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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Kbit

Un Boombox Symphonique

Review by Gary Hill

This is definitely not progressive rock. It is, however progressive music. It has a lot in common with artists like Kraftwerk. Additionally there is fusion here. Sure, a song or two is more pure electronic dance music, but I’ve got no problem putting this in the progressive category. Whatever you call it, though, this is a cool disc that’s quite entertaining.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 2 at lulu.com/strangesound.

Track by Track Review
These Seven

Pretty and sedate music is heard over some sound-effects that accompany the US introducing their first seven astronauts. The music takes over as this continues. This is like a combination of Kraftwerk and Vangelis to me in a lot of ways. The voice returns at the end.

Anytime but Then
There is more energy to this electronic keyboard exploration. The music, though is in the same general vein, but if anything more spacey than the sounds on the opener.
Europa
Complete with some synthetic voices, this is very much like Kraftwerk to me. It’s also quite effective.
Start, Down, Restart
As much as I’ve enjoyed the ride to get here, this is better than anything so far. There is almost a playful vibe to this and some of the musical elements are more fully tied to progressive rock.  
Un Boombox Symphonique
With a little news clip from the start of break dancing serving as the start here, this works out to more symphonic keyboard elements that create a great atmosphere. Then a beat is dropped into it.  There are a few changes along this musical road.
Summer Of '00

There is a lot of energy and oomph built into this number. It’s more purely in the dance music vein.

Exit Strategy
This has some of the proggiest music of the set. It’s even got some jazz in the mix.
Live from Vienna
This cut is awesome. It’s very much a fusion piece as far as I’m concerned. There is really some great jamming on this tune.
Fin (The End)
Coming in dramatic and mysterious, there is a lot of Vangelis in this to my ears. It’s also got quite a bit of fusion built into it.
Vintage Galaxy
This is a mellow and quite pretty piece. It’s very effective.       
 
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