Some recent reviews of mine published at DPRP.net:-
Phi - Years of Breathing
DPRP Review update 49 of 2013
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...So, other than five or so minutes in Life Passing By which could have been edited down somewhat, this is a very enjoyable and well put together album that bears repeated listens. Phi are certainly a band to watch and it would be interesting to see if they deliver to this high standard live. Based on the numerous competitions that they appear to have won over the years it is likely that they can. This trio are a tight unit with the chops to make the music work and enough ingenuity to keep it interesting. Recommended. |
Long Distance Calling - The Flood Inside
DPRP Review update 49 of 2013
| ...This is interesting and accessible modern prog that utilises a hard edge bordering on prog metal but has plenty of other tricks up its sleeve. Born out of post-rock there is much more to hear from Long Distance Calling who have been very shrewd in altering their sound and taking on Fischer as a focal point for at least some of the material. The instrumentals are strong and varied but the vocals help keep things from getting samey.
The Flood Inside is well worth having a listen to and this is a band that could go from strength to strength after this. They can write and play quality music with precision and aren't afraid to learn and change. What more can you ask for? |
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The Moody Blues - Timeless Flight 4CD
DPRP Review update 50 of 2013
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...Five hours plus and a good overview of the career arc of a particularly worthy band. If The Moodies had done a Gentle Giant and imploded around 1980 then they would no doubt be lauded as one of the great outfits from the progressive era but releases over the last 30 years have done little to enhance their reputation and, although still popular and successful with their audience many prog fans are sure to either disregard them out of hand or long for their late '60s/early '70s classic period output.
As a boxset the four discs of Timeless Flight come highly recommended. I know that I'll never need nor get through the whole 17-disc shebang so this is fine for me, containing as it does much fine material. Most of the skippers are on discs 3 and 4 whereas discs 1 and 2 are pretty essential which creates a bit of a rating problem. If I may return to another football analogy not encompassed within the lyrics of This is the Moment, this is very much a game of two halves but sadly lacking the slice of orange in the middle (although cheese and whine does feature late on). By a process of deduction I'd give the first two discs 8.5 out of 10 and the last two 6 which does not make for a recommended score. However, as a set it is more than worthy, due in no small part to the accompanying booklet, and a recommended tag is deserved. |
