Best prog of 2023 so far?

[IncogNeato]

I have compiled a substantial list from this thread that will take me the rest of the year to sort out. LOL!

These are ones I like/recommend:

AVKRVST - The Approbation
Haken - Fauna
Karmic Juggernaut - Phantasmagoria
Lars Fredrik Frøislie - Fire Fortellinger
Zopp - Dominion

[thedunno]

I am big Canterbury fan but I just don't get the enthusiasm for Zopp. It feels so mechanical and somehow generic.

Because they do not sound mechanical or generic to me. They use a lot of modern keyboard sounds and true, their music is not extremely complex. An accesible canterbury sound for the 21st century. Not 'great', but ver enjoyable.

[Kcrimso]

That's an interesting take given that Mirror to the Sky is on your list.

How does that make it interesting? I also have many other albums on my list.

[moecurlythanu]

How does that make it interesting? I also have many other albums on my list.

I'm guessing that Lorne is saying that the same observation you are making about the Zopp album can be applied to the new Yes album in spades.

[boilk]

I'm guessing that Lorne is saying that the same observation you are making about the Zopp album can be applied to the new Yes album in spades.

That was certainly my take.

Neil

[Progatron]

^^ They're right, you know.

[Kcrimso]

I'm guessing that Lorne is saying that the same observation you are making about the Zopp album can be applied to the new Yes album in spades.

Ok. But I find it a bit strange to move the discussion to another album that has nothing to do with Zopp's new album.

However, if anyone is interested in what I like and dislike about the new Yes album I have tried to articulate my opinion here: https://pienemmatpurot.com/review-ye...-the-sky-2023/

[bondegezou]

I was going to say Polyphia's Remember That You Will Die, but that was last year! The 2023 releases I have been enjoying the most are Yes's Mirror to the Sky and the Chris Cutler box set, which is archival material. My favourite gigs of the year have been Sungazer and VÄLVĒ. I look forward to trying everyone else's suggestions.

Edit: I have been listening to other people's picks this morning, and my ranking so far is Zopp > Poil Ueda > GoGo Penguin.

VÄLVĒ (in solo formation) live set available at https://www.facebook.com/visualradio...54588611948543

[Piskie]

Zopp and Yes for me.

[NogbadTheBad]

VÄLVĒ (in solo formation) live set available at https://www.facebook.com/visualradio...54588611948543

Watched it live yesterday, great stuff

[moecurlythanu]

Ok. But I find it a bit strange to move the discussion to another album that has nothing to do with Zopp's new album.

He wasn't trying to move the discussion to another album. He was pointing out that your critical methodology on this is inconsistent, at least in this one case.

[NogbadTheBad]

Get the feeling this will slide significantly up my list by the end of the year.

Natural Information Society - Since Time Is Gravity

[Trane]

Get the feeling this will slide significantly up my list by the end of the year.

Natural Information Society - Since Time Is Gravity

I hear some Third Ear Band in there

A lot of overlapping between my list and yours, Hugues. Glad you mentioned Ishkero. That is the top album for me and I don't see it listed anywhere else. Nitpicking: Caravela Escarlate is from Brazil. I would add Fire Fortellinger and Billie Bottle's Temple of Shibboleth's S/T here.

That's why there was a "?" after the Arg

Yes, I seem to find that I share most of my choices with you, Ian and Cozy.

[Kcrimso]

He wasn't trying to move the discussion to another album. He was pointing out that your critical methodology on this is inconsistent, at least in this one case.

In what sense? Could you please explain a little?

[AdventAlan]

Greetings,

Though I suppose I may be a little biased (as I contributed a little sitar guitar to the final track), this one is definitely my favorite prog album of the year so far:

https://matsoberg.bandcamp.com/album/visa-fr-n-inner-ra

Progressive but not prog, my other top pick at this point:

https://nickelcreek.bandcamp.com/album/celebrants

Cheers,


Alan

P.S. Apologies, but I can't seem to get the Bandcamp embedding to work today.

[Progatron]

In what sense? Could you please explain a little?

Just forget it. It was supposed to be a lighthearted comment, hence the smiley face.

[Digital_Man]

[interbellum]

Greetings,

Though I suppose I may be a little biased (as I contributed a little sitar guitar to the final track), this one is definitely my favorite prog album of the year so far:

https://matsoberg.bandcamp.com/album/visa-fr-n-inner-ra

Alan

Cool stuff; would buy it if it were on physical CD.

[moecurlythanu]

In what sense? Could you please explain a little?

I'll PM you.

[Czyszy]

I personally would never put Mirror to the Sky on any of my "best" lists. ;p

[Kcrimso]

I'll PM you.

Please don't bother.

[moecurlythanu]

Please don't bother.

OK

[AdventAlan]

Cool stuff; would buy it if it were on physical CD.

There is a CD in the works as well. As of now, I think it should be out later this summer.

Cheers,


Alan

[interbellum]

There is a CD in the works as well. As of now, I think it should be out later this summer.

Cheers,


Alan

Thanks Alan! Keep us informed

[Zappathustra]

Get the feeling this will slide significantly up my list by the end of the year.

Natural Information Society - Since Time Is Gravity

it's great Ian, I have it on vinyl