"New" Moon

[Rick and Roll]

I'm very tired, so I'll try to make it brief. (yeah right)

This show is part one of two consecutive long-awaited shows dedicated to Moon additions, with an emphasis by bands I know little about. For instance Echolyn's first is not on the list.

Next week's in still in the research stage, but this show looks to be the better so far. The current tunes I'm sampling seem to be missing a prog element. Still more to go though.

For selection, I had two criteria: The song had to be long enough (only one is under 5 min and many are lenghty), and the song had to have an interesting title. Not scientific, but only two songs I listened to did not make the cut.

1) Arena - Opera Fanatica

They will be at Rosfest, and I have to start hearing them. They're not usually my style, but I was pleased with this track. A good opener to the show.

2) Drama - Punchinello Dying

These guys intrigue me. I like what I've heard so far.

3) Cast - Moving Universe

I assume this is the Mexican band I saw at Progday '98. Nice melodic stuff.

4) Gerard - From The Deep

As I expected when I saw them (a Nearfest band), pedal to the metal fusion.

5) Asturias - Brilliant Streams

More like brilliant song! This tune slays me. 22+ minutes too. Reminds me of an Oldfield composition in it's structure.

6) Side Steps - First Move

Pretty run of the mill fusion. Since I like fusion, it's in, but not as memorable as I hoped.

7) Priam - Eternal Spheres

Complicated stuff, but very enjoyable. very proggy.

8) Kino - Swimming In Women

A combination band, with established proggers (I think Pete Trewavas is one). Kind of a Queen sound, a bit pop, but captivating.

9) Shaun Guerin - Big Lizard

More guitar fun.

10) Autumn - Some Like It Crunchy

Where was I when stuff like this came out? What a quality tune.

11) Zao - Natura

Very jazzy, with a just a touch of Crimson.

12) Solstice - Brave New World

Painfully a clone of Yes....but saved by a good theme and a nice finishing guitar solo.

13) Eccentric Orbit - Star Power

Fascinating keyboard-oriented stuff. I like it!

14) McDonald & Giles - Birdman

I got lazy here. I picked the longest song (21 min) and felt it was better if it was about 10 minutes. It drags in spots. But I didn't feel like changing it.

15) Farpoint - Autumn Sky

Not sure what to make of this...need to hear more. Pretty straightforward stuff, and a nice tune.

16) Michael Manring - Welcoming

Very mellow, not his typical fare.

17) Clearlight - Movement I

Basically an eleven minute instrumental jam. Nothing really heavy, just soloing and a consistent groove.

18) Taal - The Purple Quuen's Lips

As riveting as the title. This one may give you nightmares. A damn fun song, and another hefty one at 10 minutes.

Had fun with this show, hope you enjoy it!