Analog tagged posts

Six! Probably the most controversial number. But, it’s the number we reached out in our Progstravaganza series of compilations, what means that in less than a year we succeeded in presenting half a dozen of our missionary compiling work. Twenty one bands again, totally new (with an exception in Gösta Berlings Saga), previously unreleased (unreleased on Progstravaganza compilations, of course) bands coming all around the globe.

We have three new countries on this one, being Ukraine, Switzerland and Bosnia and Herzegovina + one multinational band which members come from Hungary, Poland and England, if I’m not wrong. Anyhow, United States and Russian Federation took a lead this time, each presented with 7, as to 5 bands respectively.

So, why did we name this one „Hodge-Podge Edition“? Simp...

“Invisible Places” is the 3rd album of American retro-prog formation Presto Ballet, led by Metal Church guitarist – Kurdt Vanderhoof. This time more than half of band’s musicians were replaced, we have new vocalist, keyboardist & bassist here. Anyway I have to admit that these changes are very welcome because after very solid debut album and slightly weaker (but still good) second output, “Invisible Places” seems te be their pinnacle! Everything seems to work perfect here and their retro-style shines more than ever. I especially have to praise Kerry Shacklett who is a truly fantastic keyboard-player, his wide range of old school equipment (Hammond organ, electric & acoustic pianos, mellotron, Moog synthesizer etc...

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about how to start this review. It seems like I caught the last train to put up a review for another Russian band who just released their second album through RAIG Records, which hopefully I will get my hands and ears on, as soon as possible. Okay now. It’s more than obvious that the Russian Federation is taking a lead by pulling out so many progressive, psychedelic, stoner, space rock and similar bands. But what looks more encouraging is the fact that quality and quantity match each other.

The Re-Stoned is the brainchild of a multi-instrumentalist from Moscow, Ilya Lipkin. The band is a trio, and the other two members are Vladimir Nikulin on bass and Andrei Pankratov on drums. Revealed Gravitation is the debut release and is consists of eleven tracks...