Record Reviews

NEBELNEST ~ NOVA EXPRESS CUNEIFORM 154 (Barcode: 045775015422) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2002 Released: 2002 2nd album by the adventurous and energetic young French group NebelnestFind albums by this artist which manages to create a dark symphonic Prog music laced with psychedelia and extensive improvisations. The sound is mesmerizing and the ideas intense. Produced by Bob DrakeFind albums by this artist (of the 5uu`sFind albums by this artist and Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist fame), who managed to bring out the originality and creativity of the band to its full potential.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

THINKING PLAGUE ~ A HISTORY OF MADNESS CUNEIFORM 180 (Barcode: 045775018027) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2003 Released: 2003 5th album by Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist. As usual this brilliant experimental group led by Mike JohnsonFind albums by this artist on guitars (& such) created a masterpiece of modern music which is impossible to describe, but an immense pleasure to listen to. Deborah PerryFind albums by this artist on vocals is magnetic as always and Dave KermanFind albums by this artist adds some percussion work recorded in Israel via the Net. Fans of RIO and their earlier work will not be disappointed.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

THINKING PLAGUE ~ EARLY PLAGUE YEARS CUNEIFORM 141 (Barcode: 045775014128) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1984 - 1986 Released: 2000 1st & 2nd albums on 1 CD. Reissued after a long period of being unavailable, these recordings document some great moments of early RIO music similar to U TotemFind albums by this artist, 5uu`sFind albums by this artist and Art BearsFind albums by this artist. Led by Mike JohnsonFind albums by this artist and Bob DrakeFind albums by this artist, Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist played a very unique and fascinating art rock music, expanding the horizons of rock beyond the obvious and the boring.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

THINKING PLAGUE ~ IN EXTREMIS CUNEIFORM 113 (Barcode: 045775011325) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1998 Released: 1998 4th album by Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist. Greatly anticipated by fans and critics alike, this version of the group also includes Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (5uu`sFind albums by this artist) and produces a superb body of work which is well composed and strongly structured, yet intelligent and demanding. Some familiar elements of King CrimsonFind albums by this artist, Henry CowFind albums by this artist and Frank ZappaFind albums by this artist are there, but mostly it`s their unique blend that makes things happen.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

	THINKING PLAGUE ~ IN THIS LIFE RER TPCD1 ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock 3rd album from 1989 by this avantgarde/R.I.O. group with Bob Drake on vocals. Although they are distinctly more melodic then similar groups such as Art Bears or 5uu`s, the music is challenging, intelligent and extremely well crafted. This is a reissue, remastered and with bonus tracks.
	CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

THINKING PLAGUE ~ UPON BOTH YOUR HOUSES NEARFEST 0004 (Barcode: 829155000426) ~ USA ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 2000 Released: 2004 US RIO act, Thinking PlagueFind albums by this artist, have been responsible for producing some of the most interesting music since the mid-1980s, recording superb albums once every few years. Always on the forefront of new musical developments the group shuns any conventions and is always full of wonderful surprises. This album is the first live recording by the group, caught at the Nearfest Festival in 2000. Expanded to a sextet, with leader Mike JohnsonFind albums by this artist (guitar), Mark HarrisFind albums by this artist (reeds), Matt MitchellFind albums by this artist (keyboards), Dave WilleyFind albums by this artist (bass), Dave KermanFind albums by this artist (drums) and fronted by the wonderful vocalist Deborah PerryFind albums by this artist they deliver some amazing music, which includes some material previously released on their albums and new stuff previously unheard. This is some of the best contemporary Prog and a joy to listen to with never a dull moment in sight. Definitely a must for RIO fans and highly recommended for every Prog enthusiast, able to move beyond the Symphonic basics.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend