A lot of the time I was listening to Frumpy, I was thinking TH won't care for this! You strike me as a neo man (to my traditionalist). I like the literary analogy, but I am not going to start believing it for a second. In any case, you are the James Joyce of Music Banter, wheareas I barely feature.

As I don't know Frumpy (and amazed that I don't) I'd say BE knows more than me, even though he has stated there are albums on my journal that he wasn't familiar with.

TH always seeks melody in his music and if there's not a clear and obvious melody, it's hard to get him into it. Hence his dislike for Captain Beyond and his hatred for extreme metal, despite the fact he constantly continues to torture himself in his 'meat grinder' with low key extreme metal bands!:finger:

My Frumpy review should be up later.

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
I wasn't overly impressed by the opening few minutes, quite simply as the band sounded too much like Pink Floyd (not the biggest Pink Floyd fan here) but it quickly became apparent that vocalist Inga Rumpf had a dominant voice and as "Good Winds" went on I noticed how good her voice was and after 4 minutes in I noticed a greater depth to the band, despite the fact that the song went back to sounding like Pink Floyd again.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
As Trollheart said, the opening song has a very heavy organic seventies prog vibe and this was something very unique to its era as well.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?
The rockier the tracks got the more impressed I was overall. The organ was seemingly there to remind us that the band were still a progressive rock band.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
Absolutely loved the vocalist. I thought he uuurrr she was ok on the opening song BUT on "How the Gypsy Was Born" she went through the roof as far as I was concerned and it was another good performance on the other two songs after. It ocurred to me after a few listens that Inga Rumpf actually sounds like a female Steve Perry at times, especially his earlier stuff with Journey.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
Without any shadow of a doubt, it's the sort of thing that I'm always looking for.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
I've listened to it about three times now at it still impresses me.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
As usual I never paid that much attention to the lyrics.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
The album was full of soaring keyboards and guitars and so yes I was impressed. The keyboard sections reminded me of Ken Hensley's work with Uriah Heep. Have to say guitarist Rainer Baumann really impressed me as well.

9. What did you think of the production?
A big production seventies style here, loud and bombastic and just the sort of thing I'm a sucker for.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
Surprisingly this is a band that seemed to have dipped under the radar as far as I'm concerned.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
Progressive rock/space rock and really is designed to appeal to a hard rock listener rather than a weedy progger.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
Impressed me on the first listen and have to say that it became even more impressive on further listens.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
"How the Gypsy Was Born" I love anything with a great vocalist and a track that is full of driving energy. It reminds me a bit of a cross between a whole host of classic 1970s cuts and mid-era Fleetwood Mac (which was of course the best Mac ever) Closely followed by the album closer "Duty".

14. And the one you liked least?
Probably the opening track "Good Winds"

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?
Can't say as I'm unfamiliar with the rest of their material.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
Hell yer, I've been boring or thrilling people with "How the Gypsy Was Born"

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
Pass.

18. Did the album end well?
"Duty" was the closer that the album deserved and was a real melting pot for the band's instrumentals. There was no doubt that this band were accomplished artists in every way. "Duty" also has a great galloping sound as the song's jam reaches real intensity at times.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
I like the idea of four songs, there were certain section of some of the songs that could've been improved and I know the band had the ability to do so. But maybe on further listens I might be less critical.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
I wouldn't call the album cohesive but the songs do sit together.

Ratiing: 8.5 out of 10

Ever heard of Yes?

I have to admit to not being the biggest Yes fan: I only listened to their later stuff like "90125" and "Big generator". I found a lot of their 70s material overdrawn and frankly boring, though again as I say I haven't heard that much. To put that in perspective, I recorded off the telly the 35th anniversary concert and after about ten minutes stopped it and erased it --- what's that cross for you're carrying? Hey! Put me down!!

No, I never heard of an album (not EP) with only four tracks. I was used to 4 tracks per side on the old vinyl, specially ELO, but never an album that was comprised of four tracks total.

