Record Reviews

ECHOLYN ~ A LITTLE NONSENSE: NOW AND THEN VELVETEEN ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1991 - 2000 Released: 2000 This beautiful Box Set brings back to life (and circulation) a huge chunk of the material recorded during the 1990’s by the best US Prog band ever. EcholynFind albums by this artist might not have reached the level of recognition and appreciation they deserve (partly due to the fact that their albums remained unavailable for many years), but that does not mean of course that they don’t deserve it. Very few bands did manage to produce such consistently excellent musical output – complex and intelligent and yet highly melodic and moving. Their songs are always perfectly crafted and executed with passion and flair. This set includes the band’s debut self-titled album from 1991, the 3rd album (EP) …And Every BlossomFind albums with this title from 1993 and the 5th album When The Sweet Turns SourFind albums with this title from 1996 – all these on two CDs. In addition a third CD includes bonus material, which consists of live and unreleased material as well as re-recorded new versions of older songs. The whole set is exquisitely packaged and sure to become a collector’s item. An absolute must, not only for the many Echolyn fans but also for any Prog fan on earth.

Updated: 26/01/2019Posted:

CD 3 Box Set Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ AS THE WORLD VELVETEEN 00011 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 4th album (recorded 1994), released originally on a Major label (Sony). This masterpiece of Prog is considered as one of the best and most important Prog releases of the 1990`s. After years of being unavailable (due to Sony`s politics) here is is again, reissued with a companion DVD documenting a 1995 performance filmed just 2 days before the initial release of the album. For Echolyn many fans (and every Prog lover) this is a Godsent!

CD+DVD 2 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ COWBOY POEMS FREE NOT ON LABEL ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1999 Released: 2008 6th album by the re-united EcholynFind albums by this artist, who worked on this comeback album very hard and it was worth waiting for. In many respects Echoly can be considered as Gentle GiantFind albums by this artist`s "children", considering the usage of vocal choruses and complex rhythm patterns. This is excellent music in every respect - warm, intelligent and always stimulating. A significant proof of the fact that Prog is alive and kicking in the 2000s.

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ I HEARD YOU LISTENING NOT ON LABEL (Barcode: 888295300919) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2013 - 2015 Released: 2015 This is the tenth album by the iconic American Neo-Progressive Rock group EcholynFind albums by this artist, founded in 1989 and still consisting of the founding members: guitarist / vocalist Brett KullFind albums by this artist, keyboardist Christopher BuzbyFind albums by this artist, vocalist Raymond WestonFind albums by this artist, bassist Thomas HyattFind albums by this artist and drummer Paul RamseyFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine original songs, all co-credited collectively to the band members. Musically Echolyn have been one of the most consistent Neo-Prog bands of all time, staying within a stylistic niche based on beautiful melodies, vocal harmonies and powerful instrumental backing, which changed very little over the years. It incorporates many classic American Rock influences, which makes them often sound like Crosby, Stills & NashFind albums by this artist in their heyday, with a slightly more complex instrumental accompaniment. They usually do not offer extended instrumental improvisations, which many other Prog groups specialize in, which is all for the best as these tend to be deadly boring. The songs tend to be very melancholic and sometimes even somber, full of prevailing imminent doom, which is also reflected in the abstract, prophetic lyrics. Although this music presents nothing innovative or unexpected, it is definitely excellently weaved together and constitutes an uncompromising Artistic statement. At the time of writing (2019) this is the last album Echolyn recorded so far, which of course keeps their numerous fans in suspense and anticipation of a new work, hopefully arriving soon. Overall the album offers a fascinating listening experience and deserves, together with their earlier albums, to become a part of every decent Prog record collection. Warmly recommended!

Updated: 21/09/2021Posted: 31/07/2019

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ MEI VELVETEEN 2009 (Barcode: 837101058957) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 7th album. EcholynFind albums by this artist not only refuse to die, but they continue to develop their mastery from one release to the next. This album is a magnificent opus, a tour de force of rare proportions. The entire album is one piece of music! No more separate songs, even if those were part of a concept album - this is the ultimate concept album. There is so much music here that rather then reading about it, just listen to it!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ STARS AND GARDENS MM3 4 (Barcode: 619517004427) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 First ever DVD by the great US Prog band EcholynFind albums by this artist filmed in 2003. The 1st DVD includes a full concert in which the group performs their magnum opus from the latest album MeiFind albums with this title and also many tunes from their earlier albums. The music is of course outstanding, as is the DVD production and packaging. The 2nd DVD includes interviews with band members and other fascinating extras. A long awaited and excellent set. 220 minutes.

DVD 2 Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ SUFFOCATING THE BLOOM VELVETEEN 2007 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 2nd album (recorded 1992). This is the album that turned the attention of Prog fans around the world to this great US group. In many respects it is a perfect album, with excellent music throughout, brilliant playing and a 28 minutes suite to top the cake. Some say this album may have single-handedly launched the 90s prog rock revival in the US, but regardless if this is true or not, this is a milestone in every respect.

CD 1 Remastered Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ THE END IS BEAUTIFUL VELVETEEN 2010 (Barcode: 837101075886) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2005 Released: 2005 8th album and a most anticipated release three years after their ephonymous `Mei` masterpeice. Echolyn stand up to the challenge with flying color and produce another masterpiece firmly establishing their position as US most important contemporary Prog act. Back to song format (as opposed to the continuous one track of `Mei`) each and every one of the tracks is simply brilliant, with rich instrumental arrangements, great vocals and intelligent lyrics. What else can we ask from a band? Superb!

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

ECHOLYN ~ WHEN THE SWEET TURNS SOUR SYN-PHONIC 15 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 5th album (recorded 1996). Echoyn are considered one of the best US Prog groups ever. They recorded 2 brilliant albums and an EP album in the early 1990´s, which are still regarded as some of the best albums of the genre. For their next (4th) album they signed with a Major (Sony), who `locked` the album immediately after release. This was so frustrating for the band that they decided to call it quits, releaseing this collection of demos and unreleased material as a sort of protest. Fortunately they were to re-unite 5 years later!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend