Grant Moon has a rummage down the back of the Prog sofa for the ones that nearly got away…
Multifaceted Argentinian artist Gabriel Agudo has sung regularly for The Steve Rothery Band, and the favour’s returned on his ambitious second solo album. Tales & Thunders (bit.ly/GabrielAgudo) is an engaging selection of modern prog songs embracing everything from the moon landings to the pandemic. Rothery plays lead guitar, bass and drums on Even To The Edge Of Doom; Dave Foster and keyboard whiz Derek Sherinian are among the other high-calibre stars on this rewarding, gleamingly produced record, delivered with Agudo’s signature gusto.
Led by versatile guitarist/vocalist Emil Moen, Norwegian quartet Sykofant bring together fusion’s jazzy vocabulary, odd/funky grooves, early-Floyd psych and much more on their edgy and eclectic self-titled debut (on Sycophantastic Records). From fiddly opener Pavement Of Color to chewy 14-minuter Forgotten Paths, they straddle surf-, noiseand post-rock in exciting, melodic style.
Minneapolis symphonic outfit Eynomia follow their 2018 debut Break Free with Sea Of Tears (Mirror Image). Accomplished singer Phyllis Rutter has an air of Heart’s Ann Wilson about her, guitarist/writer Chris Bickley is nimblefingered, and Symphony X’s Mike LePond’s here on bass. Together they purvey big, powerful symphonic metal with a Dream Theater dimension to it, one for fans of Nightwish, Epica et al.
The Mighty Ra bassist Dave Francis reveals himself as a strong vocalist and meaningful lyricist on his first solo work. Beautiful Insanity (bit.ly/DaveFrancis) is a hooky, vivacious, grassroots set with a retro rock/metal energy to it –Queensrÿche, Maiden and Purple come to mind, even Zappa on the sax-peppered