Thanks for the compliment BE: right back atcha. You're right about melody, which is why I also hate experimental music in general, and the idea of a thing someone spoke of once, the sound of photocopiers running for an hour, does nothing for me. I like my music to be, well, musical. Though I wouldn't accuse Frumpy of not being musical. It just wasn't totally my thing, though perhaps if I listened a few more times I might have got into it. But at this point I have Plankton's album on constant repeat in advance of my review of it, so I didn't feel it merited another spin. Unlike It Bites, which once I heard two tracks off sent me in search of a place to buy it.

Guys, we should do a collaborative review sometime. Would be fun!
:)

A prog fan without a hard-on for Relayer or Close To The Edge? That's rare. :tramp:

I'll be reviewing the Frumpmeisters tomorrow.

How would it work?

I don't really know. Maybe we'd choose an album, each write our review of it and we could then sort through who takes what part, like maybe I could do the intro and first few tracks, you could do the middle and US the end, or maybe we'd take another approach. Or we could review it "live" over Skype or something and write our thoughts then edit them later. I really don't know how it would get sorted but you two guys sound like you would be fun and rewarding to work with.

Just an idea...

2 points:

So is Tales from Topographic Oceans

2. Why am I not in this club???

TH, count me in for the group review.

Paul, it's not up to me, but I am sure you can consider yourself in the club.

I forgot to thank Electrophonic for suggesting Frumpy. Anyone seen him?

Or do a band discography.

Anybody into prog can join, the only sort of condition is that you stick around really.

ET went home I think.

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
When I first heard this a few years ago, I was taken aback by how organ driven it is. It was like listening to a less acid soaked Vanilla Fudge. And of course, hearing Inga Rumpf's voice for the first time stick in your memory.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
It sets the tone for an album of bluesy (German?!) prog rock. I do think the album peaks with How the Gypsy Was Born, however Good Winds only a slight drop off for me.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?
Take Care of the Illusion is the only track that leaves me wanting more, but it is still a well done track. And Duty is a great way to end the album and really lets Rainer Baumann shine.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
I like how Inga's voice is gruff enough to match the rockier aspect of Frumpy's sound. And, as much as I prefer the music itself to vocals, it's nice to hear an original, unique singer in a prog band.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
Right in my prog wheel house.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
I haven't heard the album in a little over a year, and I appreciate it a lot more now compared to when I last heard it.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
In general, it's an interesting mix of the more mystical themes (Gypsy) and then more modern themes like on Duty.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
Absofreakinlutely. It's nice to hear a prog band play together as a band, while still managing to shine as individual musicians in a non-ELP, wankery kind of way.

9. What did you think of the production?
Again, it reminds me a lot of Vanilla Fudge's debut album. Thick overall with the organ just peaking out over the top.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
I heard about them from a fellow prog rock lover in a geology class I took 4 years ago. He got me into Yes and I got him into King Crimson. As a thank you, he showed me this video of How the Gypsy Was Born on youtube. I eventually found a CD of them at a local record shop, a $30 import, but it was totally worth it.



11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
Inventing pointless genres again, but bluesy prog is the first thing that comes to mind for me. But I understand the Space Prog label you guys have been putting on it.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
I've constantly enjoyed it as long as I've heard it, but this most recent listen bumped it up a little bit more in my opinion.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
How the Gypsy Was Born is such a damn good song and I'm convinced it would be on constant rotation on your decent classic rock radio station if they had any kind of name recognition.

14. And the one you liked least?
Take Care of the Illusion has the quieter part and even thought it recovers nicely, Frumpy is at their best being bombastic.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?
I've heard their first album... and I honestly don't remember much about it. I've heard it many once or twice, but there are like 8-10 3-5ish minutes tracks, so it's right for you Troll :laughing:

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
I haven't heard their live album, but I want to find it now that I've sort of re-discovered these guys.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
Ummm... I think Rainer Baumann looks like a terrified Dave Mustaine. (Check the video if you so desire)

18. Did the album end well?
As I said, I really like how Duty lets Rainer Baumann shine and the track has enough structure and interesting passages to serve as the album closer.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
Mellotron... but I believe it can do no wrong and make any prog record instantly better. But yeah, not much other than that.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
Four great prog rock tracks from the Rhineland... works for me.

Easily, 9/10

You are now. Welcome!


