The ***Official*** Progressive Rock Thread

[Urbinator]

My first impression is that the new release is an extension of the musical trajectory he is on. I am in the process of digesting it and getting hooked on a few of the compositions within the two large tracks that comprise the recording. Still coming to grips with it and enjoying the ride. Trying not to overthink it at the outset. Letting the music and meaning come to me over time.

It's definitely not Porcupine Tree, or The Raven That Refused to Sing, or Hand. Cannot. Erase, etc. It fits the style of The Harmony Codex put in the blender with In Absentia, but without the guitar driven ethos. Like many of my favorites I keep coming back to, this album reveals more of its soul and intent with each listen.

Been listening to it on and off throughout the day and it's growing on me, but then I'm a sucker for concept albums and this one flows well. Seems to work better on headphones, but then I've the remnants of a cold which is affecting my hearing. There is also a "disconnected" CD version where he has split the tracks up, which I have ordered.
Dynamic range on this album is quite impressive, no compression from Mr Wilson.

 

[Designsfx]

Seems to work better on headphones, but then I've the remnants of a cold which is affecting my hearing.
Dynamic range on this album is quite impressive, no compression from Mr Wilson.

I finally got around to listening to this tonight and out of the gate I was wondering why this recording sounded different than most others. I found myself having to increase the volume in order to get the response I’m normally used to hearing.
An attempt to increase dynamic range was my first thought yet it didn’t seem to reveal much more than I was hearing to begin with- it just pushed up the response and impact of what was going on.
I am interested in knowing if this mix was specifically created for Atmos and if that is the only version released, meaning all streaming content is summed down to two channel. While listening it seemed that some elements were placed normally within the soundstage but were lacking the ambience queues of others within the space.

 

[ErVikingo]

So how did you like it compared to the earlier released stuff? I’ve been hearing many mixed reviews from others on this one. I haven’t had a chance to listen to it yet but definitely plan to soon- just curious about your take.

I don't like the Harmony Codex but this one is different. Has some PF clues and some segments which are awesome. Have listened to it 4 times and so far, i like parts of it but it has not captivated me. I read that "its a return to The Raven". Sorry not even close.

On the playlist for today again

 

[ErVikingo]

I finally got around to listening to this tonight and out of the gate I was wondering why this recording sounded different than most others. I found myself having to increase the volume in order to get the response I’m normally used to hearing.
An attempt to increase dynamic range was my first thought yet it didn’t seem to reveal much more than I was hearing to begin with- it just pushed up the response and impact of what was going on.
I am interested in knowing if this mix was specifically created for Atmos and if that is the only version released, meaning all streaming content is summed down to two channel. While listening it seemed that some elements were placed normally within the soundstage but were lacking the ambience queues of others within the space.

on Amazon it comes up as ATMOS. Have to look what my Innuos says

 

[Designsfx]

Have listened to it 4 times and so far, i like parts of it but it has not captivated me. I read that "its a return to The Raven". Sorry not even close.

I’m with you there- I enjoyed the music overall as I really had no expectations to be met. While there are many releases that I listen to over and over I never do that with the hope that I will like it more than the last time. I’m usually focused enough that if the music doesn’t grab me on the first pass it’s not going to make much of a difference later.

 

[mxk116]

I’m with you there- I enjoyed the music overall as I really had no expectations to be met. While there are many releases that I listen to over and over I never do that with the hope that I will like it more than the last time. I’m usually focused enough that if the music doesn’t grab me on the first pass it’s not going to make much of a difference later.

That's interesting. I am quite the opposite regarding warming up to new music or new compositions/recordings from familiar artists. I've certainly experienced disappointments upon first listen but it's very unusual for me not to circle back to see (hear) what I might have missed. Moods, circumstances, the passing of time, so many variables can affect one's state of mind that I feel it's worth the effort to revisit a piece of music that attracted me in the first place.

 

[Designsfx]

Moods, circumstances, the passing of time, so many variables can affect one's state of mind that I feel it's worth the effort to revisit a piece of music that attracted me in the first place.

