A truly great progressive rock album
by
Andy Music
As one who has lived through all the years of progressive rock music, and can remember the world before 'Tubular Bells', 'Dark Side of the Moon', and 'The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway', I have witnessed a number of musical milestones. Every so often, a remarkable album comes along to refresh my ears and renew my musical palette. However, not all of these wonderful albums are universally recognised, and that is such a shame with 'Cantus Firmus', as it really should be accorded classic status.
Pop music is very aptly named - leave the top off the bottle for a short while and it loses its fizz. This is work of a different order, and there is nothing ephemeral about it. There is depth and beauty in the music, and after countless listens, it continues to reveal some nuance that I hadn't previously noticed.
It really deserves more. Don't be led on a wild goose chase by those who write it off as a Gentle Giant clone. The members of Advent are most certainly fans of the celebrated band, but their music is not derivative. If you listen to the album expecting to hear the undiscovered Gentle Giant album, you will quite possibly be disappointed. That's not what they are about.
If you listen to 'Cantus Firmus' with an open mind and closed eyes you are much more likely to 'get it'. What they share with Gentle Giant is musical mastery. However, they have intelligence and purpose in their songs, and there is no way that you can fake this by copying someone else. So don't let the references to anyone else fool you. Advent have their own, distinctive voice. Coupled with strong, melodic songwriting, largely created by Henry Ptak, they have created a special piece of work. It belongs in any self-respecting progressive rock album collection. You have a chance to get a taste of their music here. Listen carefully, and you might just find everything you've always wanted.
