The Trunk 16/9/2018: Review Roundup Special

It's been a while since our last Review Roundup Special. Let's remedy that, shall we? It's a bit of a mixed grab bag this time, with a few releases both newer and older getting some attention, so it's high time we shed some light on them. We'll be grouping reviews by the album to which they apply, and in each case you can click on the album title to be whisked away to the Bandcamp page. Without further ado, bring on the reviews!

Argos - Unidentified Dying Objects

The Progressive Aspect - "The PR information describes them as 'maybe the most British-sounding progressive rock band to come out of Germany', and I think that is a spot on description... It has taken me a long time to write this review, partly due to my enjoyment of the album. When I play it I just become immersed in the sounds, forgetting that I should be taking notes!"

Jerry Lucky - "Overall there’s a nice blend of melodic lyrical lines mixed with extended instrumental passages moving songs emotionally one way or the other... I love the fact they include a variety of musical influences and execute them so well."

Echoes and Dust - "With the sounds soaring through the skies, Argos is taking the listener on a magic carpet ride from start to finish."

Profil (French) - "In short everything is there and everything is going very harmonious way to a gradual end... I am captivated, moved and never bored."

Eclectic Shadows (Greek) - "They are just interested in the composition and play for the song rather than for themselves... if you urgently need a prog dose to keep breathing, maybe this album is for you!"

Matt Baber - Suite for Piano and Electronics

Echoes and Dust - "Joy is wrought and wrangled from that wide, toothy grin and any sense of darkness or danger is swiftly doused in a shower of gleeful sounds. From the start to the finish, this work seeks out and finds jubilation in every potential sonic corner."

Mike Kershaw - Arms Open Wide

The Progressive Aspect - "Arms Open Wide is an album well worth investigating, filled with interesting sounds and intriguing lyrics, all played with great touch and skill."

PROG Magazine - "A marked leap forward that brims with artistic confidence... It's his most ambitious and complete work to date."

Eclectic Shadows (Greek) - "Mike has created a very interesting album, far from manners and replicas, with serious lyrics and really interesting progressive music, an album that progressive rock fans will have to check."

Shineback - Dial

Progradar (?) - "If you want rocky guitars, it’s here. If you want extended prog rock structures, you get them too. If you want synths and electronic drums you get those. Above all you get songs that really pay you back for multiple close listens... Is it good? I’m biased of course, but yes I think it’s fantastic."

Progressive Music Planet - "And once you’ve embraced Shineback, go and check out Valdez as well (also on Bad Elephant Music). This is how the poppier side of prog SHOULD sound."