Polestar 1 ~ USA ~ Baltimore, Maryland

Flying Thru the Universe (1980)

Polestar 1 were a Baltimore based heavy progressive rock band that in many ways reflect the same standards and sound as their Midwest brethren close by. There's a certain directness from America's premier political region, and you hear it in bands such as The Muffins, Oho, Heavy the World, Mars Everywhere, and Id's Where are We Going. The latter two groups in particular seem to have parallels with Polestar 1, especially the cosmic themes, vocal styling and guitar-centered space rock nature of the recordings. Like the Midwest groups, the playing is compact but complex.

Ownership: 1980 Rascal (LP)

No reissues as I update this post (2/21/25)

3/29/11 (review / new entry)

Deus Ex Machina. 1993 Italy

I feel sometimes that this album, Deus Ex Machina's second offering, is the forgotten work in their canon. Since much of their live repertoire is taken from this album, it appears to contain their strongest material from a composition standpoint - at least as the band sees it. The execution isn't as crisp, and the sound quality isn't dynamic (a bit of a flat digital sound - typical of early 1990s albums). Singer Alberto Piras demonstrates here what a force he was to become. A very good album that has aged well and I feel a slight improvement on their chaotic and unfocused debut.

Ownership: CD: 1993 Kaliphonia. Jewel case release.

1993; 3/13/11 (new entry); 4/13/18

Avel Nevez ~ France

Service Compris (1979)

There's a fine line between electric folk rock and folk influenced progressive rock. With Brittany, the majority of the bands are the former (Malicorne, Gwendal, etc...). Avel Nevez, on Service Compris at least, is probably the most clear example of the latter, at least from this most unique of French regions. There's no mistaking the patriotism and indigenous melodies that define the Breton area (the regional map in the trashcan says all you need to know politically). However the guitar, and in particular the synthesizer work, points to a deep 1970's knowledge of French and UK progressive rock. If you're familiar with the mid 90's band Kadwaladyr, then Avel Nevez is probably closest in sound to that high spirited bunch.

Ownership: 1979 Arfolk (LP)

No reissues as of 2/21/25

3/30/11 (review / new entry)

Flying Island ~ USA ~ Connecticut

Another Kind of Space (1976)

When I think of Flying Island, I tend to categorize them as a fusion band. But this listen proved to me that's not really the case. Even though there's a little funky business, I would say that Flying Island are more of an instrumental progressive rock band. The lead instruments are violin, guitar, and organ, and this is definitely no chops fest. Compositions are first and foremost, while instrumental dexterity backs up the highly melodic, but complex music charts. The violin in particular will remind the listener of Curved Air and Darryl Way's Wolf.

According to Chris Fox of Helmet of Gnats - the band are from his hometown of Greenwich, Connecticut.

And another interesting note: Violinist Faith Fraeoli later played on the Perfect Symmetry album by Fates Warning (also from Connecticut).

Ownership: 1976 Vanguard (LP)

No reissues exist as of 2/21/25.

2003 (first listen); 11//05; 3/3/11 (review)

3/3/11 (new entry)