NATURAL SELECTION

This mezmerizing multi-ethnic band of California-based virtuosos have redefined the new progressive movement, by actively marketing their music in the various prog magazines and deservedly so, for their craft is some of the most continuously creative. Along with their three previous offerings, Lands End strive towards sonic compositions that owe a lot to the great masters of scintillating extended soundscapes , such as mid-period Pink Floyd, early Crimson and classic Yes. But they have a unique sound and style down pat, not overtly complex but rather a voyage in dreamland , a geo-trip through sonic mountains, bubbling oceans, pulsating rain forests, earsplitting waterfalls, desolate flatlands, reptilian rivers and thunderous valleys. The trek ends with a 30 minute Himalayan epic , the title cut, surely their finest moment ever. This is a fine example of "trip" music , as the listener is really taken for a rollercoaster ride, every emotion painstakingly squeezed out like a saturated sponge. All critics seem to agree that this is a classic and a "Natural Selection" for any prog fan. 4 trips