Category Archives: Prog On YouTube

Progressive Rock videos, studio tracks, and live performances from YouTube.

Apr 28 2013

Lifesigns – Self-Titled

Here is a press release that was submitted on behalf of Lifesigns, a new release that’s getting a lot of attention.

London, UK – Esoteric Recordings are pleased to announce the latest release on new front-line label, Esoteric Antenna, dedicated to new releases by both new acts and established artists. Lifesign’s eponymous release has the hallmarks of being one of the finest progressive rock albums of 2013! Making the album even more impressive is the guest appearances from such respected figures in progressive music as Steve Hackett, Thijs Van Leer (focus), Jakko Jakszyk (King Crimson), and Robin Boult (John Young Band).

Lifesigns features John Young (keyboards, lead vocals), Nick Beggs (bassist, Chapman Stick player, backing vocals) and Frosty Beedle (drums). The material reflects the excellence of the musicians who perform on the album. John Young is a classically trained composer, keyboardist and vocalist, who has worked with the likes of Asia, the Strawbs, Greenslade, Fish, Uli Jon Roth and his own John Young Band. He also tours with Bonnie Tyler. Bassist/Stick player Nick Beggs was the founding member of 80s group Kajagoogoo and has worked with artists like Alphaville, Belinda Carlise, John Paul Jones, Gary Numan, Steve Hackett, Steve Howe, Tina Turner and many others. He is currently on tour with Steven Wilson. Drummer Frosty Beedle has worked with the likes of the Cutting Crew, Sarah Brightman, Russell Watson and Zucchero.

Here’s what the press have been raving about Lifesign’s debut album:

“’Lifesigns’ is a tremendous listening experience… It’s extremely well written, the playing is superbly engaging, tones are tweaked to perfection, and the vocals are just amazing!” – Tony Conley, Rock Guitar Daily

“This is a stunning example of when Prog gets it right!” – Music-News.com

“These fine musicians have created quite their own ‘voice’, a fresh new leaf on the solid old progtree and what a leaf!!” – Prog Planet

“There have been precious few modern British bands making albums on the same level as the classic symphonic bands, you know, the ones who invented progressive rock. Which makes Lifesigns a nearly a national treasure. You’ll hear similarities to Peter Gabriel, YES, Genesis, National Health, Happy The Man, Bruford, and a couple others we’re overlooking, but it doesn’t sound retro or derivative. We don’t often write ‘must have’ but there, we’ve done it!” – Kenesis

Working with engineer Steve Rispin (Asia, Uriah Heep, Dave Kilminster, Snakecharmer), ‘Lifesigns’ is a tuneful, innovative and hugely impressive debut album certain to appeal to those who appreciate the finer aspects of modern Progressive Rock.

To purchase Lifesigns -’Lifesigns’ CD: http://www.cherryred.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=3965

For more information: http://www.lifesigns.me
http://www.esotericrecordings.com

Feb 3 2013

Nine Stones Close – Traces

There’s nothing quite like a soaring liquid guitar lead that is set up by a melancholy, emotional track as a foundation. Falling To Pieces from Nine Stones Close is a great example that I only discovered recently. Here is the official video, along with a fan-made video of Traces, the title track of the album (with a compliment from the band in the Youtube comments).

Dec 24 2012

Best of 2012 – Part 1

As 2012 comes to a close, it’s time to look back on the top albums of the year. Prog top lists at this time of the year are often accompanied by pronouncements that this was “an amazing year for prog. One of the best in recent memory!” Call me a cynic (or just old), but I don’t see it that way. As a whole, I still think Progressive Rock is at a low point of creativity and force-of-nature new acts we saw in the two golden ages (early 70s and mid 90s). That said, there were still some great albums this year. Because I have a very hard time deciding, I’ll just keep it to a top 5 (plus two honorable mentions).

Honorable Mention:

echolyn (self titled) – The first four echolyn studio albums rank among my favorite albums of all time. I love the energy, musicianship, vocal harmonies, and wistful charm packed into each album. My expectations this year’s release were sky high after hearing the first track – a true echolyn classic. The rest of it left me a bit cold. It is in my top 10 of the year, but also the one with which I was most disappointed.

Steve Hackett – Genesis Revisited II – I really enjoy listening to this album. The performances and song selection are top notch, and I can’t wait to see Mr. Hackett live again next year. But these are old songs, so I can’t justify putting it on the top 5 list.

#5 – Fang Island: Major

I have to include an indie rock cross-over, since that’s where some of the more interesting prog has been headed in recent years. Fang Island has been described as “successfully combining the luster of indie pop music with the technical eccentricities of progressive rock”. They definitely have an offbeat sensibility, but these anthems are somehow uplifting too. I keep coming back to this one.

#4 – Big Big Train: English Electric (Part One)

File this in the “maybe the best, but not necessarily my favorite” category. Big Big Train is consistently excellent over the past few releases (including the recent EP), and this is no exception. Yet, I feel like I should like it more than I do. The band is kind of an enigma for me.

#3 – Swans: The Seer

I can’t remember another album in recent memory that was so audacious and visceral. In my original write-up, I called it an intense, unrelenting journey through a wildly ambitious apocalyptic nightmare. It is truly exhausting, and downright irritating at times. But in an era with so many retreads, something so unique from a 20 year veteran band like Swans is worth taking notice.

#2 – Änglagård: Viljans Öga

Viljans Öga is this year’s best example of the quintessential progressive rock sound. Vintage instruments, dazzling musicianship, complex arrangements, and dynamic changes. Änglagård’s debut album (1992′s Hybris) helped to usher in the second golden age of Prog Rock, and Viljans Öga is a welcome return after a long hiatus. It’s a substantial meal that demands attention and repeated listens.

Stay tuned for #1, which will be posted before the new year…