:thumb:

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Groovy, proggy post psychedelic goodness.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

'Good Winds' kind of drags a bit, but the atmosphere has that knotty, Krautrockian haze that never ceases to be engaging. Great keyboardisms throughout the second half especially!

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

This is a fairly short album overall: 'How The Gypsy Was Born' and 'Take Care Of Illusion' both quite impressed me, but the wah-wahtastic 'Duty' was what convinced me that this was one of those albums I've been missing out on for far too long.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Inga Rumpf is indeed a helluva vocalist: I'm not as as crazy about her as a few of our fellow PRAC members are, but its certainly a fine fit for Frumpy's sonic excursions.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

It appealed to my golden age proghead side veraciously, but the excessively jammy nature of the record somewhat limits the scope of when I'll want to be sitting through it or not.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Better, especially by the time I got to 'Duty'.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Uh....good and spacey I suppose? The instruments were more comprehensible to me, lol.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yep! Everything had the drive of a sucker punch here, especially the guitar and drumwork.

9. What did you think of the production?

Fine for the era: a bit muddy by today's standards obviously.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Nah.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Heavy Progressive Rock...perhaps Krautrock.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Liked it at first listen, but my impressions haven't really changed the more I've heard it.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

'Duty', followed by 'Take Care Of Illusion'.

14. And the one you liked least?

Probably 'Good Winds', if I HAD to pick one.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

N/A.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Definitely, although not sure how much overall.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Not really, but I enjoyed the record from a song-to-song basis.

18. Did the album end well?

Yessir it did!

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Fuller production maybe? A little orchestral embellishment here and there might not have been too bad either....xD

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

Twas quite cohesive I think, sonically and in mood. For better or for worse, you can't fault Frumpy on their consistency.

Overall Album Rating: 7 out of 10

Cool guys. Once again we've demonstrated our different feelings about a prog album. Nice choice ET; certainly unknown to me.

Who's up next then?

Is it me or did I forego my turn?

It's you and no Phil Collins please.

Is 'I Am Anonymous' by Headspace (Adam Wakeman's band), from last year, okay with everyone? It's guaranteed safe for all Phil Collins sufferers.

Fine by me. Is he another of Rick's progeny? I was certainly impressed with Oliver; can't say I've heard of Adam....

Adam is Rick's second of two sons with Rosaline Woolford. Oliver is the first, although Rick has about four other grownup children from various wives. Frighteningly, Adam is 39! Like his dad, he has worked with The Strawbs and Black Sabbath (on 13 apparently). He is also a member of Ozzy Osbourne's band and the excellent Snakecharmer. As you would expect, Adam is a keyboard player, but I have seen pictures of him playing guitar on stage with Osbourne's band.

Threshold singer Damian Wilson is a member of Headspace, having also worked with Rick, and bassist Lee Pomeroy has played with It Bites!

Fine by me, I'm out of town for several days for work and so should listen to it over the weekend.

Damian Wilson? Sold! :thumb: I love Threshold!!

Where is the review template?

Here you go: http://www.musicbanter.com/prog-psyc...ml#post1247058

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

Stalled Armageddon fades in with a water/chirping birds intro, like Close to the Edge, but there are not many other Yes references. It becomes a modern 'heavy metal' guitar track, which following an increase in pace is joined by Adam Wakeman's acoustic piano. Soaring melodic rock guitar follows, joined by more acoustic piano, before Damian Wilson's stylish vocals. Wilson took the role of in Les Miserables and musical theatre informs his delivery throughout. The overall effect is quite heavy, and while guitarist Pete Rinaldi has as undoubted dextrous technique, you get the feeling that he has done all the work in the first track and every other track just just repeats this.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Fall of America is even heavier with Adam Wakeman sounding more like lead instrumentalist Keith Emerson than his more symphonic dad. The scratchy riffing and acoutic piano is becoming monotonous. There is a big chorus and an offbeat instrumental passage with a complex jazzrock feel.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

The third track, Soldier, a slow ballad, begins with tubular bells which are more like Pink Floyd's Division Bell than Mike Oldfield's tubular variety. This is not to say that there are no Oldfield influences, as Die With a Bullet bears the hallmark of his vocal arrangements.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Damian Wilson, from Threshold, is a class act and no mistake. He is faultless on everything and almost operatic on occasions.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Not applicable.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

Unfortunately, for me, the 'prgressive metal' or 'heavy' metal elements, ie. the guitar and rhythm section, became wearisome and repetitive. Wakeman and Wilson work well together, but the rest of the band seem to be ploughing their own furrow. As with many modern albums, I Am Anonymous is too long and in need of editting.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Strong, especially Soldier, with, 'Who can belong inside an army town
when we're all fighting to get out of here?'