I agree with what you’ve stated above and I’ve always found that my mood is key in this for me. When I’m listening to new music (which is typically up to ten or more new releases or recommendations a week) it’s really important that I’m able to be relaxed, focused and ready to be receptive of what I’m listening to. If I find myself losing focus or interest I usually shut things down and walk away.

There are times when I hear something that immediately grabs my attention but that I don’t have time to hear all the way through. In these cases I will definitely revisit the title and will usually follow through with experiencing the release it was included within.

One thing I’ve realized is that it’s important to keep listening and to follow where it leads. Many times I don’t become engaged with the first song or two only to find that the material gets more and more interesting towards the middle or end of the release.

I do feel though that if I wasn’t able to really connect with it after giving it a full pass through that I shouldn’t need to try to like it more through repeated listening. That to me is more like “getting used to it”.

 

[Urbinator]

I finally got around to listening to this tonight and out of the gate I was wondering why this recording sounded different than most others. I found myself having to increase the volume in order to get the response I’m normally used to hearing.
An attempt to increase dynamic range was my first thought yet it didn’t seem to reveal much more than I was hearing to begin with- it just pushed up the response and impact of what was going on.
I am interested in knowing if this mix was specifically created for Atmos and if that is the only version released, meaning all streaming content is summed down to two channel. While listening it seemed that some elements were placed normally within the soundstage but were lacking the ambience queues of others within the space.

I agree; it feels as though it's being held back, and the mixing seems restrained, for example, the drums are not as fast as I would expect. I found a Dolby Atmos copy on Apple Music played it through the Airpod Pro, and it sounded much better, instruments being more defined, so he is definitely gunning for Dolby Surround.

 

[ErVikingo]

Not doing it for me

 

[Urbinator]

Well, Steven Wilson got me thinking. He was recently talking about his reasoning for a two long track album. Basically a nod back to the vinyl format and the days of one track per side, mentioning Tangerine Dreams Phaedra as one example. Seems 45 minutes is about as long as we can hack for a sit down listen in one go.

This got me thinking and I dug out my very well worn album which I dearly loved. Brings me back a few years, had completely forgotten about this album. Love it!

 

[ErVikingo]

Just got my Servo Controller back from "rejuvenation and adjustment" (its been making music since 1995 or so) and it all sounds glorious. I started listening to Returned to the Earth and 4 albums later it was almost 2am. Very cool albums!

 

[mxk116]

Steven Wilson The Overview 180g LP is quite good but the gatefold album cover is the best part for me. One of the things that I miss about streaming files or optical media.​

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

Well, Steven Wilson got me thinking. He was recently talking about his reasoning for a two long track album. Basically a nod back to the vinyl format and the days of one track per side, mentioning Tangerine Dreams Phaedra as one example. Seems 45 minutes is about as long as we can hack for a sit down listen in one go.

This got me thinking and I dug out my very well worn album which I dearly loved. Brings me back a few years, had completely forgotten about this album. Love it!

A phenomenal album, its been a minute, just popped on the headphones for listen!

 

[mxk116]

Since Steven Wilson's The Overview has received some attention on this thread (including by me) I wanted to share this review that appeared in the on-line newsletter "Magic of Analog, Vinyl, Digital and Spatial Sound"

The mission of the website, as the author writes, isto answer the question; "What is the best edition of an album, vinyl, cassette, digital (CD, SACD, Streaming), in stereo, 5.1, Dolby Atmos or Sony 360 RA? Who has never asked this question?"

If you are not familiar with MagicVinylDigital I encourage visiting the website. It contains audio analysis of the various formats and commentary to explain the differences that helps less technical readers (like me) appreciate what is sonically going on with analog, digital and analog remastered in digital formats. The results are educational and often surprising.

 

[Designsfx]

Now Playing:
L’ira Del Baccano- Terra 42

 

[ErVikingo]

New release by The Far Cry!

Old school prog!