The nearly thirteen minute Lighthouse flings this disc straight into the progressive fire, a laser beam of sonic light piercing the shrouded mist, a beacon of things to come, full of adventure and solidity.

The mood for the day is prolific, Yes-ish, armed with slithering synths carving around that treble-heavy bass swirl. The music displayed is symphonic, accessible, smooth, professional and exhilarating. Telephone starts out like a Tony Levin-fueled Peter Gabriel-esque tune, a progressive pop song loaded with melodic beauty and beastly rhythm. Strictly fascinating, deeply engaging, almost breezy in a strange way, with eccentric and unexpectedly lush choir work and a general sense of effortlessness.

The impeccable Fridge Full Of Stars is the ultimate show-stopper, a bruising bulldozer of portentous sound, deeply progressive and audacious, decorated by tickling piano ivories, that scandalous brooding bass and a melody and a chorus to expire over. This has to rank among the best progressive tracks in the last 10 years, well-constructed and utterly enjoyable, superb vocals and crowned by a Thijs Van Leer flute extravaganza that permits a crazy Hackett guitar solo that sears. The shortest track here at 8:24, At The End Of The World is just as delicious, a thoroughly ecstatic vocal performance with a laid-back groove that shows off their absolute restraint and eschewing any kind of overblown redundancy.

Carousel as the name implies will serve only to come back to the beginning and listen to this beast again and again, round and round we go.

Prog Archives 2013