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Definitely Wakeman's Emerson-style work. He must be tired of the comparisons with his dad, nevermind Emerson, but I mean it as a compliment. The rest of the band are definitely capable, but I just do not care for the style.

9. What did you think of the production?

Clean, although I would have pushed Wakeman and Wilson higher in the mix. Wakeman said that the album unintentionally became a guitar-dominated work, because they were so impressed with Renaldi. But it seems to me, he needed an experienced old-style producer, like Kevin Shirley, to channel his talent.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Headspace not at all, although I am familiar with Snakecharmer and Threshold.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Progressive metal.

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Unusually, I liked it on the first few hearings, but less so after a while.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

After several listens, no individual track stood out, although Damian Wilson gives a full-blooded performance on everything.

14. And the one you liked least?

I do not care for the last three tracks or so.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

An intersting point as this is their first full-length album, following an EP four years previously. However, the band's key members are experienced and I Am Anonymous has a definite style. If it is commercially successful, they will not see any reason to change on my account!

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

No, although I am already looking forward to another Snakecharmer album and it inspired me to listen again to Threshold.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

The theme is based around the feelings and experiences of western troops involved in the wars in the middle-east.

18. Did the album end well?

The end of The Big Day closes on some Dave Gilmour-style slide guitar and ambiguous special effects. If you have the player on repeat, it merges with the start of the opening track.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

The guitars need downplaying and a bit more variety in style, while the vocals and keyboards require more emphasis.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

It was cohesive and consistent in its intended approach.

Overall Album Rating: 7 out of 10.

We all need to get this review done, so I'll be doing mine tomorrow.

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

As BE said "Stalled Armageddon" has a kind of mini resemblence to Yes' Close to the Edge, but then the song does have an extremely modern feel and usually this kind of material gets lumped in a lot of the time with progressive metal. The tone of the song does have a crunchy heavy feel but the vocals are what really grabbed me here. The first thing that struck me having never heard of the vocalist was just how accomplished he is.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

The opening tracks gave us the full scope of the band, who seemed to have an emphasis overall on keeping things modern, rather than harking back to the glory days of prog.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

I liked "Invasion" and it actually reminded me of Tool, in fact when I heard this song, Tool flashed into my mind as an influence on the band.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

The highlight of the album, I've always been a sucker for a great vocalist.

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

Yes and I will certainly play it again.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

I'm uncovering more stuff each time I listen to the songs.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

There seemed to be a strong emphasis on the lyrics and they did seem strong throughout.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Another one of the highlights, the keyboard work was special but what would you expect from someone called Wakeman? At times the guitar was overbearing, but it was still accompolished playing.

9. What did you think of the production?

It was a crisp sounding production and couldn't fault it in any way.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Had never heard of them, even though I did know Adam Wakeman.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Progressive metal at its lighter end, but now I just remembered "Daddy ****ing Loves You" and the heaviness on there at times, is like a fully fledged metal band!

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

I liked it straight away and on repeated listening things never changed that much.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

Probably "Daddy ****ing Loves You" for its sheer ambition.

14. And the one you liked least?

No one weak track stood out.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

N/A

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

Yes I am, as I liked what was on offer here.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

I'm not sure if I got the theme right but I seemed to think it was about human relationships?

18. Did the album end well?

As said earlier "Invasion" is a good song and I also liked "Big Day"

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Less emphasis on the guitars.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

It was compact and well executed throughout.

Overall Album Rating: 7.5 out of 10.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PhSawS-hQ...708535_h12.jpg

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?

BOOMBOOMBOOOOOOM....oh hai Damian! It's been awhile!

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?

