Preposterously Prog
by
jamesthickett
The Weirding harks back to the heyday of the progressive rock genre, circa 1970-72, taking its cue primarily from King Crimson, but also Yes, Pink Floyd, Barclay James Harvest, Greenslade and Italian proggers, PFM. To any prog rock fan, the 80-odd minutes of this superb album will feel oddly familiar, a composite of prog's great moments from the past, complete with soaring guitar solos, swathes of mellotron (and dodgy lyrics).
Highlights are the title track and the beautifully constructed 'The River Under'. And the whole album is drenched with mellotrons, like a thick coating of caramel toffee. Sumptuous!
Prog Renaissance
by
yyz668
This album is truly a Progressive Rock album in the tradition of early 1970s prog - it is most certainly not a modern interpretation, or an updating of the genre, or a "Modern Prog" effort. Just about the only thing that's missing is the pretentiousness of Yes and Genesis (and a horde of others) from that era. It's as if they invented it anew. So occasionally the vocals sound like Ozzy Osbourne (if you listen for it), and their are some Sabbath-like riffs occasionally - but Sabbath riffs were so natural, they've become such a standard it can be difficult to avoid. Astra give the distinct impression that they have not copied anyone - whether they have or have not. Enough said.
As of the date of this review this is the only album by this US band. But there are other bands with the same name, so if you're reading this down the road aways, then check elsewhere before you buy any other Astra albums - those other bands are not in the same league.
There are three instrumental tracks on this album - the opener, Ouroboros, and Orphiucus - all outstanding. The Weirding, The River Under and Beyond to Slight The Maze are the three standout vocal tracks, and have all the components required to make this album a prog rock masterpiece. in my opinion.
If this had been released in 1970, it would be considered a classic of the genre today. It has none of the throwaway tracks that even the best Uriah Heep, Yes, Genesis and (pre-Dark Side) Pink Floyd albums had.
Buy this.
