It’s been another great year so far. Here’s a roundup of a few albums that came out recently that you might have missed but should check out from the classic to the new.
Nektar – The Other Side (Jan, 24th, 2020)
Legendary classic-prog era group Nektar have reformed for a new album titled ‘The Other Side’. Following the passing of original guitarist / vocalist Roye Albrighton in 2016, fellow founder members Derek “Mo” Moore (bass, vocals), Ron Howden (drums, vocals) & Mick Brockett (lyrics, visual conceptions) reunited in late 2018 along with Randy Dembo (bass, 12-string guitar), Ryche Chlanda (guitar, vocals) & Kendall Scott (keyboards) and the result is this really enjoyable release. The collection includes the track “Devil’s Door”, which was originally performed live in 1974 but never featured on a Nektar album. Updated and recorded for this album, the song features the presence of the late Roye Albrighton on the introduction to the track, whose wonderful guitar part was taken from a live soundboard recording made in 1974. The songs feature the unmistakable classic Nektar sound and will make any long-time fan rejoice. For more information visit here: https://www.facebook.com/nektarRocks/
Gabriel – New Life (March 1st, 2020)
Gabriel Agudo is a singer that will be very familiar to prog fans from his work with Dave Kerzner, In Continuum and Bad Dreams. The vocalist left Bad Dreams a while back and has been hard at work at his just released solo album ‘New Life’. The album is elevated by the guest performances as well, featuring guest appearances from Kerzner and Marillion’s Steve Rothery among others. This is a deep record filled with the emotional weight that Gabriel has put into the making of these powerful songs. Gabriel is an emotive singer, able to tell a story with his songs. Add to that beautiful orchestration and you have a lot to enjoy on this record. For more information visit here: https://www.facebook.com/newlifegabriel/
State of Flux – S/T (Nov. 15th, 2019)
State of Flux is an instrumental rock quartet out of South Florida that blends influences from all eras of progressive rock & metal with jazz/fusion, and a hint of world music. Fans of Animals As Leaders, Scale the Summit, and Liquid Tension Experiment will find a lot to enjoy here. The musicianship is top notch as is the production. The songs don’t just rely on shred and have a fair amount of melody and interesting rhythms throughout. Definitely add this band to the growing list of impressive instrumental groups infiltrating the prog scene. For more on the band visit here: https://www.facebook.com/st8offlux/