Punchy stuff, albeit nothing that special despite the folks involved. 'Fall Of America' is the strongest number of the opening trimvirate though: Richard Brook and his magnificent drumming gets raised a bit higher in the mix than the other cuts, and some of the keyboard motifs courtesy of the junior Wakeman aren't too shabby either.

3. What did you think of the later tracks?

I like them, but I feel 'Daddy Effing Loves You' soaked up all the really good riffs for Side B.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?

Like or hate Headspace, Damian Wilson is a magnificent singer. Unlike a lot of other frontmen who got started in the late 80's, he just seems to get stronger as a vocalist as the years go on instead of diminishing (something I noted on the latest Threshold record as well!).

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?

I always dig me some progressive metal, even if it was pretty much what I expected considering the cast of players involved.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?

I Am Anonymous is certainly a grower, but it hasn't worsened or gotten particularly more amazing in the time I've been exposed to it since last year either.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?

Typically political, yet politically untypical. A common trait in most progressive metal since the genre's heady inception, and not too far away from what you'll hear from modern Australian prog. metal or Damian's main band Threshold.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?

Yep! As others have pointed out, the axework from Pete Rinaldi here is the most muscular sounding aspect present here, but the rest of the band gets plenty of opportunity to shine as well.

9. What did you think of the production?

Above average for the most part: the mix has that excessively clean quality that a lot of European progressive metal seems to have: no grit, but plenty of instrumental clarity.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?

Decently.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?

Progressive metal, plain and simple!

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?

Hard to say really. Still on the fence about it!

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?

'Fall Of America'.

14. And the one you liked least?

Probably 'Invasion', as it comes off as a tad too angular groove-wise.

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut/sophomore/middle period or later period allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?

It's a debut, but everyone who participated in this album is a veteran in some respect. It certainly beats the living daylights out of that awful Snakecharmer album I heard not long ago!

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?

I certainly would, especially if they evolve their sound beyond typical progressive metal idioms.

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?

Nah: the political subtext is somewhat apparent, but I'd need to read some linear notes or something to really dig into this aspect of the album.

18. Did the album end well?

Eh, decently enough.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?

Hard to say....I would have liked a curveball somewhere in here I guess. Sometimes too much consistency is a bad thing, ya know?

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?

It hung together well in an auditory sense....but in this case, I think that sameness worked against the project.

I'll conclude this review by saying that I Am Anonymous has some gorgeous ideas scattered about, but it doesn't do enough to establish a strong sonic identity that would really distinguish itself amidst a million other progressive metal records that have been coming out for the last....two decades? It has that contemporary yet organic craftsmanship I like in bands such as Porcupine Tree or Riverside, yet it isn't as memorable as anything those two bands have done.

In short, this is a good companion record to Threshold's March Of Progress from last year (or if you are a fan of bands like Sieges Even or Subsignal), but that album is a cut above this one I'm afraid. Maybe next time fellas!

Overall Album Rating: 7.5 out of 10

A few points before I begin, and I'm not meaning to get at anyone here, but there's a little confusion taking place, so I think I should clarify.

Question 5 refers to music, not instrumentals. What I'm saying here is, take out the vocals, listen to the music in each track, did you like it? I'm not talking about tracks with music only. You could relate it to musical passages in songs, but it's not meant to refer to instrumentals only. So if you liked the vocals but didn't like the music the vocalist was singing over, the answer to this woud be no (and then you could say why).

Question 8 on the other hand refers to ONLY instrumental TRACKS. So if an album has no fully instrumental tracks then this should be ignored. This does not cover long instrumental passages in a song which ends up having vocals; that's addressed in question 5.

Question 15. For some reason Unknown Soldier put n/a. This is one of the first albums we've had recently which is a debut, so the question is definitely /A! The other parts of the question should really be struck out, as this question was compiled originally to refer to debut and debut albums ONLY. If the album is NOT a debut, it's N/A, otherwise it can be answered.

Sorry to be so pedantic, but I'm just trying to clear up the confusion that these questions seem to have caused. And now, my thoughts.

