SKYLINE

This is a well-made album with complex compositions and very competent performances on all instruments but, like Dan Brittan's various highly regarded projects, the music of Skyline simply fails to lure me in. I do like it that Barock's songs have a distinct if slightly JTULL sound to them, but, like last year's impressive FREDDEGREDDE album, complexity does not always make for enjoyable or engaging listening. The problem here with Skyline is that even with repeated listens over months none of the songs are making their way into my brain, none of these songs are songs that I want to seek out or push repeat for. Once again: Maybe if I were more lyric oriented . . . .

3.5 stars rated up for impressive composition, performance, and production.

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Posted Sunday, August 2, 2015 | Review this album | Report (Review #1448154)

This is actually an Italian crew, but I didn't realise this when I first heard the album - this feels more like the product of a Kansas-tinged American neo-prog tradition, like early Echolyn, combined perhaps with hints of the sunny attitude and vocal styles of the Flower Kings. I wasn't sure about this one at first, finding some of the vocal harmonies a bit cheesy, but over time Barock Project eventually won me over thanks to all the intricate little hidden twosts this album has stashed away in its depths. Much like the unzipping sky on the cover art, Barock Project's music presents a facade of simplicity at times, but don't be fooled - it'll take you to some wild places once you dig into it. On the whole it still doesn't quite feel like my cup of tea, but that's more down to me being not so hot on the Kansas/Flower Kings style rather than anything intrinsically wrong with the album.

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Posted Wednesday, July 13, 2016 | Review this album | Report (Review #1587101)

I may have only just come across this Italian outfit with their latest album, 'Detachment', but I am determined to make up for lost time so am now listening to their latest studio album, which was actually their fourth. Released in 2015, this is very much the forerunner to the most recent, and although it isn't quite in the same league is still an incredibly impressive piece of work. The flute only appears on a couple of songs this time, although there is also some cello and viola at times. From the a capella opening, through to the very last note, this is an incredibly polished and controlled album: one that takes the listener on a journey that they are sure to enjoy.

I'm not quite sure why, but there does appear to be a much heavier Jethro Tull feeling to parts of this album, and this has nothing to do with the use of flute, but rather the way that some of the acoustic numbers seem to flow and sweep. I have seen them likened to Echolyn in some places, and I can see why, but to be honest although I always enjoyed Echolyn I don't think they were quite in the same league as these guys. This the second studio album I have heard, and am still getting to grips with the fact that up to a few months ago I had never heard of them! Still, like finding a good author after he has been going a while (I first read Stephen Donaldson as he was about to release the sixth volume of 'Thomas Covenant' novels), it does give one the opportunity to go back and see what else they have been doing over time, and that is something I fully intend to do.

Barock Project are easily one of the most impressive bands currently operating within the progressive scene and I heartily recommend this to anyone who enjoys the more melodic and less challenging forms.

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Posted Saturday, April 29, 2017 | Review this album | Report (Review #1715832)

Edit- 96/100 Gawd, this album gets better every I listen. I've upped my old rating of 82 to 90 and now 96. Total Masterpiece. I was wrong and now I'm glad I was wrong. Puts me in my place. For background info, refer to band bio's and further reviews so that you can glean all you can abou ... (read more)

Report this review (#1446313) | Posted by omphaloskepsis | Tuesday, July 28, 2015 | Review Permanlink

I am at a stage in my life where I feel I have saturated my acquisitions of new prog rock acts to my collection as I often feel I have so much good stuff to listen to, but hardly enough time to do so. Also after years of mostly buying and listening to prog rock, I feel it's time to invest a bit ... (read more)

Report this review (#1445033) | Posted by King Manuel | Sunday, July 26, 2015 | Review Permanlink

If Echolyn and Man on Fire got together for a romantic evening of hot prog action, Barock Project's Skyline would be the offspring. Well, that's at least what came to mind upon my initial listen. Yeah, I know that's weird. Don't judge me. This album has a lot going on -- Great harmonies, jazzy ... (read more)

Report this review (#1443543) | Posted by thesmokingman | Wednesday, July 22, 2015 | Review Permanlink

Well now. I'm amazed. Seriously. I had a hunch something interesting was going down when the band began to push the new album on their FB page way before the release date. They clearly seemed genuinely excited about what they had created, and that's always a strong signal. I just loved Coffee ... (read more)

Report this review (#1427859) | Posted by Platy2112 | Thursday, June 18, 2015 | Review Permanlink

The most complete progressive symphonic rock album of 2015, 70 minutes of pure joy and never served in the same style. An elegant and vibrant composing and performing by this amazing Italian band. Precious special guests such as Vittorio De Scalzi of New Trolls and a cover designed by Paul Whitehead ... (read more)

Report this review (#1417196) | Posted by Barocknroll | Tuesday, May 19, 2015 | Review Permanlink

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