy Lee in early Rush. Mix all these and you get a close picture. OK, this was my first encounter with this US band - almost with ANY US proggers apart the biggest ones. My expectations were not high and so they were surpassed. First I'd say that connotations to Yes might be misleading. At least Relayer rocks harder and is not as symphonic or complicated. I don't hear much 'retro' in sound or structure; closer comparison, at least momentarily, would be some Hogarth-era Marillion (typical highly melodic neo-prog á la Pendragon or IQ this is not). Well done for an album where keyboard duties are shared by the guitarist and singer.

Usually I'm not so fond of sharp rocking and loud guitars but Relayer rocks the way it just grabs you and makes you float in music. I can't help but agree with Danbo on everything - also lyrics are fine. Probably I could't ever list Relayer in my TOP 30 of prog bands but that's a matter of my long-time taste in rock styles. When I want harder stuff this could be my choice - but don't misinterpret me: this is NOT heavy or hard rock really. The last ethereal track 'We Swim' resembles a lot those moody long 90's Marillion songs, though the length 12:49 is not true. It could be faded out around 9 minutes. After the track has ended, comes totally useless little jamming. But that's only a small minus in over an hours total length. Very recommendable to any listener of louder (American) neo-prog of which I myself am still quite uneducated.

Matti | 4/5 |

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