One other thing before I begin: I was struck by how similar the album sleeve is to that of the one by Gandalf's Fist, from 2011. See?
http://www.progarchives.com/progress...14392011_r.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_PhSawS-hQ...708535_h12.jpg

Anyway, that aside, this album has nothing else in common with that very derivative and disappointing album. So on we go...

1. What were your VERY FIRST impressions on listening to the album, say from the first five minutes in?
Having been advised that Damian Wilson was the vocalist I was waiting to hear him, and my original thought was "pity they made the opener an instrumental". Of course, I soon found I was mistaken: it's not an instrumental, just a song with a long musical introduction, and once "Stalled armageddon" gets going it's a great start to an album that really doesn't flag once, though some tracks definitely stand out.

2. What did you think of the opening tracks?
As I mentioned, I was a little nonplussed with the intro to the opener but once it got going I really liked it, and this only got better with the wonderful "Fall of America" and then followed by the tender, heartbreaking "Soldier."

3. What did you think of the later tracks?
Don't think there was one I didn't like, though there is a lot of noodling in some of them. Not that there's anything wrong with that --- Wilson does describe Headspace as progressive metal after all --- but some of them do meander a little,. Still, there's still nothing I would skip.

4. Did you like the vocalist? Hate him/her? Any impressions?
I absolutely love Damian Wilson, in the least gay way possible. Ever since I first heard him singing on the very first Threshold album I bought, "Subsurface", I've been a fan of his vocal style. It's very distinctive and very emotional, and he can whisper a ballad or roar a punchy rocker with ease, but everything he does commands your attention. I'm actually in awe of the guy: Threshold only released their latest album last year, and in that same year he's worked on and released Headspace's first album, with (according to the Wiki oracle) a new one due this year! How does the guy find time to sleep?

5. Did the music (only) generally appeal to you, or not?
The music was fantastic. Mind you, with a keyboard player from the Wakeman family, what do you expect? The rest of the band punch above their weight too. Top marks all round.

6. Did the album get better or worse as you listened to it (first time)?
Started well, got better as it went along.

7. What did you think of the lyrical content?
The lyrics are typically obscure for a prog band, but seem to focus on the idea of a world war that may destroy, or have destroyed the planet, and the aftermath of such.

8. Did you like the instrumental parts?
No instrumentals on this album.

9. What did you think of the production?
Very high quality, quite cinematic in places.

10. How well do you already know the band/artist?
Until Big Ears recommended them I knew nothing of this band, but with both Wakeman and Wilson involved I was instantly interested.

11. What sub-genre, if any, would you assign this music to?
Progressive metal. Damian says so, and you can't argue with the vocalist, can you?

12. On repeated listens, did you find you liked the album more, or less?
Much more. It's getting better every time I listen to it.

13. What would you class as your favourite track, if you have one?
Hard to say. If I had to pick, it would be between "Fall of America", "Soldier" and "The big day". The lines in "Soldier", When I return and it's all over, /I...I hope you'll carry me upon your shoulder/ and walk up the hill beneath the cannon,/and lay my body down with...with my companions together with Adam Wakeman's mournful piano and the tolling of church bells always makes me tear up like a schoolgirl...

14. And the one you liked least?
Not on this album, baby!

15. Did the fact that this album is a debut allow it, in your mind, any leeway, and if so, was that decision justified or vindicated?
Despite the musical pedigree involved, this is still a stunning debut, and I can't wait to hear what they come up with next.

16. Are you now looking forward to hearing other albums by the band/artist?
See above. Actually, having heard the album I was all ready to buy the rest of their material, until I found out there was only this one, so far. D'oh!

17. Did you get, thematically, the idea behind the album if there was one?
There are indications it's a concept album loosely based around the idea of a world-spanning war which may or may not have destroyed the planet. Within that, I think there's a lot of the idea of man's choices, faith, duty and responsibility, with the belief that every person must contribute to the world and make their mark, so that nobody can say the title represents them.

18. Did the album end well?
The album ended fantastically. I love "The big day", and am still working out if it is (as I think it is) about 9/11, but I love the acoustic ending and the just pure passion and power that's in the song. Brilliant closer. Love it.

19. Do you see any way the album could have been improved?
Not really. Pretty perfect as it is I feel. The only quibble I'd have is that some of the songs end too abruptly. I'm not a fan of abrupt endings to songs, as a general rule.

