Black Bonzo - Sound of the Apocalypse. 2007 Sweden

Following on my review of the first album, here is Black Bonzo's highly anticipated second album. While the debut represented the early 70s UK sound - anywhere from the heavy rock of Uriah Heep to the gentler tones of Caravan - Black Bonzo's second album Sound of the Apocalypse shows the band moving to top billing on the arena stage. This album has what I would call a BIG sound. Mellotrons and organ, fat bass, loud guitars, and crashing drums. From the dynamic moments of King Crimson and Yes, to the more progressive sounds of Kansas and Styx is where you'll find the music of Black Bonzo's second album. You'll also spot Gentle Giant and VDGG, so all the big names are here. In effect, Black Bonzo moved the needle of the time machine from 1971 to 1976. And perhaps they also sailed from England to America. I find the album lacks a distinct personality, but it's hard to root against it. This is hardball progressive rock.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Laser's Edge (USA). Purchased not long after release. Fine tri-fold digipak with a booklet filled with lyrics.

2/22/11 (new entry); 2/27/22

Phlox - Talu. 2010 Estonia

Talu sees Phlox tightening up the ship a bit, and keeping some of the looser components of their sound on the leash. If you're looking for a fiery brand of Canterbury influenced fusion with shredding guitar, fuzz keyboards and bass, sax and flute, then look no further than Estonia's Phlox.

Ownership: CD: 2010 MKDK

2010; 2/20/11 (new entry)

Il Tempio delle Clessidre. 2010 Italy

Il Tempio delle Clessidre's debut is one of the finest retro Italian progressive rock albums I've heard to date. Lead by the beautiful keyboardist Elisa Montaldo, Il Tempio delle Clessidre is the classic five piece Italian band working its way through increasingly complex compositions, but with melody and passion. The crowning touch was the recruiting of Museo Rosenbach's front man Stefano “Lupo” Galifi, who pretty much sounds the same here as on Zarathustra (37 years ago!).

There are no weak tracks on Il Tempio delle Clessidre, though the album starts more measured and stilted, before it slowly morphs into its own creative genius. By the time of 'La Stanza Nascosta', the album has found its footing. And it peaks on the frenetic 'Danza Esoterica di Datura'. From there it maintains its intensity and brilliance. If you miss the spontaneous creativity of the original Italian progressive rock scene of 1973, and can't get enough of the analog sounds of the era, then Il Tempio delle Clessidre is a no-brainer pick up.

Ownership: CD: 2010 Black Widow

2/19/11 (new entry)

Trion - Pilgrim. 2007 Netherlands

Trion is a made-up word that combines trilogy and mellotron, which gives a pretty good idea where these lads are going musically. The group is made up by members of the veteran Dutch progressive rock bands of Odyssice and Flamborough Head. Their charter, as it were, is to play instrumental rock music utilizing only analog instruments and 70s era recording techniques. While Tortoise is an impressive debut, Pilgrim is even better as they add more diversity in the keyboards (not just mellotron samples). As well, more acoustic guitar is deployed than prior, adding some much needed contrast. A beautiful album.

Ownership: CD: 2007 Cyclops

2/18/11 (new entry)

Wolf People - Steeple. 2010 England

Unlike Canadian label mates Black Mountain, there aren't any traces of modern indie or stoner sounds to be found on Wolf People. For me, they are one of the best retro psychedelic influenced progressive rock bands I've heard. The late 60's acid guitar tone is to die for. You can file Wolf People next to that other most excellent UK retro band - Diagonal.

Steeple peaks on the ultra freak-out 'Cromlech', which recalls UFO era Guru Guru of all albums, and is a complete monster in this setting. The flute on 'Tiny Circle' is a really nice touch, and I'd love to hear the instrument utilized further into their sound.

Ownership: CD: 2010 Jagjaguwar

2/14/11 (new entry); 9/10/18

Secret Saucer - Tri-Angle Waves. 2009 USA-Ohio

Secret Saucer are an Ohio based group (not far from Cleveland), who've been around more or less for about 7 years or so. Tri-Angle Waves is their 3rd album. There's little here you haven't heard before, but a good space rock jam is still exciting to hear, that moment when it all comes together, and the fiery guitar solo sends you over the edge. All the genre's norms are on display here: Swooshing synthesizers, blazing guitars with as many effects applied as possible, constant heavy bass and drums - and with very little attention paid to meter shifting or dynamics... or melody. With Secret Saucer, you're getting exactly what you came for. When you go to In-N-Out Burger, you want a good cheeseburger, not foie gras. And Secret Saucer serves up a mean cheeseburger.

Ownership: CD: 2009 Salad Farm Studio.

Removed from collection (2022)

2/8/11 (UTR); 7/27/22

Metropolis. 1974 Germany

Musically, Metropolis' sole album is difficult to pigeonhole. It's a panoptic view of the Krautrock genre. I hear elements of other German groups as diverse as Joy Unlimited, Nine Days Wonder, Pell Mell, Lily, Os Mundi, Eiliff, and Ardo Dombec. Plenty of superb electric / acoustic guitar, organ, mellotron, horns, flute, female & male vocals. Final 9 minute piece 'Ecliptic' is a total monster. Suffice to say, if you're a fan of the early 70s German underground rock scene, then Metropolis is a no-brainer purchase.

Ownership: LP: 1974 Pan. Recent online acquisition (2012). The LP comes in a nice gatefold cover.  

The above replaced the crappy Germanofon boot CD that was my original copy.

No legit reissues as of 11/22/24.

1997 (first listen); 2/5/11 (review / new entry); 1/18/20