The world’s finest prog rock supergroup THE PROG COLLECTIVE returns with another stunning studio album, “Seeking Peace“, their fifth overall, and their first album of all new material since 2013!Producer/musician/songwriter Billy Sherwood channels spiritual serenity and mystical forces on these epic new compositions that prog lovers will love.
Sherwood is ably supported by a host of some of the most superb rock musicians around including vocalists James LaBrie, Graham Bonnet, Frank DiMino (ANGEL), Jon Davison (YES), guitarists Steve Morse, Steve Stevens as well as keyboardists Jordan Rudess and Geoff Downes, among others.
Opener ‘Electric World’ is very commercial, some kind of Trevor Rabin solo rock&pop stuff, then
the title track ‘Seeking Peace’ has a simple, memorable melody, James LaBrie clean voice, a Steve Howe-esque guitar part, some powerful Alan White-esque drum striking and on bass, Billy’s best Chris Squire impression. Now comes some Yes-choir style harmonies. The feel seems to hark back to Keys to Ascension and is an unexpected treat. The melody drifts along, takes a few interesting turns and the additional instrumentation is restrained but complementary.
‘In An Instant’ is another meandering melodic track, but it starts with a very ’80s Yes introduction before an almost a cappella couplet that kicks off the melody. When the band joins in, it’s all very measured and precise, reinforcing the song’s main theme. The middle part is a fascinating blend of instrumentation and vocals that is a perfect fit for the overall feel of the track whilst providing interest and intrigue.
There’s another understated harmony vocals opening on ‘Finally Over’, which is melodically similar to In ‘An Instant’ but forms a poppy structure in which Steve Morse provides the window dressing. He delivers a couple of typically exquisite guitar leads, accompanied by a light touch from David Sancious on keyboards.
‘A Matter of Time’ features YES current singer Jon Davison on lead vocals. Up to now, Mr Davison has been contributing backing vocals and harmonies, which all seems very appropriate since this is not a Yes album. ‘A Matter of Time’ may well have been created with him in mind, as it features his voice particularly effectively. The music evokes a dreamy, more upbeat atmosphere, Billy the main accompanist on bass, drums and presumably keys as well, with Steve Hillage outstanding on guitar.
All these tracks are beautifully arranged and produced. They are obviously from the Yes stable but, at the same time, sound fresh. So what we have here is fine prog rock with a very accessible sound, melodic, poppy at places, retro / classic prog at others.
It’s great to hear Prog Collective writing originals again, and of course hear these incredible musicians performing.
Highly Recommended
01 – Electric World feat. Jordan Rudess & Chester Thompson
02 – Seeking Peace feat. James LaBrie & Patrick Moraz
03 – In An Instant feat. Steve Stevens & Billy Sherwood
04 – All Is Meant To Be feat. Frank DiMino & Geoff Downes
05 – Finally Over feat. David Sancious & Steve Morse
06 – A Matter Of Time feat. Jon Davison & Steve Hillage
07 – Take The Path feat. Graham Bonnet
CD BONUS TRACKS:
08 – Electric World (Full Length Version)
09 – All Is Meant To Be (Full Length Version)
The Prog Collective:
Billy Sherwood – keyboards, bass, drums, vocals
Jordan Rudess – keyboards
Chester Thompson – drums
James LaBrie – vocals
Patrick Moraz – keyboards
Steve Stevens – guitar
David Sancious – keyboards
Steve Morse – guitar
Jon Davison – vocals
Steve Hillage – guitar
Graham Bonnet – vocals
Frank DiMino – vocals
Geoff Downes – keyboards
THE PROG COLLECTIVE – Seeking Peace [CD version +2] (2023)
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