20. Do you think the album hung together well, ie was a fully cohesive unit, or was it a bit hit-and-miss?
Hung together very well, the concept works great and mostly you can follow the story.

Ratiing:9 out of 10

Since we've now reviewed a respectable amount of albums I'm planning to chart them in a league table, so tomorrow I'll start working out placings, based on an average rating for each, and see which albums made it to the top, and who recommended them. My intention is then to make that an ongoing thing, so we can see how well, or badly, our choices are faring as time goes on.

Thanks to everyone for making this club work: initially it seemed doomed, but thanks to late interest it got a second chance and now we really seem to be flying. Great job guys! :bowdown:

I am glad that everyone liked Headspace. It seems an irony that having put them forward, I am the one that enjoyed the album least. For me, it did not stand repeated plays, but I am not a progressive metal fan (except for DT). At the time, I was in half a mind to suggest the Lifesigns album, which features John Young (Greenslade, Asia) and is more neo,

I admit I've stumbled on some of these questions (not paying attention mostly) but maybe you could adapt the questionnaire to make these couple of points clearer.

I was actually thinking of suggesting a league table some time back, so that would be a great idea.

Can I suggest the following rewording (or similar):

5. Temporarily disregarding the vocals, did the instrumentation appeal to you?

8. Did you like the instrumental tracks, if applicable?

Perhaps the chronology in question 15 needs pointing out in advance. I was aware Headspace had released an EP a considerable time before their first album and perhaps I should have mentioned this. There are some strange anomalies, as with Rush’s last album.

All good points guys: I'll address this shortly.
Meanwhile I've completed the league table, but am waiting for I think one more review of Headspace's album to see where it falls.
At this point here's how I've scored the albums we've done so far:
The first one or two we did were more than a little disjointed in terms of reviews -- some did full reviews (ahem!) some did only a line or two --- so I've only started this from the point at which we began using the framework and started rating the albums. In a few isolated cases, where someone has filled out the form but not rated the album I've looked at their review and assigned what I think is a nominal rating based on that.

I've added up the ratings and then divided the total by the number of reviewers, to get an average, and it is this average figure which has determined where the album goes in the table.

This is not set in stone, though I think it's about as much information as we need, but if anyone sees a way to improve or expand the table let me know. For now, this is what we have, and you can see that Hawkwind's "Hall of the mountain grill" is way on top, with an average rating of 8.63, while the album holding the number two spot, Spock's Beard's "The Light", is a considerable amount below that, at a rating of 8.33.

Lowest on our chart so far is my Alphataurus, narrowly liked less than Captain Beyond, despite my low score, dammit!

Also, note that Big Ears is responsible for the choosing of both the top two albums, so well done to him!

http://www.trollheart.com/praclt2013a.png

^ Good work TH. I re-read my comments on Alphataurus and I do not disagree with myself (I gave it 8.0). It may be bottom of the league, but it is still a very good album. In any case, all the groups in the list are really cult bands and (I assume) were not chosen for their wide popularity. It would be interesting to see how an album by one of the big guns rated by comparison.

My aim is to finish as low as I can on that chart, only Trollheart has suggested weaker albums than me.

Yeah, we could do like they do on MOTD2: an alternate chart. Like, what would every album score if you took out keyboard solos, or something? :rofl:

Big Ears: well I don't know that I'd call Spock's Beard or Hawkwind cult bands, but I know what you mean. Trouble is, with one of the bigger, established bands people might already have a pre-formed view, which is why I wouldn't suggest Marillion, Genesis, Rush or Yes, or any of those bigger bands. I think it's more fun this way. It's certainly proving interesting.

PS: I'm still not sure where Headspace is going to come on the chart, waiting for I think just ET's review. If that's not in by Monday I'll probably go ahead and score it on the basis of what we have, which will put it at 7.75, pretty low down on the list.

Who's up next?

Me I think.

I'll try to pay attention to this and participate. :)

You're coming in at a good time, Powerstars: we're just about to start a new album, once US lets us know what it is. The template for responses is back on the previous page and if you have any questions just ask. Welcome!