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Progressive Rock CD Reviews

Taiko Saito Tears of a Cloud Review by Gary Hill The first thing I should get out of the way is that this is not progressive rock. In fact, it's not rock music at all. it is experimental art music, though. Everything here is played on marimba and vibraphone, and it's strictly a solo release. It's varied and intriguing, though. There is a wide range of volume levels here, which might have you adjusting the controls, but it's worth it. There are some really interesting things going on here. This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2023 Volume 3 More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2023.

Track by Track Review

Daichi This is sparse as it gets started. There is a freeform, artsy vibe to it.

Sound Gradation Coming in quiet, this grows out gradually with a sense of magic and wonder. This is less sparse than the opener was, but it does have a good balance between louder and softer sounds.

Uneri There is a real trippy, dream-like nature to this cut. It's echoey and dramatic, although still on the mellow side. This is one of my favorites here.

Underground Extremely quite and ambient, you might find yourself needing to turn up the volume for this piece. It grows in some pretty freaky ways as it continues. It feels less musical and more like some combination of organic sounds and soundtrack effects with some world percussion.

Rain Rather busy tuned percussion is on the menu here. It's another classy piece that grows in intriguing ways.

Tears of a Cloud Another with some dreamy elements as it gets started, this is one of my favorites here.

Angry Bee This is packed with energy and is louder than many of the rest. It's still artsy and rather freeform. The title really fits it.

Time for M (bonus track) There is a good dynamic range here and lots of intriguing twists and turns along the road.

Distance With a trippy, mellower nature to it, This is quite sedate at times, but it's also very effective and intriguing. It makes for a great closer.

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