TEE "The Earth Explorer"

TEE is a five piece flute front progressive rock band from Tokyo, Japan. Their so-called 'European' sound is unique considering their far-east origin. The imaginative tunes with complex ensembles and rhythms will definitely catch the attention of prog lovers all over the world. Their sound will remind you bands like Camel, King Crimson, Asia Minor or even Frank Zappa on some parts. The band was formed in 2004 when... more

Kevin BARTLETT

You may not know his name but you have definitely heard his music more than once or twice in your life. Maybe on HBO, or on MTV, or on VH1, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel. Doesn't ring the bell? How about American Idol Rewind, or Dr. 90210? We had interviewed Kevin Bartlett a couple of years ago when his second solo album GLOW IN THE DARK was released. Bartlett has been quiet since that time but but he has been secretly brewing new projects. A few months ago he had put a new song...more

Peter Hammill, founding member of Van Der Graaf Generator, released his 28th solo album " nearly 3 months ago. He recently got back home from a short tour covering North America, Canada and Italy. In the 70's when bands like...more

FRIGHT PIG Barque At The Lune *** REVERSAL OF GRAVITY Scuba Gear ***

CIRCA: HQ

CIRCA: released their second studio album HQ in the beginning of 2009. The band saw Alan White's departure and reunion with YES and the addition of Jay Schellen on drums. The rest of the personnel are: Billy Sherwood (vocals, bass), Tony Kaye (Hammond organ, keyboards), Jimmy Haun (guitars, vocals).

A little research shows that this album divided the progsters (including their own fan base) in two: They either love it and say this is CIRCA:'s best to date or they dislike it saying the album lacks melody, the vocals are weak etc. It peaked our curiosity and we had to listen to it for ourselves.

hHQ has 10 songs and it opens up with an 11min long track "If It's Not Too Late" which of course doesn't have a verse/chorus structure in a traditional sense and it has smooth changes from atmospheric parts to rocking verses. This song is followed by a short instrumental called "Haun Solo". "False Start" softly begins with keyboards, acoustic guitar and vocals but it doesn't stay there and moves fast to a jazz-rock sound, especially with Haun's guitar. "Chasing After Ghosts" is along the same lines as the previous track with ambient/space rock type of breaks and it ends that way as well. "Set to Play" is the second instrumental piece of the album with great bass and guitar riffs and Kaye's Hammond. "Ever Changing World" is one of Billy Sherwood's best performances on this CD with its fast riffs. The lyrics are very positive and uplifting and this reflects off of Haun's guitar as well. "We Can Last" takes off with backward effects and it is more along the lines of classic rock. Around 3:50 keyboard solo sounds very 80's. "Twist of Fate" steps up with quirky guitars followed by yet another song on which Sherwood will shine with his bass: "All Intertwined". This is one of the best songs on HQ which blends 70's prog with a more contemporary prog approach and well deserves its title as all these elements intertwine in 7:28 minutes. The album resumes with an epic tune that clocks in at 12:36. Kaye takes us almost back to the days of Baroque era with his Hammond in the beginning and throughout the song the keyboards have the tone of a soft flute which is very moving. The band also almost slides into a state of psychedelia with Pink Floydish moments.

Kaye's mastership on Hammond really shines on this album and it is obvious he feels much more home here with CIRCA: than he ever did with YES... and it's a good thing. Jimmy Haun experiments with different textures which shows the listeners many aspects of his talent. Jay Schellen's playing is comfortable and it feels like he blended with the rest of the band quite quickly. Billy Sherwood's lyrics are as always very positive and well thought. His vocals are spacey in some parts and rocking in others. For some this album might be oceans apart from the band's first record and we agree that it is, but in a much more positive direction. KUDOS guys!

Hande BURDG