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ProgNaut
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Published on: 17 Dec 2003
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MJBrady
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Published on: 27 Oct 2003
Much to my surprise, this cd shows up in the mail, and soon after, I am treated to some of today's most meticulous progressive rock, in the truest and most traditional form. While other contemporary bands are splitting up, or stagnating, Syzygy has been hard at work behind the scenes creating a cd that is worthy of any progressive rock fans attention.
Starting as the band Abraxas. Guitarist - Carl Baldassarre, and keyboardist - Sam Giunta, toured the midwestern US as in the early eighties, they would later find themselves interested in creating progressive music, and soon after they founded Witsend. A band that would allow the two, with the help of two other musicians to define the very music they were drawn to. Ultimately, the band would change it's name to the current Syzygy(A more detailed history is available at the bands site). In reading information at the bands site, I was entertained at the idea that they offer a comparison to other bands whom they sound like. Here is the list: Legends - Brand X / Curved Air / Deep Purple / ELP / Genesis / Gentle Giant / Jethro Tull / King Crimson / UK / YES / Zappa. And also a list of Contemporaries - Dream Theater / Flower Kings / OSI / Planet X / Porcupine Tree / Spock's Beard / TransAtlantic.
Would it surprise you if I agreed with those lofty comparisons? That is a very impressive listing to compete with, and varied as well. But they in fact do live up to the statement. And cleverly they are able to grasp a little something from each and everyone of those bands, and mutate it into their own little invention. I could easily throw a few more names into the mix also, Ambrosia (early), Nathan Mahl, Happy the Man, UnderGround Railroad are a few others that could be diciphered from this whole batch of progressive stew. So with these comments in mind, it should be obvious that Syzygy is able to play creatively complex, melodic, imposing, difficult, epical, bombastic, ethereal, obnoxiously perplexing, symphonic, and atmospheric music. And yes, they do.
Could this be the progrock cd of 2003? Yes, arguements could be made for this or that band, some great cds were in fact released this year, and this one stands up to any of them IMHO. It's one of those recordings that you will have to drop all other affairs to indulge fully. And with every listen, one will learn to appreciate the refined depth of the music. A patiently skilled approach to the songs arrangements results in some of the most enjoyable prog moments I have heard in a good while. It seems very apparent to me that Syzygy is here to stay, they have far too much talent and chemistry going on here to overlook, so this is a heads up to all progfans from every genre.
Every member in this band is musically strong, the writing is consistantly innovative, the production is pristine, and the overall concept is well conceived. By chance that you should be a fan of the best works by any of the bands listed above for comparison purposes, don't miss this one!
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| TRACKS |
CREDITS
(click to view performer credits) |
PROGGNOSIS SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY
(click to view Release Page) |
- M.O.T.H. 11:20
- Beggar:s tale 2:47
- Distant light 5:35
- Zinjanthropus 12:31
- Industryopolis 6:33
- Forbidden 3:22
- Light speed 2:58
- The journey of Myrrdin 17:29
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